Kenya Deploys Drones To Survey ADC Farms

In response to concerning reports of thieves alleged to be from Uganda plundering maize planted meant for seeds at Agricultural Development Corporation(ADC) farms in Trans Nzoia County, the Kenyan government has taken decisive action to mitigate the activity.

To Curb the rampant theft and protect vital agricultural resources, ADC has introduced high-tech security drones which have already been deployed at the Sabwani ADC farm in Trans Nzoia County.

Managing Director of ADC, Mohammed Bulle announced that the drones will play a pivotal role in surveillance and monitoring operations across the farms. Highlighting the magnitude of the problem, he revealed that agricultural products smuggled out of the country led to disruptions. While the initial focus of deploying drones is to combat theft at the border, ADC has outlined a comprehensive plan to have a nationwide rollout of the technology. The aim is to have all government-owned farms under surveillance throughout Kenya.

Mohammed Bulle stressed the urgent need for such measures, as the theft was negatively impacting seed production and ultimately risking the nation’s food security. “It is almost harvesting season now for the maize planted in the expansive ADC farms and this has attracted thieves,” he remarked

This activity is easy to carry out as Uganda and Kenya are nearby allowing for the discreet transportation of stolen across borders. “The farm has guards but it is almost impossible to cover the expansive land” he explained the need for drones.

According to ADC, the government has allocated 12,000 acres for seed production, with an estimated yield of 4.8 million kilos of seed maize for the Kenya Seed Company (KSC). ADC’s aim is not only to support the production of essential agricultural inputs but also to drive the growth of agricultural production in specific fields of production.

The deployment of security drones by the Kenyan Government and ADC reflects a strategic response to safeguard the nation’s agricultural resources from theft and smuggling. By embracing advanced technology and ensuring comprehensive surveillance, Kenya is taking a proactive approach to protecting its food security and economic well-being, promising a sustainable and secure agricultural landscape.