Amaravati pioneers drone-based nutrient spraying for urban greening

ADC uses drones to spray nutrients on trees, enhancing greenery in Amaravati for sustainable urban development.

The Amaravati Development Corporation (ADC) has launched a pilot project to spray nutrients on trees using drones, aiming to strengthen the city’s ecological landscape.

The initiative, aimed at preserving and enhancing greenery in the capital city, was inaugurated on Friday under the leadership of ADC Chairperson and Managing Director D. Lakshmi Parthasarathi. Along with staff of the Horticulture Department, drones were deployed to spray nutrients over a 1-km stretch of trees along the Seed Access Road.

The ADC has decided to use micro- and macro-nutrient sprays on flowering plants and trees, focusing on species like Tabebuia rosea, which captivate visitors with their vibrant blooms. Nutrients such as the 13-0-45 (Multi-K) formula are sprayed using drones to ensure proper nourishment and growth. This method is particularly beneficial for tall and expansive trees, which are difficult to maintain using traditional labour.

Drones, capable of operating for 25 continuous minutes and covering up to 36 kmph, allow efficient maintenance of hundreds of trees. By minimising water and nutrient wastage, this innovative approach is estimated to deliver 20 times better results compared to conventional methods.

ADC plans to extend this drone-based nutrient spraying system to the greenery along 35 major roads under construction in Amaravati. This initiative not only aligns with Amaravati’s vision of becoming a green capital but also sets a benchmark for sustainable urban development.

The pilot project has already demonstrated promising outcomes, reinforcing Amaravati’s commitment to blending technology with environmental preservation, observed the ADC Managing Director on this occasion.