Aerial Access Hoist Development for the Management of Tall Tree and Coconut Crops

Abstract

India, the preeminent producer of coconuts, produced 19,247 million nuts in 2021-2022, accounting for around 31.45% of the worldwide total. The crop contributes around Rs. 307,498,000,000 to the nation's GDP. The coconut crop is subjected to many pests and diseases, resulting in a 10-15% reduction in production, which adversely impacts farmers' economic stability. Significant losses are attributed to pests such as the Rhinoceros beetle and the red palm weevil, resulting in crop mortality. The crops are physically treated by ascending the trees and applying pesticides to the affected crown region, resulting in human challenges such as direct exposure to hazardous chemicals and serious injuries that may cause lasting disability. Drones, as a contemporary technology, may assist farmers in revitalizing sick plants, therefore contributing to their economic development by saving time and costs while enhancing yield and production. This project focuses on developing a drone system for identifying sick coconut tree regions and administering insecticides and herbicides for pest and disease control. The apparatus employs an image-processing camera to capture images of coconut trees and identify pest and disease infestations. The insecticides and herbicides necessary for treating the afflicted regions may be applied using the drone's spraying mechanism. The technology guarantees enhanced accuracy and efficacy in pest and disease management while minimizing the human labor required for identifying and addressing afflicted coconut plants. Utilizing a drone outfitted with an image-processing camera is a more practical and cost-effective method for managing pests and diseases that impact coconut plants. Drones would facilitate the identification of infected areas through an image processing camera integrated with machine learning, enabling accurate disease detection. Simultaneously, the nozzles will activate solely upon disease detection, promoting effective and efficient pesticide application.