Emmerson Njanjamangezi, Group Features Editor 
DRONE Solutions Private says demand for autonomous agricultural technology is on the increase as local farmers have begun warming up to smart initiatives as they seek to enhance yields and improve profitability.
In agriculture, drones are being used to fight pests as well as to increase the ability to track the growth of crops and identify nutrient deficiencies.
In an interview this week, Jedz Holdings group chief executive Jeremiah Musabayana said the drone technology has taken the Zimbabwean farming landscape by storm as farmers adopt this technology.
“Our subsidiary, Drone Solutions is the biggest drone company in the country and an authorised dealer and distributor of drones by world-renowned global manufacturer DJI.
“We provide drone services that include crop spraying against disease for the various chemicals (all pest and fungicides), crop count censuses, crop health monitoring, and evaluations.”
Musabayana said the drone technology’s surveillance against both theft and fires for forestry clients and quelea bird control has been a hit amongst farmers.
“We have witnessed an uptick in demand for drones amongst farmers and the industry at large. We have now taken it upon ourselves to offer lessons on how to operate the new technology and we have since opened a school
“We now run a drone pilot training academy, Drone Solutions Academy, with complete compliance with the country’s aviation regulations. It is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe licence and certifies all trained pilots,” he added.
Apart from the agricultural sector, Drone Solutions has operations in the mining sector of Zimbabwe, providing an extensive array of products to mines for surveying, aerial mapping, security surveillance as well as training for pilots.
The use of drones in the country is rising and the company also has clientele in the leisure sector that includes photography for events such as weddings.
As a result, Drone Solutions boasts a wide range of drone types from smaller consumer types to larger industrial types. All these are carefully selected and supplied according to each client’s specified needs.
The Jedz Holdings boss said the next big step was to set up a drone manufacturing plant in the country.
“We have already made significant progress with an agreement having been signed with one of the biggest global drone manufacturers in setting up a local assembly plant to service the whole of Southern Africa.
This move is huge because it will allow us to provide truly customised drones to the local market. Additionally, this will open up employment opportunities to brilliant young engineers to operate in that space,” Musabayana further added.
Advanced agricultural drones such as the DJI AGRAS T40 can do an amazing job, spraying up to five hectares an hour and carries up to 40 litres of chemicals.
The T40 also has mapping capabilities, seed-spreading functions as well as a mobile station for field planning.
The dealership from DJI means that farmers can now access these top-of-the-line drones at more favourable prices. Farmers now have easy access to this novel technology, thereby eliminating long importation delays.
DJI is the biggest drone manufacturer globally, and for a company to receive a dealership certification is no small feat.
Their drones are renowned for quality and reliability, with competitive pricing.
The engineering team has completed training in repairs and maintenance of drones, with the advanced training with DJI scheduled for this month.
Through the partnership with DJI, a smoother process flow can be expected in drone usage, training, maintenance, and availability of spares.
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