Drone Corporation to Have 300-acre Hub in Orvakal

Kurnool: Roads Minister BC Janardhan Reddy announced on Monday that a Drone Corporation would be established in Andhra Pradesh, the first in the country, along with a dedicated Drone Hub on 300 acres at Orvakal in this district.

The use of drones, Reddy stressed, would be a boost to the farming sector. He distributed agricultural machinery and equipment to farmers, at an event in Kovelakuntla in Banaganapalle constituency of Nandyal.

He said that, given the proximity of the airport, the government is also aiming to launch a drone training programme there.

The minister alleged that the previous government distributed tractors based on community considerations, and many allocations were only on paper. The agriculture department should investigate the irregularities and submit a report.

He interacted with a set of farmers using drones for agricultural operations. He criticised the YSRC government for razing the godowns built during the TDP rule and failing to distribute agricultural machinery to many farmers. During the last TDP tenure, tractors and farm equipment had been provided to farmers under subsidies, he said.

Farmers told the minister that drone-assisted fertilizer spraying helped reduce labour costs and chemical usage. This also saved time. Drone-spray reached all targeted areas in a uniform manner.

Reddy said more modern tools would be provided to farmers based on requirement. He would coordinate with agriculture minister Atchannaidu to meet local requirements.

Highlighting Anantapur's transformation through horticulture, he said the government is focused on reviving Rayalaseema’s agrarian strength by connecting Polavaram to Banakacherla, with central assistance at an estimated cost of Rs.1 lakh crore. This, he said, would turn the region into a development hub.