AI, machine learning and automated gadgets show new-age face of plantation
Kochi / January 21, 2024
Kochi, Jan 21: From advanced methods of spraying pesticides to the finer points in factory management, a revolution in technology defines the daily operations of new-age plantation sectors, going by the stalls at the Kerala Plantation Expo 2024 in the city.
Though technology took its time to make a presence in Kerala’s plantations that began in the late 19th century, the sector is thoroughly mechanised today with the influx of startups in the modern times, according to Industries and Commerce Director Shri S. Harikishore, who is Special Officer, Plantation. “As technological equipment leads to decreased cost of production, more planters are going for mechanisation,” he points out.
For instance, automation is employed in a big way in irrigation as well as spraying of pesticides across plantations, besides diagnosis of pests infesting crops. Mirroring such technological progress, an array of gadgets is on display at the January 20-22 expo in Kaloor. As many as 166 stalls by 120 entrepreneurs are open for the public from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the ongoing expo being organised by the Plantation Directorate of the State Industries Department at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Drones, which are integral to spraying pesticides, find big-time representation at the expo. The items are of both private and governmental companies besides that by entities such as Campco (Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Co-operative Limited). Campco, where both Kerala and Karnataka governments have a stake, has its drones being marketed by Fuselage Innovations at the Maker Village in Kalamassery, 20 km north of Kochi.
The participation of private companies in this area is even more noticeable. The drones, after aerial surveys, locate plants infected with diseases. Technology facilitates spraying of pesticides on just those plants, based on data sent to the drone. This gadget has several takers.
Another ‘star presence’ is of drip irrigation, which operates on the basis of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Also on display are equipment based on the famed Israeli irrigation system. The specimens facilitate watering of crops in farms as big as 100 acres to small kitchen gardens at the domestic level. The advanced among them can be operated with just the press on mobile phones.
The expo also features fully-automated administrative operations of farms, procurement of products and data of the labourers. Overall, the Plantation Directorate is optimistic about the young generation entering the sector and reinstating its old glory.
The expo, which was inaugurated by Industries Minister P. Rajeeve, is also hosting special business-to-business meets.
ENDS
