Simply, by using drones to increase crop yields and reduce input costs, farmers in Pakistan could save an estimated $1.3 billion annually. Agriculture and the communities where Neela operates are profoundly affected by poverty. In small to mid-sized farms, this lack of economic stability and data can result in business losses and reduced customer confidence.
We can break this negative cycle by providing access to technology that can help farmers collect data and manage their crops. Through our experience in building businesses from the ground up, we are able to improve access to agricultural technology such as drones in Pakistan.
Even though Pakistan has a very large agricultural economy, it still lags behind the rest of the world in adopting best agricultural practices. Lack of research and development, lack of education, and lack of investment are all responsible for this trend. Consequently, the yield per acre is low compared to other countries
The industry faces insurmountable challenges, such as a rapidly declining water supply, technological stagnation, and low-quality seeds.
Water demand in the country has increased since the 1950s, as a consequence of population growth, urbanisation, water-intensive farming, and industrialization. In addition to the country's water scarcity crisis, its poor governance and slow economic growth are inhibiting its ability to alleviate poverty.
This has resulted in both an increase in economic vulnerabilities and decreased business confidence, which translates into fewer investments and technological advancements. Disadvantaged communities are also restricted in their access to markets and resources due to these factors.
In Brazil, for example, drones have helped reduce herbicide use by 52 per cent. Further drones can spray pesticides at a speed 40 times faster than traditional pesticide applicators. This has the potential to save 90 percent water and up to 40 per cent chemical use. Drones can also carry as much as 10 kilograms of liquid in their tanks and cover an area of 6000 square meters in just ten minutes.
“There is a greater need for businesses that rely on agronomics to act for the agriculture industry in Pakistan, as climate change and COVID-19 continue to complicate agricultural practices. “ — Shayan Abdullah, Director of Neela Blue by Sapphire Fibers Ltd
As one of the oldest and largest textile manufacturers, our role in the textile ecosystem feels more like a responsibility since we have access to the most advanced technology and provide the best products on the market.
We are also a trusted name in agriculture (because we are among the top buyers) - so we were quick to step up and offer the latest technology to help farmers manage their crop production.
In the era of information, farmers can make informed decisions based on economic and environmental factors - for example, by optimising fertiliser application and applying it only when it is needed, significant savings can be made on chemicals and energy.
Changing large-scale infrastructure requires extensive data collection, detailed mapping, and regular inspections; when performed in remote and hard-to-reach areas, such as farmlands in Pakistan, these operations can come at a steep price and may compromise farmer safety.
Watch this video to learn more about how drone technology works
While drone technology is still in its infancy, its applications are becoming more prevalent fast and could be used for a wide variety of tasks, including:
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A drone can be used in a variety of ways by civilians. They are becoming an increasingly popular tool for numerous non-military applications, such as aerial photography, land surveying, maintenance assessment, scientific research, and irrigation. In this way, drones can support agricultural development by assisting farmers in labour-intensive tasks.
There is a greater need for businesses that rely on agronomics to act for the agriculture industry in Pakistan, as climate change and COVID-19 continue to complicate agricultural practices.
Drones are playing an increasingly important role in precision agriculture, helping next-generation farmers grow more sustainably while maintaining profitability and resilience.
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