Niamatpur: Modern technology is gradually transforming Bangladesh’s agriculture sector, with farmers beginning to adopt advanced tools to save time, labor, and costs. In a notable example, pesticides were sprayed using drone technology in crop fields at Dampura village under Rasulpur Union in Niamatpur upazila of Naogaon district last Wednesday.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the initiative was taken by agricultural entrepreneur Obaidur Rahman Jewel, who applied pesticides in his dragon fruit orchard, mango gardens, and potato fields using a drone. The use of such modern technology surprised many farmers in the remote area, who gathered to witness the demonstration of drone-based pesticide spraying in the fields.
Local farmer Anisur Rahman Budhu said he was returning home after manually spraying pesticides in his field when he noticed a drone flying over a nearby potato field and spraying chemicals. “I had only seen such technology on television before. Seeing it happening in our village fields amazed me,” he said. Budhu mentioned feeling exhausted after spraying pesticides on just 10 kathas of land and felt dizzy from the chemical smell. He highlighted the health risks farmers face while manually spraying pesticides, suggesting that drones could help mitigate these dangers.
Entrepreneur Obaidur Rahman Jewel, who previously worked as a mathematics teacher at a government college, established an agricultural farm in Dampura village. He developed a five-acre dragon fruit orchard and owns several mango orchards. This year, he has experimented with cultivating potatoes on four acres of sandy land in Niamatpur and sees strong potential for the crop.
Jewel was inspired to use drones after observing their application in agriculture in developed countries. He noted that drone technology reduced pesticide use by nearly half while cutting labor costs to about one-fourth. He believes wider use of such technologies could significantly boost the country’s agricultural productivity if supported by government initiatives.
A Dhaka-based organization, Muspana, is conducting experimental research on agricultural technology. Invited by Jewel, the organization conducted drone-based pesticide spraying in the area as part of the “Muspana AgroFly” project, managed by BUET-graduate engineers Tanvir and Habib. Engineer Tanvir explained that drones ensure precise application of pesticides and fertilizers, reducing wastage and health risks for farmers.
Niamatpur Upazila Agriculture Officer Rafiqul Islam stated that drone-based spraying could benefit both farmers and the agriculture sector. He emphasized that government incentives for modern agricultural technologies could expand their use and accessibility for farmers.