June 15, 2016

The workshop on "The Application of Drones in Irrigation and Fire Management," organized by the National Rural Network on June 15, aimed at irrigation technicians from the Autonomous Communities, Irrigation Community managers, and fire management specialists, showcased the potential that drones bring to agriculture and fire management.

The Director General of Rural Development and Forestry Policy, Begoña Nieto, presented a drone as a result of technological innovation and its application in agriculture. She supported the use of drones in the modernization of irrigation systems, their application in the proper fertilization of crops, and in farm measurements. She encouraged attendees to put this new technology into practice.

Another interesting application of drones, discussed during the event, was fire prevention and suppression. Thanks to the use of these aircraft, it is possible to obtain a view of the water status of agricultural and forest areas, without human risk and at a low cost, as well as to coordinate and plan fire suppression.

Thanks to the speed with which a drone can fly over an area, it is possible to gather information immediately with its built-in sensors. This makes it possible to monitor numerous hectares, collecting data on crops, such as the level of irrigation, growth, condition, and type of pests, providing a wealth of information that ultimately results in a more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable irrigation or fertilization process.

The need to comply with current Spanish regulations regarding the use of airspace was also noted, which establish the requirements that drone operators, aircraft, and pilots must meet.

Nieto encouraged participants to delve deeper into these new technologies and promote their rapid incorporation into farm management. He also stated that "the importance of irrigation modernization must be supported by knowledge, training, and innovation."

Program of the day