Future of Drone Technology in Indian Agriculture: Enhancing Efficiency and Sustainability

The agricultural sector, in India, often described as the backbone of the nation is facing a range of challenges such as a shortage of resources and unpredictable weather conditions. Conventional farming practices have shortcomings that impede progress and efficiency prompting the need for approaches to improve them. In these circumstances, science holds the solution leading to the emergence of advanced methods like drone technology. While drones have long been utilized by farmers, their integration into agriculture is still at an early stage. By leveraging drone capabilities India's agriculture sector has the potential to overcome limitations and achieve levels of innovation and prosperity. This blog explores the opportunities presented by drone technology in farming.

Challenges plaguing Indian agriculture

Indian agriculture is facing a lot of challenges that are hindering its full potential. These include land fragmentation, where farmland gets divided into smaller plots which is making it harder for farmers to use it efficiently. Outdated farming methods are also problematic because they are less effective and efficient than newer techniques.

Land fragmentation: A patchwork of challenges in Indian agriculture

Land fragmentation is the issue of agricultural land being divided into small parcels, making it difficult for Indian farmers. In India, 86% of farms fall under the 'marginal' or 'small' categories, each with more than two hectares (about five acres) of land, according to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO). This fragmentation has ranging effects on productivity and profitability. Let us delve deeper into the hurdles it brings.

• Challenges with Economies of Scale: Farmers are not being able to take advantage of economies of scale due to the small size of their farms. Advanced technologies and the premium cost of machinery are becoming barriers for farmers, limiting their adoption, and reducing their productivity gains.
• Issues with Efficient Irrigation: Installing irrigation systems such as drip irrigation requires land areas. With holdings scattered across locations, implementing these systems becomes challenging and costly, leading to inefficient water usage and wastage.
• Increased Dependence on Scarce Labor: The limited mechanization which necessitates the reliance on manual labour always affects agricultural labour availability and affordability. As the rural population moves to urban areas for better opportunities, the shortage of agricultural labour is a growing concern, thus continuing to impact farm productivity and profitability. Nevertheless, there are ways to use drone technology to help overcome some limitations associated with fragmented land ownership.

A reluctance to sow the seeds of change: Traditional methods hold back

In the quest for a harvest, Indian agriculture frequently remains anchored in its historical roots. The heavy dependence on age farming methods within disadvantaged communities poses a significant obstacle to advancement. These traditional approaches typically entail the distribution of water and fertilizers across fields, neglecting the requirements of various crops or soil types. Such practices result in over usage and play a role in water mismanagement and soil deterioration.

A looming environmental crisis: Can we sustainably sow and reap?

Indian agriculture is at a critical point, and it needs to choose between producing more food and taking care of the environment. Farming practices have been so intense that they have harmed nature a lot for years. This is a big problem because it threatens the very foundation of farming in India. Let us explore the specific environmental issues causing trouble for Indian agriculture.

Water scarcity: The issue of water scarcity is a challenge in India and its agricultural sector, which consumes a sizeable portion of the freshwater supply. Approximately 80% of freshwater supply is consumed by the agricultural sector as reported by the World Bank. This has resulted into declining water levels nationwide. According to a report from the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) in 2023, more than 3% of groundwater units in India are classified as 'critical' indicating a worrisome depletion trend.

Taking flight: how drone technology can revolutionize Indian agriculture

Drone technology overview and its applications.

Drones, in other words, unmanned aerial vehicles, are computerized flying vehicles run by themselves. GPS makes for an easy-to-follow route as well as can be managed through a remote operator. The use of drones for data collection has been made possible and even more effective, due to the breakthrough in sensor technology. Such drones can mount sensors like spectral cameras, thermal imaging units and LiDAR systems to collect intricate and detailed information about the crops and fields. The drones in the agricultural field came with a wide-ranging and comprehensive array of applications such as farming actions. A few notable benefits are listed below.

Reaping the rewards: Benefits of drone technology in agriculture

Drone technology, if incorporated into Indian farming, is potentially advantageous in several ways. For example, it can increase productivity, boost efficiency, and promote sustainability. Among the main benefits are enumerated below.

Taking inspiration: Global success stories in drone-powered agriculture

The potential of drone technology in farming is not just a theoretical concept. The following are some encouraging cases from different parts of the world.

• Boosted irrigation in America: In California's Central Valley, farmers use drones fitted with imaging cameras to determine and measure soil moisture levels. This allows for irrigation, thus saving water every year.
• Fighting fall armyworm infestation in Africa: The damaging fall armyworm endangers agriculture. Nations like Malawi use UAVs to monitor regions and apply specific biopesticides to control the numbers and protect vegetation.
• Boosting yields in Japan: Japanese rice farmers use drones for early disease detection and targeted fertilizer application. This approach has resulted in significant yield increases and improved rice quality.

Drone adoption in India: Soaring potential, navigating challenges

Drone technology in Indian agriculture is a story of immense potential that is taking its first tentative steps. While the possibilities are vast, the current state of adoption reveals a nascent market grappling with challenges and navigating changes.

A glimpse into the current state

The Indian drone market for agriculture is in its initial stages but shows promising growth. A snapshot of the current scenario is depicted below.

Government Initiatives

• Production linked incentive (PLI) scheme: This scheme offers a considerable financial push of Rs. 120 crore (US$ 14.39 million) to incentivise domestic drone manufacturing and reduce import reliance.
• Sub-mission on agricultural mechanization (SMAM): This initiative provides financial aid to farmers who purchase drones, making this technology more accessible.
• Kisan drone scheme: Over 240 subsidized Kisan drones have been provided to farmers, and plans are underway to set up more than 1,500 Kisan drone community health centres (CHCs). These efforts aim to empower farmers with technology to enhance productivity and sustainability in agriculture.
• Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship
  • Drone shakti scheme: The Drone shakti scheme supports startups in leveraging drone technology across sectors, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and positioning India as a hub for innovative drone advancements.
• Streamlining regulations and infrastructure
  • The drone rules, 2021: These regulations streamline procedures and foster a favourable environment for stakeholders throughout the drone industry.
  • Digital sky platform: The Digital sky platform manages drone airspace efficiently. It eases the process of obtaining permits and approvals.
• Encouraging local manufacturing
  • Restrictions on drone imports: Strategic limitations on drone imports, with exceptions for specific categories, encourage domestic manufacturing and bolster India's self-reliance in this sector.

Challenges that hinder take off.

Despite developments, the widespread adoption of drone technology faces obstacles.

• Regulatory landscape: While regulations have been relaxed, some restrictions remain, such as the requirement for specific clearances for operating drones in certain areas. This can create difficulties for farmers, especially in remote locations.
• Cost factor: High-quality drones equipped with advanced sensors can be expensive for small and marginal farmers, who form the backbone of Indian agriculture. Subsidy schemes like those offered under SMAM can help bridge this gap, but wider accessibility remains challenging.
• Limited awareness: Many farmers in rural regions are not well informed about the advantages and functions of drone technology in farming. Closing this knowledge gap is essential for acceptance.

Future of drones in agriculture: A glance at technological marvels

The agricultural drone industry is poised for a revolution driven by innovative technological advancements. Some of the future possibilities are mentioned below.

The Indian government is enhancing the drone industry's growth through initiatives like PLI scheme by fostering self-reliance and innovation. While the Drone Shakti Scheme nurtures startups, it simplifies processes through streamlined regulations under the Drone Rules, 2021. Skill development programs are training farmers to use drones. Safety features and unmanned traffic management (UTM) systems will advance while integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into them, and battery technology will enable drones with long flight duration and operational flexibility. Farmers obtain a bird's eye view using cameras and drone sensors, which helps identify issues early, and precision spraying reduces environmental impacts and input costs. Automation of field mapping or crop health monitoring with them improves efficiency, especially in remote areas where they can be used.

AI analysis of data collected from drones can improve predictions on yield and enhance risk management approaches. All stakeholders need to work together. The government needs to invest in R&D, streamlining regulations, and promoting subsidy schemes. The industry must develop cost-effective drones along with training programs. There is a need for modern technologies among farmers who should also participate in trainings. Collaborative research between institutions, manufacturers, and extension services would help address the challenges faced by farmers. By harnessing drones' transformative power through collaboration, Indian agriculture can achieve greater efficiency, sustainability, and food security, benefiting farmers and consumers.