In South Africa, drones are being utilized for everything from farming to combatting crime.
In order to manage pests in its vineyard, the Vergelegen wine estate in Somerset West deploys drones to carry beneficial inspectors.
The goal is to make sure that the current 20–25 year old vineyards can endure for decades in order to minimize vine disease and produce higher-quality grapes.
The first drone dispersal on the estate was carried out in October by the agritech company Aerobotics, in partnership with SkyBugs, which provides the predatory bugs, and a network of drone pilots. Five further dispersals should be completed in Q1 2024, contingent on test findings.
The insects are released onto the vines by the drone using a motor-driven device that is fitted with a cartridge and a drawn-out plastic film.
Twenty hectares are covered by each trip, and upon landing, the drone is equipped with a fresh battery and insect cartridge.
“Leaf roll virus is a disease that mealybugs spread, and that is the aim of these little heroes. Although it also affects white wine cultivars, red wine cultivars are much more noticeable to have this disease.
“Leaf roll virus reduces harvest quality and quantity, and ultimately, the vines become unprofitable and have to be uprooted—an additional hardship for a sector already facing dire financial difficulties.”
Also combating crime
Additionally, Reagen Allen, the Western Cape’s Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, presented a drone to SANParks, the South African National Parks, for use on Table Mountain.
This comes after the West Coast District Municipalities, Cape Winelands, Overberg, and Garden Route recently received drones.
The Western Cape Government (WCG) is dedicated to giving our partners and stakeholders the tools they need to better handle disasters and fight crime, according to Allen.
“With an extra ‘eye in the sky’ over our mountain, slopes, and hiking trails, this technology will allow SANParks to have greater reach.”
The R18,000 drone features a visual screen, an onboard camera, a handheld controller, and the capacity to record.
Drones given by the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China will aid in the province’s efforts to combat crime. The drones were supplied by the People’s Republic of China Consulate General to aid in the province’s efforts to combat crime.
The Western Cape Government’s contribution of a drone is one such important relationship where we can combine our resources to prevent and tackle criminal acts. Partnerships are vital to the successful fight against crime in Table Mountain National Park, according to SANParks manager Megan Taplin.
“The drone will support our rangers during search and rescue operations and help us with aerial surveillance.”