Author(s): Rajendra Dasratt, Coleen Patterson and Lakhnarayan Kumar Bhagarathi

Abstract: Technology is a crucial part of modern supply chains, providing businesses and industries with the tool they need to operate most successfully and efficiently. This research looked at the impact of drone technology for the application of fertilizers at the Albion Sugar Estate. The research is significant to GUYSUCO and other industries that implement drone technology in their agriculture practices and those organizations and business that are planning to make that investment. The objectives were; to determine whether the implementation of drone technology impacts on the production yield (sugarcane in tons), to determine the impact drone technology has on the application of fertilizers and to determine the perceptions drone operators have on the application of fertilizers using drone technology. The researchers used a descriptive research study design with a survey methodology. The data was collected from pre-existing productions records, interviews and questionnaire. The Likert questionnaire was used to determine the perceptions of drone operators in using drone technology for the application of fertilizers. The results showed that the implementation of drone technology did not increase production yield (sugarcane in tons) but the use of the technology did impact the application of fertilizers in terms of increasing spraying accuracy, even distribution, mitigating labour shortages and promoting sustainable agriculture practices. In addition, drone technology did not reduce the wastage of chemicals and the main mechanical issues were poor battery life and breakage of drone nozzles. The data collected can be used to make informed decisions and serves as a basis for further investigations, within GUYSUCO and other industries in Guyana.

DOI: 10.22271/27889289.2025.v5.i2d.220

Pages: 291-301 | Views: 165 | Downloads: 81

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