Guanshanhu deploys drones to protect crops from pests

As autumn crops enter a critical growth phase, Guanshanhu district launched a large-scale drone-based plant protection campaign on June 28 to combat major pests such as rice planthoppers, leafrollers, and corn borers.

"Since 2022, Guanshanhu has implemented large-scale drone spraying for four consecutive years," said Xie Dairong, senior agronomist at the Guanshanhu district agriculture and rural affairs bureau. "Compared to traditional manual spraying, drone efficiency is dramatically higher." Xie added. 

While one person can treat 10–20 mu (0.67–1.33 hectares) per day, a single agricultural drone can cover 250–300 mu daily, making them around 15 times more efficient. In tall crops like corn, the downward airflow from drone rotors helps pesticides penetrate dense canopies, addressing challenges that traditional methods can't.

Beyond efficiency, drone spraying also improves safety by keeping operators away from direct chemical exposure. With satellite positioning and smart route planning, drones can navigate complex terrain such as hills and slopes, with full coverage, making them ideal for large-scale farming.

In 2025, Guanshanhu has been utilizing its green, high-efficiency crop development program to build a comprehensive "monitor–target–treat" pest control mechanism. Working with professional service providers, the district has already completed 3,000 mu of drone spraying across key grain-producing towns like Zhuchang, Baihuahu, and Jinhua as of July 1.

The district is also promoting integrated pest management. This includes enhanced monitoring, risk analysis, information reporting, and widespread inspections led by technicians, major growers, and cooperatives. Farmers are being taught targeted pesticide selection and usage, ensuring more effective and safer control strategies.