In a groundbreaking move, drones are being utilized for the first time in Tripura to combat a widespread fungal infection threatening rubber production in the state. The use of drones to spray fungicides on rubber plantations is a significant step in containing the outbreak of phytophthora, a fungal disease that causes premature leaf fall and disrupts latex flow, resulting in substantial crop loss.
The pilot operation was conducted at the Rubber Board’s Taranagar farm in West Tripura, following the rapid spread of the disease across three major rubber-growing districts—Gomati, Sepahijala, and West Tripura. The Rubber Board of India highlighted the urgency and commitment behind this initiative by transporting the drones over 2,400 km from Coimbatore to Agartala due to their unavailability locally.
The successful operation was made possible through the collective efforts of the Rubber Board officials, scientists, staff, and local growers. The Board emphasized that this milestone represents the introduction of advanced technology to growers in the Northeast region, promising a new era of precision and efficiency in plant protection.
N. Sali, the Joint Rubber Production Commissioner, disclosed that approximately 2000 hectares of rubber plantations in the three affected districts were impacted by the fungal infection. The spraying of fungicides through drones is expected to continue at full capacity as reports indicate a decline in the spread of the infection, with the service being provided free of cost to growers.
The outbreak of phytophthora was attributed to this year’s unusual weather pattern of prolonged rainfall followed by heat and humidity, creating ideal conditions for the fungal disease to thrive. The All Tripura Krishak Sabha, led by Secretary Pabitra Kar, played a crucial role in urging immediate action to save the plantations, which led to officials confirming the infection as phytophthora.
Tripura is the second-largest producer of natural rubber in India, following Kerala, with over 1.1 lakh hectares under cultivation and an annual production of about 1.1 lakh metric tonnes. The use of drones in plant protection marks a significant advancement in the efforts to safeguard rubber production in the state, showcasing a proactive approach in combating agricultural challenges with modern technology.
