European Union and Tanzania support Drone technology for better monitoring of plant Health
25 May 2023 (Dar es Salaam) – The Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA), Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) through the Civil Aviation Training Centre (CATC), the European Union, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), are joining forces to combat plant pests through cutting edge technology by training drone pilots.
The Surveillance Drone graduation ceremony is due to take place on the 25th of May 2023, at the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) Head Office, Ukonga Banana, and the guest of honor is Mr. Cedric Merel the Head of Cooperation, EU delegation to Tanzania and the EAC.
“Technology is playing a fundamental role in agriculture. Through the EU-funded Plant Health project the Government of Tanzania will be able to adopt and use modern and innovative drone-based surveillance systems allowing monitoring of crop production, early detection of potential crop issues, and adjusting the use of pesticides and fertilizers. Today’s event represents a starting point for the development of precision agriculture in Tanzania” Said Mr. Cedric Merel Head of Cooperation, EU delegation to Tanzania.
The training which has been done under the EU-funded Strengthening Plant Health Services in Tanzania for Enhanced Food Safety project will witness the team of drone graduates from the Civil Aviation Training Centre (CATC) receive their certification awards.
“FAO serves as the secretariat of the International Plant Protection Convention, a treaty between countries pledging to prevent the spread of pests through agricultural trade. We therefore categorically support member states in implementing the agreed standards of phytosanitary measures.” Said Dr. Nyabenyi Tipo, FAO Country Representative in Tanzania
The pilots are equipped with skills to operate surveillance drones with the latest technology, capabilities, and artificial intelligence to provide real-time images into security and emergency situations for better pest control, accurate intelligence gathering, and comprehensive situational awareness, for more informed decision making
“This is a revolution to our agricultural sector as we now going to be using cutting-edge technology in agriculture something with was lacking for something in our country,” said Prof Joseph Ndunguru, Director General Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA)
Trained will enable the Authority to rapidly respond to emergencies that require immediate actions as every minute can be fatal when it comes to plant protection and food security in general, hence with this cutting-edge technology and well-trained operators the process becomes more effective. It will improve the visual capabilities through a wider aerial viewpoint with minimal blind spots.
The use of capable drone pilots ensures the mission is safe as the drones are remotely controlled. It is also much more cost-effective and reduces the risk of contamination.
“The Civil Aviation Training Centre (CATC) is the Training army of Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) with the overall objective of ensuring requirements of qualified and competent aviation skilled professionals are adequately met in Tanzania to support the economy of our Country. CATC is ICAO Trainair Plus full member and ICAO Aviation Security Training Centre has full mandate to conduct and host International Aviation courses in Tanzania. ’’Said Mr. Aristid J. Kanje, Principle Tanzania Civil Aviation Training Centre (CATC)
*******
FAO is the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations works in collaboration with the government of the United Republic of Tanzania together in the development and implementation of the country's policies, strategies, and programmes in agriculture, food and nutrition security, One Health, rural development, and climate resilience.[email protected]
The Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Tanzania and the East African Community is a key factor in the relations between the European Union (EU) and Tanzania as well as the East African Community (EAC). The EU is a longstanding partner of Tanzania in sustainable agriculture, food, and nutrition security. Cooperation over the last decade has focused on key commodities which offer opportunities for pro-poor trade at the national, regional, and continental levels. This includes support to Strengthening Plant Health Services to enhance Food Safety.