Field Tech Solutions Leads The Way

In the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, the company Field Tech Solutions is spearheading innovation by combining agriculture and advanced drone technology. Founded in 2021 by Nokuphila Gumede and her partners, the Howick-based business recognised the potential of unmanned aerial systems to change farming in the region.
The model is simple yet powerful: farmers in sugar-cane and maize regions often face high input costs and inefficient chemical application. Field Tech Solutions deploy drones to spray fertilisers, herbicides and ripeners with precisioncutting waste, lowering cost and improving yield. Gumede notes: “People in the sector were not aware that drones can be utilised for things like spraying or fertilising… they only knew drones as tools for taking images and videos.” She adds: “When I found out what else drones could do, I was intrigued by how they could make processes more efficient for farmers.”
Since launching, the company has already covered around 300 hectares with a single drone, and demand is growing across KwaZulu-Natal. By embracing tech, the business has enabled growers to access smart-farming tools previously reserved for large estates. Efficiency gains translate into cost savings that small-to-medium farmers find compelling.
There were strong headwinds at the start-the drone itself cost roughly R300 000, and the team had to work hard to gain trust in a conservative farming community. But a win in the FNB Youth Start‑Up Accelerator Programme provided funding for the first unit, proving the value of the model.
Field Tech Solutions’ story illustrates how a KZN-based enterprise can leverage cutting-edge technology to create real economic impact: engaging regional farmers, reducing costs, boosting productivity and positioning the business for scale. It shows that local businesses adopting tech thoughtfully can transform industry norms, even in somewhat traditional sectors.

Written by Mvelo Ngobese