RAD conducts new sowings using GPS-equipment

Harnessing progressive technologies of precision agriculture, Russian Agricultural Division equips the machinery fleet of its farms with GPS-devices. The innovation is proving a good means of enhancing farming operations efficiency in the current season, company specialists report.
Today, the daughter company of major Russian grain processor PAVA has completed the first stage in the gradual introduction of GPS technologies, starting with transport vehicles. Real-time tracking of the trucks which carry the seed material allows to monitor their adherence to routes, and consequently optimize the fuel consumption. Moreover, it is a guarantee of prompt and timely repair works.
The next step will be installing GPS-sensors on the tractors working alongside the sowing complexes. This will have a direct impact on the quality of sowings, as RAD agronomists will be able to improve control over the use of seeding material, fuel, as well as the length of time involved in farming activities.
The first RAD enterprises that saw upgrade of farming management through use of GPS-devices are located in the Altay Territory; later it is planned to extend the innovative practice to all the company farms. During 2009 season, RAD will also introduce the system of parallel tracking on the harvesting equipment, the company said.
With the favourable weather conditions and a high moisture level in the fields, RAD expects a good year for the crop, claiming the potential of 10-15% increase in yields.