Fiji Sugar Corporation trains first drone pilots, including woman pioneer

The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) has completed its first-ever Drone Pilot Training Programme, equipping five field officers with cutting-edge skills to modernise cane farming and boost efficiency in the sugar industry.

The week-long training, delivered in partnership with Drone Works Consultancy and supported by the Ministry of Sugar, combined classroom sessions with intensive fieldwork.

Officers were trained to operate drones, capture high-resolution images, and understand Fiji’s legal framework for drone use. All five participants passed their certification exams, earning licensed pilot certificates and badges.

The programme also marked a historic milestone in gender inclusivity, with FSC successfully training its first woman drone pilot. FSC said the achievement reflects its commitment to empowering women in agriculture and breaking traditional barriers in the sector.

FSC chief executive officer Bhan Singh said that drones were fast becoming essential tools in farming, moving beyond recreational use to revolutionise crop management. In sugarcane cultivation, drones will be used to spray nutrients, pesticides, and weedicides, monitor crop health, assess field conditions, and even plan harvesting logistics.

Importantly, drones enable interventions during advanced crop stages when manual access is difficult, saving time, reducing labour, and increasing efficiency.

To accelerate the transition, the Ministry of Sugar confirmed the procurement of 12 drones from the Indian government, while three drones have already been approved for FSC under its capital programme. These will support initiatives such as standardising spray formulations with the Sugar Research Institute of Fiji (SRIF).

Precision spraying is expected to cut chemical usage, lower operational costs, and reduce environmental impacts, ensuring a more sustainable sugar industry. FSC said the initiative positions the sector at the forefront of agricultural innovation in Fiji, building resilience against climate challenges while enhancing competitiveness.

The corporation thanked Drone Works Consultancy, the Ministry of Sugar, and the participating officers, calling the training the first of many steps to build capacity and prepare the industry for a future driven by technology.