World Food Day: realising the life-saving and commercial potential of drones in agriculture

Rapid population growth and poor soil quality have meant that millions of people across the world struggle suffer from hunger. In light of these damning statistics, World Food Day, which took place on 16 October, sought to promote awareness and action for the need to ensure food security and nutritious diets for all

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Governments and corporations are increasingly looking towards technology to provide a solution, with drones considered vital for the future of sustainable farming. So far, systems are being used to scan the condition of crops in order to allow for the targeted use of crop treatments. Drones can scan thousands of acres in a matter of hours, detecting weeks and pests earlier so farmers can quickly take corrective action.

The UK is leading the way in this global food revolution. For instance, Hands Free Hectare, a team of Engineers from Harper Adams University, have forged new ground by farming exclusively with unmanned systems. Their use of autonomous machinery is an agricultural first and its success has the potential to transform global food production by opening up fertile land in previously inaccessible areas.  

Drone Major Group, who are supporting drone adoption across the agricultural sector, seeks to connect the key players within the global drone revolution, from private operators to manufacturers and everything in between. Central to the business is Drone Major, a portal which facilitates such industry connectivity. Agricultural drone manufactures make up a significant proportion of the key players engaged with the platform including QUESTUAV whose Q200 PPK drone has transformed the surveying of crops through 3D imagery.