Kerala Agricultural University conducts successful drone-based seed sowing trial in waterlogged paddy fields, revolutionising traditional agriculture.
In a pioneering step towards modernising traditional agriculture, the Kerala Agricultural University has successfully conducted a trial run of drone-based seed sowing in the waterlogged paddy fields of Kumbalangi.
The initiative, supported by World Bank funding, marks a significant step forward in tackling the persistent problem of mud and waterlogging that hampers farming in Pokkali fields, KAU officials said.
Sowing seeds in such challenging conditions has long been a labour-intensive task. However, the recent trial demonstrated that drones can provide a viable and efficient alternative. A drone capable of carrying and dispersing up to 10 kg of germinated seeds was deployed, significantly reducing manual effort and time.
The trial was a joint effort by Kerala Agricultural University and the State Agriculture Department in collaboration with Fuselage Innovation, a next-generation startup operating under KAU’s Agri-business incubation programme.
Sowing seeds on one acre of paddy field using the drone takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes, said K. P. Sudheer, head of the Agri-Business Incubator at KAU. This method not only saves time but also ensures more uniform seed distribution and improved crop establishment. Compared to traditional methods, it enables efficient use of seeds, saving up to 10 kg of seeds per acre.
Germinated or sprouted seeds have proven to be best suited for aerial sowing, allowing better anchorage and early growth in saturated soil. Encouraged by the success, KAU is now conducting trials with drones of higher capacity, aiming to further reduce the time and effort required in large-scale sowing operations.
The initiative is part of KAU’s broader mission to reduce the physical burden on farmers by leveraging cutting-edge agricultural technologies. Drone applications like these can revolutionise paddy cultivation, especially in areas such as the Pokkali fields and the low-lying regions of Kuttanad, where conventional methods are often constrained by natural conditions, he said.
The move is expected to have far-reaching implications for sustainable rice cultivation in Kerala and potentially across other states with similar agro-climatic conditions.
Devan Chandrasekharan, founder, Fuselage Innovation said the Pokkali ecosystem, with its saline waters and marshy terrain, poses unique challenges for manual seeding. However, the use of drones proved to be incredibly effective, showcasing uniform seed distribution, reduced labour needs, and the impressive adaptability of drone technology to these age-old cultivation methods.
“This project is not just about one successful deployment; it is about paving the way for a sustainable and efficient future in agriculture, equipping farmers with advanced tools to boost productivity and promote environmental stewardship”, he added.
Published on July 31, 2025