Media Type: News
Blogs & Media
Prospective Avenues for Precision-Ag in Nepal !!
Due to unprecedented climate change resulting from rapid population growth, uncontrolled pollution, and increased food scarcity, the demand for climate-smart agricultural practices has grown worldwide. Many developed regions and African countries have been actively experimenting with and validating such practices. Simultaneously, precision agriculture, utilizing drone technology, is also advancing. Precision agriculture has gained global recognition, and in Nepal, some organizations have started investigating its feasibility.
Undoubtedly, implementing precision agriculture in Nepal presents challenges due to the highly fragmented arable land; however, we need to continuously seek for suitable options and alternatives. Land fragmentation presents various challenges when applying the principles of precision agriculture in Nepalese farms, particularly those primarily dedicated to the cultivation of rice and wheat, which are cereal crops. However, the hurdles may not be as significant when it comes to cash crops like sugarcane and tea due to their extensive cultivation areas.
The cultivation of sugarcane and tea holds promising prospects for precision agriculture for several reasons:
Large Cultivated Areas: Sugarcane and tea are typically grown on extensive agricultural lands. This minimizes the risks associated with fragmented lands and the vast acreage involved makes it practical to implement precision agriculture technologies, including drones, for monitoring and managing these crops efficiently.
Variable Growth Patterns: Both sugarcane and tea exhibit variable growth patterns within their plantations. Precision agriculture can help identify and address variations in growth, health, and yield, enabling farmers to optimize their resources and maximize productivity.
Resource Optimization and cost Reduction: Drones equipped with remote sensing technologies can assess the health and nutritional needs of sugarcane and tea crops. This information allows farmers to apply fertilizers, pesticides, and water precisely where they are needed, reducing waste and improving resource efficiency. Drones change all this, supported by geospatial data analytic software and ability to communicate with experts remotely. They also augment or reduce the need for workers in the field, responsible for walkabout scouting, inspection, and surveillance.
Pest and Disease Management: Unfavorable climate has affected tea and sugarcane production all over the country. On the other hand, one of the surveys has revealed that 40% of tea farmers applied pesticides ten times or more in one crop cycle. In these cases, drones can perform regular aerial surveys of sugarcane and tea fields, enabling early detection of pests and diseases. Timely and appropriate intervention can prevent the spread of these issues and minimize crop damage.
Yield Prediction: Government data shows that sugarcane production decreased by more than 305,000 metric tons in the last three years while output from tea has also been decreasing each passing year for lack of fertilisers. Precision agriculture, combined with data analytics, can provide valuable insights into expected crop yields. This information aids in better planning, forecasting, and marketing of sugarcane and tea products.
Environmental Sustainability: Precision agriculture practices, such as targeted application of inputs, contribute to reduced environmental impact by minimizing chemical runoff and conserving resources. This promotes environmental sustainability in both tea and sugarcane farming through early disease and pest detection using drones, minimizing the use of harmful chemicals and protecting the delicate ecosystem of the region.
Market Competitiveness: Among myriad gnawing problems, lack of certification and branding, organic tea of Nepal is not able to enter the international market and command premium prices. In case of sugarcane, the quality of sugarcane is also low in Nepal which is ~ 9% compared to the world average of 12 to 14 %. Implementing modern agricultural technologies like precision agriculture can enhance the competitiveness of sugarcane and tea products in both domestic and international markets.
In conclusion, precision agriculture offers a bright future for the cultivation of sugarcane and tea by providing tools and techniques to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and promote sustainability in these vital agricultural sectors. Furthermore, through the utilization of drones, GPS technology, and sensors in the context of tea and sugarcane, we can gather valuable insights into the challenges, deficiencies, potential opportunities, and outlook for extending the concept of precision agriculture to other crops.
Blogs & Media
Multi-Theme Trainings at Geovation Nepal
Over the past few years of establishment, Geovation Nepal has achieved several milestones in accomplishing multiple surveying and mapping projects, alongside delivering multiple training programs in collaboration with prestigious and esteemed organizations from both government and non-government sectors including Nepal police ADB, WRRDC, Surya Nepal and NAXA. Similarly, during the second week of this August, we at Geovation Nepal got an overwhelming opportunity to organize training for DCRL (Developing Climate Resilient Livelihood in a vulnerable watershed in Nepal)/UNDP on the theme “Drone Application and GIS based Image Processing in Integrated Watershed Management (IWM)”. DCRL has a major focus on safeguarding vulnerable communities and their assets from climate change-induced disasters by applying a long-term, multi-hazard approach with a particular stewardship role for women and marginalized communities.DCRL has been actively conducting projects related related to IWM. Basically, Integrated Watershed Management (IWM) is a holistic and integrated approach for sustainable management of a watershed area. This particular workshop was organized for senior personnel of the DCRL/UNDP in Dhulikhel resort for five days from August 10-15. Afew months back, a Geovation Nepal team conducted a drones for Agriculture pilot study over a rice field at Belbari, Biratnagar. The team captured high resolution multispectral images of the rice field and processed those images to generate plant health maps and also carried out estimation of crop yields using GIS. While this endeavor was conducted as a pilot study, it ushered in new possibilities for both research as well as training in a new domain such as Agriculture.Furthermore, at present, the technical team at Geovation Nepal is leading all field based work and conducting drone operations to support the field based household numbering in Janakpurdham Sub Metropolitan city. Different applications of drone technology as mentioned above underscores the growing demand for drones across various sectors, driven by an increasing awareness among individuals and organizations regarding regarding the significance of moden geospatial tools and technologies in diverse aspects of development.
Development becomes magical when the people are educated and trained well. So, conceiving this fact and considering the increased attraction of people towards drones, Geovation Nepal has designed several training courses for drone enthusiasts. The main aim behind designing these courses is to train our immediate and future generations on the importance and application of modern geospatial tools and technologies. Generally, Geovation Nepal does ground based as well as drone-based aerial based surveying on different themes. The thematic areas of drone based aerial-training are as described below:
Disaster Management: Drone technology is revolutionizing disaster management by providing rapid, accurate, and cost-effective data collection capabilities. The training program on this theme empowers individuals and organizations to harness the potential of drones in mitigating risks and improving the risk efforts. Drones equipped with various sensors and cameras can rapidly collect crucial aerial data, allowing for more efficient disaster assessment, risk analysis, and response coordination. 
This training prgram is designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge required to effectively conduct drone-based aerial surveys for disaster management purposes. Participants will gain hands-on experience in planning, executing, and analyzing drone missions for disaster assessment and response.
Agriculture and Environment conservation: There has been increasing use cases of drones in agriculture and environment conservation. So, training course related to this theme empowers participants with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to leverage drone technology effectively in the fields of agriculture and environmental conservation. 
Over the course of this immersive training, participants will delve into the world of drone technology, from understanding drone components and regulations to mastering mission planning and data collection techniques. Through case studies and practical exercises, we explore applications in crop health assessment, environmental mapping, and monitoring.
Drone photo and videography: Drone technology has been seamlessly integrated into photo and videography, these days. So, one of trainings course is specialized for drone photo and videography. At the end of this course, students learn not only the technical aspects of operating drones but also the art of composition, framing, and storytelling from elevated viewpoints. 
As part of their curriculum, students develop proficiency in post-production techniques, ensuring they can refine and enhance their captured content. Whether focusing on cinematic storytelling or specialized applications like mapping, drone training equips individuals with a diverse skill set that can be tailored to various industries.
Image processing: Training course in the use of drone image processing equips individuals with the knowledge and practical skills essential for harnessing the power of drone-captured data. This structured curriculum begins with an introduction to drone technology, including operation and regulations, and progresses into the intricacies of data collection, preprocessing, and enhancement. 
Participants learn to wield specialized image processing software and programming languages, enabling them to manipulate and analyze aerial imagery effectively. The training extends into geospatial analysis, machine learning integration and 3D modeling, enabling graduates to tackle diverse applications in fields such as agriculture, environmental science, and infrastructure inspection.
Map making and analysis with GIS: The training course on GIS map making empowers individuals with the tools and knowledge to effectively harness the power of spatial data. This course covers a wide range topics, from fundamental GIS concepts to advanced spatial analysis techniques. Participants learn to collect, manage, visualize, and analyze geospatial data, enabling them to create informative and visually compelling maps. 
With a focus on practical applications, students engage in real-world projects that span fields such as urban planning, agriculture/environmental management, and disaster response. Ultimately, GIS training equips individuals with the skills necessary to excel in a variety of professions where spatial analysis and mapping play a crucial role, from urban planning to natural resource management.
All in all, Geovation Nepal intends to disseminate GIS and drone knowledge and their application in diverse fields of development. Moreover, there are still the domains to explore and expand the applicability of geospatial tools and technologies in Nepal.
Blogs & Media
DRONE TRAINING ANNOUNCEMENT
Soar to New Heights: Unleash Your Potential with HDPA’s Drone Training Program
Are you fascinated by the incredible world of drones and eager to embark on an exciting journey as a certified drone pilot? Look no further! HDPA (Himalayan Drone Pilot Academy) is thrilled to announce our cutting-edge Drone Training Program, set to take off from the 2nd Week of August. Are you ready to spread your wings and join the ranks of skilled drone aviators?
Register now at https://forms.gle/RuRWGM7E4dkkDexE7 or fill up the form below:
Unlocking Your Potential with HDPA
HDPA is a joint initiative brought to life by Geovation Nepal and NFL (Nepal Flying Labs). Our mission is to nurture and create pilots, or as we like to call them, “aviators,” through a comprehensive theoretical and practical curriculum. Inspired by successful UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) certification programs from around the world, we’ve adapted them to suit Nepal’s unique realities, ensuring our students receive world-class training right at home.
A Mindset of Excellence
At HDPA, we take pride in cultivating a mindset and approach similar to that of commercial airline pilots. Our aviators will be process-oriented, placing safety and sound mission planning at the core of all operations. With a comprehensive curriculum that covers safety, regulations, airspace and airport operations, weather, basic flight principles, and mission planning, our certified pilots will be fully equipped to excel in the world of drones.
Hands-On Learning: Taking Flight
We believe that practical experience is invaluable in the world of drone piloting. That’s why our theoretical course is accompanied by hands-on drone simulator training on a diverse range of drones, followed by real-world flying experiences. Our students gain practical expertise that sets them apart as skilled pilots, ready to tackle any challenge that comes their way.
Beyond the Skies: Additional Modules
Our commitment to excellence goes beyond the basics. After completing the basic pilot test and certification phase, HDPA offers additional modules in multiple thematic areas. From Disaster Management, Construction, Public Safety, Agriculture, to Environment Conservation, we provide specialized sessions tailored to your needs. This comprehensive approach ensures that our aviators are versatile and prepared to make a difference in various industries.
Empowering the Future: STEM Education
We believe in fostering a passion for technology and innovation from an early age. HDPA’s program extends its reach to promote STEM education in high schools and universities. We are dedicated to exposing young students, including those from disadvantaged communities, to the wonders of drone operations, robotics, communications, and other technical fields. This creates a solid foundation for their future careers and opens doors to exciting opportunities.
Module Overview: Your Path to Success
Join us in earning your wings in drone piloting through four comprehensive modules:
🔹 Module 1: Drone Concepts and Piloting: Dive into a 40-hour immersive training covering the fundamentals of drone technology, regulations, and expert flight maneuvers.
🔹 Module 2: Drone Photogrammetry: Unlock the potential of aerial mapping with 40 hours of in-depth instruction on aerial photography, videography, mapping, and data analysis using drones.
🔹 Module 3: Drones for Disaster Management: Dedicate 40 hours to exploring the crucial role of drones in disaster response, monitoring, and management – making a difference when it matters most.
🔹 Module 4: Customized Training Curriculum: Tailored to your needs, these specialized sessions offer varied hours of hands-on learning, integrating drones with GIS and geospatial analysis for specific industries.
Join the Community of Drone Enthusiasts
We invite you to share this exciting announcement with your network and tag friends who might be interested. Let’s come together as a thriving community of drone enthusiasts, ready to make a significant impact!
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help
If you have any inquiries or need further information, feel free to reach out to us at info.geovation@gmail.com or call +977 9845515221. Our dedicated team is here to guide you through the process and ensure you have a seamless journey into the world of drones.