Indian farming has seen a rapidly increasing technological transformation in recent times. Fertilizer or pesticide spraying manually in the hot sun is no longer necessary. Agriculture drones are now making farming more efficient. By decreasing waste and covering large fields in minutes, in addition to offering even distribution, these kisan drone are making farming more cost-effective. Since there are plenty of options available in the market, which agriculture drone is the best for Indian farmers? Choosing the right Kisan drone can increase yields as well as profits for almost everyone in the agriculture industry. Let us explore some of the best agriculture drones for spraying fertilizer and pesticides in India, which will help you to find the perfect match for your farming needs!
Why Use Agriculture Drones for Spraying?
Think about how much easier it would be if you could spray your whole field in minutes rather than hours. Drones in agriculture are really powerful! Farming in India is becoming smarter due to these technological advances, which are improving crop management significantly. Check out some of the reasons why you should use agricultural drones for spraying!
- More Efficient- When compared to traditional spraying methods, agriculture drone spraying covers large fields even in a matter of minutes.
- Cost-Effective- Drones can improve the use of pesticides or fertilizers, which saves money on labor as well as chemicals.
- Precision Spraying- Drones increase yields in agriculture along with reducing waste by spraying precisely where it is required, in contrast to traditional spraying methods.
- Safer for Farmers- There is no need for farmers to have direct contact with harmful pesticides since drones can handle everything for you.
- Government Support- The government of India is providing a lot of subsidies or incentives to encourage the use of drones in agriculture.
Key Features to Look for in an Agriculture Drone
Finding an agricultural drone that works for your farm’s budget that meets your needs is much more important. Some important things to keep in mind when choosing an agricultural drone are as follows.
Payload Capacity: How much pesticide or fertilizer the drone can carry in a single flight is determined by its payload capacity. A 5-10L capacity might be sufficient for smaller farms, while bigger farms need at least 15-30L to cover large fields effectively.
Battery Life & Flight Time: The greater the battery life, the more coverage you can get out of every charge. Drones with 20-30 minutes of flying duration are ideal for large-scale farming land. If you want to reduce downtime, think about fast-charging batteries.
Spraying Mechanism & Nozzles: The spray coverage or the size of the droplets varies by the nozzle type. In order to avoid wasting pesticides to obtain the best possible results from different crops, it is important to have adjustable spray rates.
GPS & AI Technology: Most smart drones come with automated flight paths, so you can be sure that your field will be sprayed evenly. Avoiding accidents or achieving precise application are made easier with features like terrain mapping along with obstacle detection.
Price: You can get agriculture drones with powerful AI functions that cost over ₹10 lakh, as well as more affordable versions that cost between ₹2–5 lakh. You can find them through agri-tech firms, online marketplaces, and much more.
5 Best Agriculture Drones for Spraying Fertilizer and Pesticides in India
Leher Drones: Leher drones are known for their high payload capacity. They can carry up to 16 liters of fertilizers or pesticides. Leher drones also have advanced GPS technology for precision spraying along with AI-driven flying routes for even coverage.
Pros
- Leher drones are more affordable compared to other drones.
- Works well for farms of a medium to small scale.
- It is light in weight for easy handling.
Cons
- Limited battery life (around 15-20 minutes per flight).
Price Range: ₹2.5-3.5 lakh
Kisan Drone (Government-Approved): The Kisan Drone is a government-approved model that is crafted to meet the needs of farmers in India. It has a payload capacity of 10L as well as integrates with AI-powered spraying mechanisms. In addition, it has capabilities for real-time monitoring using a mobile app.
Pros
- Lower cost as a result of government subsidies.
- It is useful for various kinds of crops.
- It is an ideal choice for small-scale farming.
Cons
- Smaller payload.
- Short flight time( ~15-20 minutes).
Price Range: ₹2.5 lakh (with subsidies)
DJI Agras T30: One of the most prominent features of the DJI Agras T30, a premium commercial drone, is its 30-liter payload capacity. It has multi-nozzle spray systems that provide maximum coverage with little chemical waste, promising high-efficiency spraying. Additionally, it has automatic flying paths that are powered by advanced GPS & AI.
Pros
- Its high payload capacity is ideal for large farms.
- It has a long battery life (up to 30 minutes of flight).
- It offers excellent coverage as well as precision.
Cons
- The high price tag makes it less accessible for many small-scale farmers.
- Being so big might make it difficult to maneuver in smaller fields.
Price Range: ₹10-12 lakh
Yamaha Fazer R: Commercial farmers on large scales can benefit from the Yamaha Fazer R, an industrial-grade drone. Its 16-liter payload capacity, and advanced GPS technology, in addition to AI-driven navigation, make it ideal for precision spraying as well as extensive coverage.
Pros
- It is the best choice for large farms.
- It has a long flight time (up to 40 minutes).
- It is a durable option for harsh farming conditions.
Cons
- These drones are too expensive.
Price Range: ₹15-20 lakh
Krishi Drone: A cost-effective option is the Krishi Drone, which can carry payloads of 5-10 liters. For effective pesticide or fertilizer distribution, it has multi-nozzle spraying systems, real-time monitoring, along with user-friendly controls.
Pros
- It is a perfect choice for small to medium-sized farms because it is more affordable.
- With a user-friendly interface, it is easy to operate.
- It comes with a compact design.
Cons
- It has a shorter battery life (~15 minutes).
- Due to its limited payload capacity, it is not a good fit for large farms.
Price Range: ₹1.5-2.5 lakh
Choosing the Best Agriculture Drone for Your Farm
Choosing the right agriculture drone can transform the way you manage your farm, from saving time to increasing efficiency. From the more budget-friendly to the more expensive ones, there are almost agricultural drones for every farmer to meet their needs. Before making a final selection, think about things like pricing, battery life, or payload capacity. The future of farming in India is so promising with the advancements of agricultural drones!
Author Details
Anil Gupta
University of Allahabad, India