MBABANE – Eswatini sugar and electricity producer Ubombo Sugar Limited has proclaimed success in its drone-based planting pilot, in a move that the company says is a milestone step towards modern, sustainable agriculture.
“Our Agriculture team successfully completed our first-ever drone planting of sunhemp (green manuring), an innovative trial conducted across 113 hectares of our autumn replant fields,” the company announced in a post on social media.
They used a DJI Agras crop spraying drone, in a process where the operators filled the drone's container with seeds, before flying it around the field, releasing the seeds along its journey.
Sunhemp is widely used as a green manure due to its ability to improve soil structure, enhance organic matter, suppress weeds and contribute to long-term soil fertility. By planting the crop using drone technology, Ubombo aims to optimise planting accuracy, while reducing labour intensity and operational costs.
“This marks an exciting shift towards more precise, more efficient and more environmentally conscious agricultural practices. By integrating drone technology into the planting process, Ubombo is not only enhancing operational efficiency but also reaffirming its commitment to modernizing the sugar industry through cutting-edge technology and smarter soil health management.”
The integration of drone technology into farming operations reflects broader trends within global agriculture, where digital tools and automation are increasingly being adopted to improve productivity while minimising environmental impact.
For Ubombo Sugar, the move aligns with its long-standing focus on sustainable agriculture and responsible land management.
Beyond operational efficiency, the company indicated that the initiative supports its environmental objectives by promoting healthier soils, reducing soil disturbance and encouraging regenerative farming practices. Healthier soils are critical to sustaining sugar cane yields over the long term, particularly in the face of climate variability and rising input costs.
Ubombo Sugar indicated that the trial will be closely assessed to determine its effectiveness and potential for wider adoption across its operations. Lessons learnt from the exercise are expected to inform future planting strategies and sustainability initiatives.
“At Ubombo, we are committed to sustainable agriculture,” the company said, underscoring its intention to continue exploring innovative solutions that support environmental stewardship while enhancing operational performance.