By Belize Live News Staff: The Office of the Prime Minister and Ministry of Investment, in partnership with key stakeholders, has successfully completed the 42-hour “Introductory Course to Agricultural Drone Pilotage in Belize.” The course, conducted by DRTX Drones Mexico from Quintana Roo, marks a pivotal step toward integrating advanced technology into agriculture to modernize operations, boost efficiency, and enhance profitability.
The program was organized by the Investment Policy and Compliance Unit (IPCU), in collaboration with the Corozal Think Tank, Ministry of Agriculture, Corozal ITVET, Pesticides Control Board, Department of Civil Aviation, and the Corozal Town Council. It was designed to equip Belizean farmers and agricultural stakeholders with the necessary skills to operate agricultural drones effectively. These drones are seen as transformative tools for improving crop yields, reducing operational costs, and minimizing pilot errors that can result in resource wastage.
Initially planned for 20 participants, the course exceeded expectations by successfully training 26 attendees. The participants represented diverse sectors, including local farmers, secondary and tertiary educational institutions, the Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute (SIRDI), and government agencies like the Ministry of Agriculture Food Security and Enterprise (MAFSE). This broad representation underscores the growing interest in and potential of agricultural drone technology across Belize.
The curriculum covered critical topics such as drone application techniques, air safety protocols, crop monitoring, and mapping. Participants were also trained on Civil Aviation regulations and the safe use of pesticides, ensuring that their drone operations align with international standards and local regulations.
At the closing ceremony, key figures in Belize’s investment and agricultural sectors celebrated the program’s success. Among the attendees were Mr. Lincoln Blake, Director of the IPCU, Ministry of Investment; Mrs. Thea Garcia-Ramirez, Chair of the Corozal Think Tank; Mr. Fred Roches from the Ministry of Agriculture; Deputy Mayor Otoniel Riverol of Corozal Town Council; and Mr. Jose Antonio Texocotitla Pinzon, the course facilitator from DRTX Drones Mexico.
This initiative not only represents a leap in technological adoption but also reflects a strategic push by the Ministry of Investment and the Corozal Think Tank to foster entrepreneurial development and drive export-led growth in agriculture and other sectors. By empowering stakeholders with modern skills, the program positions Belize to leverage innovative technologies to enhance its agricultural competitiveness on the global stage.
