The Directorate of Cashew Research (DCR) at Puttur in Dakshina Kannada district has launched a drone technology lab and a Centre of Excellence for profiling and bioactive components.

A media statement said the drone technology lab provides facilities to drive innovation in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications for plantation crops, empowering research and fostering sustainable practices. The lab is equipped with advanced drone systems and data processing tools, providing a platform for transformative solutions in smart farming and beyond.

The Centre of Excellence for Profiling and Bioactive Components has been established to explore the phytochemicals that are present in cashew  apples, nuts, kernels, shells, and leaves.

DAFW funding

The drone technology lab and the Centre of Excellence for profiling and bioactive components were established with funding from the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (DAFW), Government of India, through RKVY-RAFTAAR, Government of Karnataka.

The Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Himanshu Pathak, inaugurated the drone technology lab, it said.