DCRL adopted Aerial Seeding technology using UAV drone in partnership with the Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk, and a team of young innovators from Geovation Nepal. This is the first initiative where a multidisciplinary team together with robotics and geomatic engineers locally customized the UAV drone to perform aerial reforestation using seed balls, which are bombarded in the degraded land area. The seed balls constitute seeds of the tree species that are native and appropriate for the terrain and altitude along with manure and other nutrients so that it has a greater chance of survival which will allow restoration in a relatively shorter time.

The project identified and prioritized degraded land in Okhaldhunga and Khotang districts having less than 10% canopy, with steep slopes based on UAV Drone survey mapping and geospatial analysis. The seed bombing was done in four degraded sites in Khotang and Okhaldhunga district at a pilot scale. The seed balls were carefully fit into the drone’s funnel and the seeding process was conducted by deploying seeds from an altitude and trajectory through a customized UAV drone in each target location.

“I found this technology quite fascinating as it can transform the degraded areas of Nepal in a short time in cost-effective manner. The use of drone technology for reforestation is a new invention that is quite relevant for highly drought-prone districts like Khotang. However, in order to generate positive results, it is essential to select appropriate sites and conduct regular monitoring,” said Bimala Rai, Mayor, Halesi Tuwachung Municipality, Khotang.

“The seeding through drone was quite impressive and was tested successfully. But it is still in nascent stage so we need to wait and watch for its result before replicating it in other areas,” Pashupati Dahal, DFO Khotang.