Brazilian Coffee Farmer Finds Drone Use Can Revolutionize Crop Protection And Efficiency – CoffeeTalk

Brazilian coffee producer Wellon Gripa Rui has integrated DJI drones for aerial spraying on his 75-hectare plantation in Espírito Santo state. The drone technology was initially introduced to him while observing its use on a nearby banana farm, sparking his interest. He purchased a DJI drone three years ago and has since applied it exclusively to his Conilon coffee crops.

Drones offer several benefits in pest and disease management, including improved efficiency and reduced crop damage. They are easier to learn and handle than traditional equipment, allowing Rui to pilot the drone himself. Drones also eliminate the need for ground equipment, preserving the crop. Traditional methods require spacing for tractors, but drones bypass this, preventing 5 to 10% annual yield loss from tractor-induced damage.

Efficiency in resources and labor is also enhanced with drones. Water usage drops significantly with drones, allowing Rui to adapt to 20 liters per hectare (about 2.1 gallons per acre) for effective coverage. Drones handle three rows simultaneously, reducing the need for tractor spraying, which uses 600 liters and covers one row at a time.

As a family producer, Rui employs 10 people overall, but spraying requires just him as pilot and one helper. Spraying in general only requires one pilot for the 75-hectare field. Early on, Rui offered services to friends lacking access, but increased farm work led him to focus internally.

Drones like DJI’s offer precise, low-impact solutions, potentially reshaping practices for crops beyond coffee. Rui’s experience underscores operational efficiencies, from reduced labor to minimized losses, making drone integration a practical step for modern farmers.

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