Lingiwe Ravasingadi, a farmer from Kwekwe in Midlands Province, is using drone technology to fight the African armyworm, which has been damaging crops in the area.
Drones equipped with GPS and advanced sprayers allow farmers to precisely spray pesticides on affected areas. They can fly over fields, targeting spots with pests like the African armyworm.
In an interview with the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/farmer-deploys-drones-to-combat-devastating-armyworm/">Chronicle</a>, Ravasingadi said that she expects a maize yield of 10 tonnes per hectare from her 120-hectare crop, which is now in the milking stage.
<img alt="Farmer deploys drones to combat devastating armyworm" class="alignnone" decoding="async" height="380" loading="lazy" src="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/drone.jpg" width="680"/>
She credits her success to using the best farming practices, with drone technology playing a key role in controlling the armyworm problem. Said Ravasingadi:
<blockquote>
In a bid to fight pests such as the African armyworm, we decided to use drones so that we effectively cover the 120 hectares which are under the maize crop.
The crop has reached the milking stage and if we successfully deal with the armyworm, we are expecting an average yield of 10 tonnes per hectare.
The drone is very effective in dealing with pests. Our crop had grown so much that the boom spray was no longer viable to use.
However, with the use of drone technology, we have managed to deal with the problem of the armyworm as it managed to penetrate the plants.
We are happy with the good bill of health being presented by our crop at the moment.
</blockquote>
She explained that using a drone for spraying is not only faster but also more cost-effective compared to traditional methods like tractors and boom sprayers. Drones can cover large areas quickly, reducing the time spent on manual spraying. 
Drones also require less labour and fuel, making them a more economical choice for farmers. This efficiency allows her to target specific problem areas with precision, minimising pesticide use and cutting down on operational costs.

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Lingiwe Ravasingadi, a farmer from Kwekwe, uses drones to fight armyworms damaging crops. Drones spray pesticides precisely on affected areas, helping increase maize yield. Drones are faster and cheaper than traditional methods like tractors. They target specific areas, reducing pesticide use and operational costs. Ravasingadi credits drone technology for the success of her crop. She expects 10 tonnes of maize per hectare thanks to drones. Fighting pests with drones is more efficient, saves time, labor, and fuel, making it a better choice for farmers.

Drone Technology Helps Kwekwe Farmer Tackle Armyworm Infestation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a warning to Hezbollah after an alleged assassination attempt against him and his wife on Saturday, labelling it a “grave mistake”, reported <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/world/netanyahu-promises-retaliation-following-assassination-attempt-hezbollah">Fox News</a>.
In a post on X, Netanyahu said the attempt on his life would not hinder Israel’s efforts to combat its enemies and secure its future. He wrote:
<blockquote>
I say to Iran and its proxies in its axis of evil: Anyone who tries to harm Israel’s citizens will pay a heavy price; We will continue to eliminate the terrorists and those who dispatch them; We will bring our hostages home from Gaza; And we will return our citizens who live on our Northern border safely to their homes.
Israel is determined to achieve all our war objectives and change the security reality in our region for generations to come.
</blockquote>
Netanyahu addressed Iran and its allies, including Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, saying Israel is committed to achieving its war objectives following the October 7 attack and aims to reshape the region’s security landscape for generations.
He warned that anyone threatening Israeli citizens would face severe consequences and reaffirmed Israel’s resolve to eliminate terrorist threats and safely return hostages from Gaza.
The warning came after three drones were launched from Lebanon toward Netanyahu’s residence, two of which were intercepted. No injuries were reported, and Netanyahu was not at home during the incident.
Netanyahu declared in a video message that Israel would prevail in the ongoing conflict. He said:
<blockquote>
Two days ago we took out Sinwar, the terrorist mastermind whose goons beheaded our men, raped our women and burned our babies alive.
We took him out, and we’re continuing to battle with Iran’s other terrorist proxies. We’re going to win this war.
</blockquote>
Yahya Sinwar was the leader of Hamas who was killed by Israeli forces in Tal as-Sultan, Rafah, on Wednesday.
He led Hamas in Gaza since the deaths of the group’s political leaders, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran and senior commander Mohammed Deif in Gaza in July this year.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reassured Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant of America’s support.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Hezbollah after an alleged drone attack on his home. He says Israel will not be stopped in fighting its enemies. Netanyahu also mentioned Iran and its allies, saying Israel will achieve its goals and make the region safer. He promised to retaliate against anyone who threatens Israeli citizens. Three drones were sent towards Netanyahu's home, but no one was hurt. Netanyahu believes Israel will win the war against terrorist groups. The US has also supported Israel in this situation.

Drone Strikes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Home

Rahil Bhavan, an 18-year-old student at Christian Brothers’ College (CBC) in Bulawayo, has developed a drone equipped with a machine-learning algorithm to effectively map and repair potholes.
This innovative drone autonomously analyses road surfaces and accurately identifies pothole locations in real time, enabling authorities to enhance infrastructure management and improve safety for both pedestrians and motorists.
In an interview with the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/watch-bulawayo-whiz-kid-creates-pothole-repair-drone/">Chronicle</a> on Monday, Bhavan said his inspiration for the drone came from a visit to Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha, South Africa, where he observed peers his age designing and creating smart gadgets. He said:
<blockquote>
I saw the need for a practical and efficient method to address the pothole crisis in our city. Technology can play a crucial role in solving real-world issues, and I wanted to contribute in a meaningful way.
I have always been passionate about using my skills to make a positive difference in the world. With this drone and machine learning algorithm combination, I believe we can transform the way potholes are identified and repaired in Bulawayo.
</blockquote>
Bhavan, who is also a junior city councillor said the data-driven approach not only accelerates the detection process but also ensures that repairs are prioritised based on their severity. He said:
<blockquote>
The drone’s ability to generate real-time reports and analytics offers local authorities invaluable insights into the condition of road networks, enabling them to make data-informed decisions on infrastructure planning and resource allocation.
</blockquote>
The teenager said developing the technology presented numerous challenges, one of which was obtaining a licence to operate the drone. He said:
<blockquote>
Acquiring parts has also been a nightmare but I have been able to get them. I have had to make some parts on my own using a 3-D printer.
The drone has a battery that can last a flight time of about an hour and can be controlled manually using a remote. In the future, I hope to develop it so that it is controlled from a computer.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

An 18-year-old student named Rahil Bhavan in Bulawayo made a drone that can find and fix potholes. The drone uses technology to identify potholes on roads in real time, helping to make the city safer for people driving and walking. Rahil got the idea for the drone after seeing smart gadgets at a university in South Africa. The drone uses data to quickly find potholes and helps city officials decide which ones to fix first. Making the drone was not easy, but Rahil was able to get the parts and create some himself. He hopes to improve the drone in the future by controlling it with a computer.

Bulawayo Teen Innovator Develops Drone To Map and Repair Potholes In Real Time

A journalist was taken into police custody on Monday after a small drone he was operating crashed into the IQRA Islamic Centre in central Harare.
In a statement, ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said that Columbus Mavhunga, a correspondent for the Voice of America, was assisting police with investigations into the incident. Said Asst Comm Nyathi:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that investigations are being conducted in connection with a report of trespass and invasion of premises made at ZRP Waterfalls by IQRA Islamic Centre, Harare.
In this regard, a journalist attached to a foreign media house, Columbus Mavhunga (51), is assisting the police with investigations after a Mevic 2 Pro model Lip drone which he was operating along Masotsha Ndlovu Way near Simon Mazorodze Road rammed into the Islamic Centre’s building and fell down.
A misunderstanding ensued resulting in the centre’s administrator Pharoh Osward (53) making a report to the police.
The police is also looking into allegations that the drone was not licenced by the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police urges individuals and institutions to ensure that they obtain licences to operate drones and engage neighbours if using drones for private purposes.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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