A drone owned by Loc Troi Group sprays pesticides on a rice field in Long An Province on Wednesday. — Photo courtesy of Loc Troi Group

Loc Troi Group has bought 13 drones for spraying pesticides on its rice fields in Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta to safeguard farmers’ health.

They cost VND250-300 million (US$10,800-12,900) each.

They have been used on the group’s large-scale rice fields in An Giang, Soc Trang and Long An provinces.

The company organised a drone spraying show on Wednesday for the benefit of farmers in Long An Province’s Tan Hung District.

The devices can carry a 10-litre pesticide tank, finishing the task of spraying 15-30 times faster than humans.

Huynh Van Thon, chairman and general director of Loc Troi Group, said agriculture sector is facing many challenges, especially a shortage of labour.

Besides, drones can reduce amount of pesticides used by 30 per cent compared to spraying by hand, he said.

The company plans to increase its drone fleet to around 100 soon, he said.

It would also offer pesticide-spraying services at reasonable rates to farmers and collectives, he added.

Loc Troi, established in 1993 and formerly known as the An Giang Plant Protection JSC, is a leading provider of agricultural services and products.

It is a pioneer in building value chains to ensure sustainable rice farming and applying advanced technologies in agriculture. — VNS