Growing food demand, limited resources, and climate change are some of the many issues facing modern agriculture. With a predicted gross output value of $440.80 billion in 2024 and an expected yearly increase of 7.91 per cent from 2024 to 2028, India ranks as one of the world’s leading producers of agricultural products. However, India has approximately 140 million hectares of cultivable land as per BMEL, India country report, 2016. Of this, 42 per cent of the country’s cultivable land falls in drought-prone areas/districts. Besides, 54 per cent of India’s net sown areas are reliant on rain, which increases susceptibility to unpredictable rainfall and drought. Additionally, total foodgrain production for 2023-24 was 309 million tonnes, a decline from the previous year’s 329.6 million tonnes, highlighting the urgent need for technological interventions to optimise crop management and yield.
The rise of drones in agriculture
From military applications to its present role as an essential agricultural tool, drone technology has gone through significant progress. Today, many kinds of drones, including fixed-wing and multi-rotor models, have been employed for pesticide spraying, planting, soil analysis, and aerial imaging. Based on studies conducted by the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) in India, applying pesticides with drones can decrease the volume of pesticides by at least 15 per cent, improving cost efficiency by approximately 23 per cent.
Data collection and analysis
Drones collect different kinds of data needed for modern farming, including multispectral imagery, thermal imaging, and real-time crop health monitoring. This data is further enhanced when integrated with other sources, such as weather forecasts and soil sensor readings. The role of big data and machine learning in analysing agricultural information cannot be overstated. For example, nitrogen management—one of the critical decisions during a cropping season—can be optimised using drone-collected data. Farmers can analyse nitrogen-deficient zones with multispectral cameras instead of manually scouting large fields, saving time and ensuring efficient fertiliser use.
Precision agriculture: Maximising efficiency and yield
Precision agriculture allows site-specific crop management with the use of drones and data analytics. This kind of approach has multiple benefits, such as requiring less water, using fertiliser less frequently, and improving yields. Real-time modifications to irrigation and fertilisation schedules can be made possible by data collection on soil moisture, temperature, pH, and nutrient levels obtained from IoT sensors installed in farmlands. In addition to increasing yields, this integration conserves resources, which is essential noting India’s concern about groundwater depletion. India is going to experience severe water shortages, according to the OECD Environmental Outlook 2050, which makes drones’ contribution to water usage optimisation even more significant.
Enhancing decision-making with real-time insights
Drones and data analytics empower farmers with real-time monitoring and decision support systems. Predictive analytics, powered by machine learning, can forecast yield potential, detect pest infestations early, and optimise harvesting schedules. The impact on farm management is significant—improving operational efficiency, reducing input waste, and increasing profitability. For instance, real-time data from drones can help farmers detect crop stress due to water deficiency, prompting timely irrigation to prevent losses.
Challenges and considerations
While there are still certain challenges to be solved, drones have the ability to fundamentally change Indian agriculture. Performance might be impacted by technical problems like short battery life and inaccurate data, requiring ongoing modifications. Concerns about regulations also arise; while the government has made drone use less complicated with the introduction of the Digital Sky Platform and the Drone Rules, 2021, further modifications are required to guarantee safe and efficient operations. Another significant factor is cost, especially among small farmers who could find drones excessively costly. However, government programs like the Kisan Drone Subsidy Programme aim to address this, offering up to ₹5 lakhs (50 per cent of the cost) for marginalised farmers, SC/ST farmers, and those from the northeastern states to purchase drones.
Future prospects
The future of drone technology in agriculture lies in its integration with AI and IoT. AI-driven analytics can improve precision in crop health assessments, while IoT connectivity allows real-time field monitoring. The Indian government is pushing for local drone manufacturing through initiatives like the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which allocates ₹120 crore to boost domestic production. Additionally, the Drone Shakti scheme is fostering innovation by supporting drone start-ups across various sectors.
Government initiatives supporting drone adoption
Through several programmes, the Indian government has enabled farmers’ access to drones. Farmers can buy drones with financial assistance from the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM). A total of 240 subsidized drones have been successfully delivered under the Kisan Drone Scheme, and 1,500 community drone centres are planned. Farmers can start using drones more easily because of the Drone Rules, 2021, which simplifies rules. The constraints on drone imports additionally boost domestic production, improving India’s independence in this area.
Farming is becoming smarter because of drones and data, which help farmers grow crops with greater efficiency, save time, and prevent waste. Given India’s severe food production issues and resource scarcity, it is more important to use these technologies. The government is helping through funding, improved regulations, and encouragement for innovative concepts. Making sure that all farmers, particularly small farmers, receive the necessary financial assistance and training should now be the main priority.
The author is Practice Head of Agritech at [x]cube LABS