A team from GM University, Davangere, comprising faculty members and research associates has developed a ‘Self Operating Spraying Device’ that is suitable for use in plantations such as arecanut, coconut and all other tall crops.
Director of Vocational Training School of GM University and adviser for the device development B. R. Sridhar told presspersons in Davangere recently that the existing manual pesticide spraying in agricultural plantations such as arecanut, coconut and other tall crops was labour-intensive, time-consuming and exposed workers to harmful chemicals.
“Uneven spraying often results in ineffective pest control and excessive pesticide use. With the growing demand for precision agriculture, mechanisation of spraying operations has become essential to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and operator safety. The new device offers a solution to the existing problems,” he said.
The automated spraying device ensures consistent coverage, reduced wastage and enables farmers to manage large plantation areas with minimal manual efforts, he said adding that the device will soon be available in the market at an affordable price.
The team that developed the device included associate project adviser Srinivasa C. V., team manager Bhaskar Bada, project associates Raviteja Balekai, Praveen Kumar M. and Akshay Kumar K. A. Snehal C.L, Santosh H., Shivaraj G., and Roja H. and technicians Shankar N.R., Kumaraswamy K., and Suresh V.
Mr. Sridhar said that the team took two months to develop the device with the support of Chancellor of GM University G. M. Lingaraju and guidance of Vice-Chancellor S. R. Shankapal.
The system uses a combination of mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic control components to ensure precise and effective spraying and it was officially launched on November 24 by Sarvajna B. Salimath, Soil Scientist and Senior Agricultural Superintendent, Agricultural & Horticultural Research Centre, Kathalagere, Davanagere.