Modern technology has brought significant improvements to Indian agriculture in recent years, with drones being among the most revolutionary innovations. Across the nation, agriculture could undergo a radical transformation due to these aerial vehicles. Drones play a crucial role in Indian farming by simplifying tasks and increasing agricultural yield and profitability for farmers.
Farmers are using drones to cover their land more effectively and efficiently. Unlike traditional methods, aerial herbicide and fertilizer applications with drones are significantly faster, with drones completing these tasks 40–60 times quicker. Drones can spray chemicals on crops, manage irrigation, monitor crop health, detect pests, weeds, and other hazards, and ensure that all parts of the field receive the right amount of fertilizer. Moreover, drones provide valuable data that helps farmers anticipate prospective output and manage harvesting cycles. This technological advancement enables farmers to optimize their operations, ultimately leading to more sustainable and productive agricultural practices.
The integration of drones into agriculture has initiated a transformative shift in how farming operations are conducted. With their ability to provide real-time data and insights, these aerial vehicles are reshaping traditional agricultural practices worldwide. In India, where agriculture is a cornerstone of the economy and the livelihood for millions, the adoption of drone technology holds immense potential.
India’s vast and diverse agricultural landscape, which includes smallholder farms and large-scale plantations, can significantly benefit from drones. These technologies address many challenges faced by Indian farmers. For small-scale farmers in particular, drones offer a low-cost means of enhancing crop yields and incomes. By providing access to real-time data and actionable insights, drones empower farmers to implement sustainable agricultural methods and make well-informed decisions.
The adoption of drones in agriculture has brought about numerous benefits for Indian farmers such as:
Crop Monitoring and Health Assessment: With their powerful sensors and high-resolution cameras, drones enable farmers to promptly detect problem areas such as pest infestations, nutrient deficiencies, or water scarcity. By capturing precise aerial photos of their farms, drones provide real-time information that allows farmers to take swift action, improving performance and reducing waste.
Precision Agriculture: One of the greatest advantages of drones in agriculture is their application in precision farming. By precisely targeting inputs such as insecticides, fertilizers, and water, farmers can optimize resource use and minimize waste. The integration of GPS technology and automated systems enables drones to perform tasks with unprecedented accuracy. This precision reduces costs and promotes environmental sustainability.
Field Mapping and Surveying: Field mapping and surveying using traditional methods can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. Drones offer a quicker and more efficient alternative, allowing farmers to accurately and comprehensively map their fields. These detailed maps provide valuable insights into drainage patterns, topography, and soil composition, which support well-informed decision-making for optimal land management practices.
Planting and Seeding: The use of drones for planting and seeding is gaining traction as a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional methods. Drone-mounted dispensers can accurately distribute seeds over vast areas of land, reducing manual labor and increasing planting speed.
Irrigation Management: Efficient water usage is crucial for sustainable agriculture, particularly in regions with limited water resources. Drones equipped with infrared cameras and moisture sensors can identify areas needing irrigation and assess soil moisture levels. By delivering real-time data on crop water requirements and water distribution, drones enable precise irrigation management. This precision enhances crop yields while conserving valuable water resources.
Cost-Effective Monitoring: The use of drones for monitoring and data collection can significantly reduce costs compared to traditional methods. Drones eliminate the need for expensive equipment or manual labor, making advanced agricultural technologies more accessible to small-scale farmers.
Environmental Sustainability: Drones are revolutionizing farming for the better. By helping farmers reduce the use of chemicals and water, drones contribute to more environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Using advanced technology, drones can fly over fields and provide precise data, making farming more efficient and minimizing waste. This approach allows us to grow food with fewer resources, promoting a sustainable way to farm that protects our planet’s natural resources. Not only is this method beneficial for the environment, but it also ensures that farms remain healthy and productive over the long term. Drones play a crucial role in advancing sustainable agriculture, helping to maintain the health of our planet for future generations. (Reference Link) (Reference Link).
Government of India has also introduced several Kisan Drone Initiatives to facilitate ‘Drone Shakti’ through varied applications and ‘Kisan Drones’ promoted for crop assessment, digitization of land records, spraying of insecticides, and nutrients for Drone-As-A-Service (DAAS). Under Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM), financial assistance ranging from 40% to 100% is provided to farmers, agricultural graduates, FPOs, KVKs, State Agri Universities and more, for the purpose of purchase of kisan drones and its associated drone training. The Government has also recently approved Central Sector Scheme for providing drones to the Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) with an outlay of Rs. 1261 Crores. The scheme aims to provide drones to 15000 selected Women SHGs for providing rental services to farmers for agriculture purpose (application of fertilizers and pesticides).
Indian government has also acknowledged the significance of drone technology in agriculture and has actively worked to encourage its adoption. Programs like ‘Drone Didis’ have been introduced with the ambitious aim of training over 15,000 (taken from Agrospectrum Responses) women across India. These women, mostly hailing from rural regions, are being empowered with the necessary skills to operate drones. The objective is to integrate them into their local farming supply chains, thereby enhancing rural prosperity. The government of India has introduced several schemes like Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan encompasses a wide area, ranging from financial assistance to soil health management and marketing reforms.
Under Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM), financial assistance and subsidies ranging from 40% – 50% for drone purchase (price of drone – Rs. 10 lakh), is available through the Center-State driven scheme. Further, there are several financing options available to fund the remaining purchase at attractive interest rates through Agriculture Infrastructure fund, and other institutional banks.
As a result, there has been a rapid increase in demand for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). According to industry estimates, currently more than 3,000 drones are being used in agriculture. This number could exceed 7,000. (Reference Link) by the fiscal year 2025. This will significantly increase crop productivity through proper utilization of water, soil nutrients, and formulation of crop protection strategies.
Drone Destination has also introduced the widest variety of Drone Skilling Programs such as Drone Technician Training, DGCA-Certified Drone Pilot Training, and Industrial Application Training under one umbrella. We are also launching Drone Education & STEM Initiative in schools and colleges in which students will build, code, and fly the drone on their own. On the wheel solution for #EverythingDrones, we are providing services like Drone Guru, Drone Dost, and Drone Doctor. Over the next 3 months, we aim to roll out 250 such hubs and aims to establish a network of over 1000 such hubs in the next two years.
Conclusion:
Drones are poised to lead the way in the future of Indian agriculture. As awareness of their capabilities grows, the possibilities for their application in farming become limitless. With drones at their disposal, Indian farmers can look forward to increased revenue, improved yields, and a brighter future for the agricultural sector. While drone technology in agriculture is still in its infancy, initiatives are in place to address these obstacles and encourage its use. It is crucial for farmers to recognize the potential benefits of drones and to receive proper training and support to utilize them effectively.
In conclusion, the adoption of drone technology has the potential to revolutionize crop management and significantly boost yields in the agricultural sector. Although challenges like job loss and the need for training exists, there are also dedicated efforts to facilitate the adoption of this technology and support farmers who choose to embrace it.
It is essential for farmers and policymakers to collaborate to ensure that the benefits of drone technology are fully realized while addressing any arising concerns. By doing so, we can help create a more sustainable and productive agricultural sector that benefits both farmers and consumers.
