The recent Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operating Systems Certification (UASOC) granted by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) to the Western Cape department of agriculture, has positioned the department as a front-runner in leveraging unmanned aerial vehicles for transformative technological practices within the agricultural sector.
Western Cape minister of agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, expressed his optimism about the certification’s implications for the agricultural sector, highlighting its potential benefits.
Embracing technology in agriculture
He highlighted the department’s commitment to embracing cutting-edge technology and propelling the agricultural sector into a new era.
According to Meyer, the certification ensures compliance with aviation regulations, thereby elevating research, engineering efforts, and service delivery within the department.
“The Western Cape government has taken up innovation and technology to improve service delivery to the citizens of the Western Cape. The latest aviation certification allows us to bring another innovative dimension to the agricultural sector and improve service delivery to our agricultural industries. Our SACAA accreditation aligns with our undertaking to embrace the 4th industrial revolution,” he said.
Anticipating the certification, Meyer said the department has equipped itself with a diverse fleet of specialised drones, including spray, multispectral, LiDAR, and RTK drones.
Committed to sustainable practices
“Our skilled drone pilots, having undergone specialised training, are adept at utilising the unique capabilities of each drone in our fleet. Their expertise ensures precision and efficiency in various applications, from precision agriculture to engineering endeavours.
“Drones, backed by technology-supported research, enable us to optimise resource usage, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to sustainable farming practices. This achievement underscores our commitment to service delivery, leveraging technology to address the challenges faced by our farmers and supporting the sector in its sustainability journey,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of innovation and technology in the Western Cape government’s growth for jobs strategy, Meyer positioned the department’s UASOC certification as a pivotal step towards strengthening the agricultural sector’s ability to contribute to the growth of the Western Cape economy and job creation.
Meyer affirmed the government’s continued investment in agricultural innovation to ensure that the Western Cape remains the leading agricultural region in South Africa.
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