Foliar nutrition of Nano DAP on cowpea using Agri-Drone

ICAR – Krishi Vigyan Kendra, North Goa, and ICAR – Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa, in collaboration with ATMA, North Goa, Directorate of Agriculture, conducted a demonstration on foliar application of Nano DAP on cowpea using an agri-drone on 27 January 2026 at Mandrem, Pernem, North Goa. The demonstration aimed to showcase the effectiveness, precision, and efficiency of drone-based foliar fertilizer application as an advanced, time-saving, and farmer-friendly agricultural practice.

Mr. Vishwajeet Prajapati, Technical Officer and DGCA-certified Drone Pilot, highlighted the importance of agri drones in the modern technological era to address several challenges associated with conventional foliar application methods, particularly in situations of labour scarcity, rising input costs, and the need for sustainable agricultural practices. It encouraged the farming community to adopt innovative technologies, such as Nano DAP foliar nutrition, which improve nutrient use efficiency and minimize losses due to leaching, fixation, or volatilization, thereby leading to sustainable pulse production in Goa. Foliar nutrition with nano DAP was demonstrated on 2 ha of cowpea under sub-mission on farm mechanization. A total of 25 farmers, comprising 13 farmers and 12 farm women, participated and benefited from this program. The demonstration was coordinated by Dr. N. Bommayasamy, Mr. Vishwajeet Prajapati, and Mr A.K. Tiwari.