State lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow drones to help treat crops on Connecticut farms.
The proposal has gathered the support of of farmers and academics, who say these 鈥溾�� could make their jobs cheaper, easier and more environmentally-friendly.
鈥淭his is to prevent the over-application, and broad spraying, that is typically done with airplanes or other aircraft,鈥� State Rep. Doug Dubitsky, a Republican representing Chaplin, recently told members of the Connecticut Environment Committee. 鈥淭his allows for very precise application, not only to single plants, but actually to a single part of a single plant.鈥�
Under the proposal, commercially-licensed drone pilots would be allowed to use drones to apply pesticides and fertilizers. Supporters say the technology would also reduce labor costs while also offsetting the high cost of operating ground-driven sprayers.
鈥淎 low-flying agricultural drone is essentially a 鈥榝lying tractor,鈥欌�� wrote Tracey McDougall, executive director of the Connecticut Farm Bureau, in a letter to lawmakers supporting the bill. 鈥淟egalizing drone spraying in Connecticut will bring our state's agricultural practices into the 21st century, benefiting our farmers, our environment, and our economy.鈥�
State Rep. Brandon Chafee, a Democrat representing Middletown, told lawmakers he supported moving the bill out of committee, but expressed concerns about how the drones would handle spraying on a windy day.
鈥淢y main concern is 鈥� depending on the wind speed and direction 鈥� it鈥檚 going to disperse the pesticides more,鈥� Chafee said.
Drones use GPS and other technology to allow for precise applications of chemicals, Dubitsky said.
Connecticut farmers have been exploring the use of drones in agriculture for several years. Farmers have hailed the technology as a time and money-saver, and automate certain agricultural tasks.
The out of the Environment Committee last week. It still awaits a vote before the broader General Assembly.
