Indian Air Force helicopters will now be deployed to deal with the threat of locusts. The Ministry of Agriculture is importing high-power spraying equipment to combat locusts. It will be mounted on five Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force for spraying on locust swarms.
A senior aviation ministry official said that a high-power spraying device is being imported from the European Union to be mounted on five Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force. Close collaboration between various ministries, IAF, Army Aviation Corps, and industry will help us win against the worst locust attack in 27 years.
He said that a strong committee is in talks with helicopter companies and an agreement is expected soon, subject to DGCA approval. After approval, these will be imported and put on helicopters.
The aviation ministry last month allowed the Ministry of Agriculture to use spray drones for an 'anti-local operation' (campaign against locusts). The official said that an inter-ministerial empowered committee held talks with the bidders and work orders were issued to five drone companies. He said the drone-squads would reach Barmer, Phalodi, Nagaur, and Bikaner early next week affected by the locust attack.
The official further said that in two-three years, as demand rises and drone prices fall. We hope that we will have village-based entrepreneurs come forward, who will provide drone services for crop mapping, analytics, yield improvement advice, and spraying.
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