Drones Help Kerala Paddy Farmers in Thrissur Resolve Labour Shortage

A Gulf returnee has deployed drone technology to aid kole paddy farmers in Thrissur, Kerala, addressing a long‑standing labour shortage in the region. The farmer, who spent several years working abroad, noticed that seasonal workers were scarce and costly, and decided to bring modern technology to the fields. The drones are used to monitor crop health, spray fertilizers and pesticides, and even assist in planting, reducing the need for manual labor. Local farmers report that the drones have increased efficiency and lowered costs, allowing them to meet market demand more reliably. The initiative has attracted attention from agricultural extension officers, who are exploring wider adoption across the state.