A Study on Drones Role in Modernizing Indian Agriculture

INTRODUCTION
Growing crops is a beautiful activity which makes a farmer proud of himself, for he has
created a new life. Despite its beauty though, crop production requires varying farm activities
and constant maintenance to provide a high and healthy yield. By 2050 world population is
expected to reach 9.7 billion (approx.) and we must increase our production to 70% to feed
the population. Right now, more than 828 million people in the world are hungry and more
than half of them are in the Asia continent. Consequently, in the coming years food
production requires a boost of nearly 100%. Use of drones is the latest technology which has
been introduced and can help in achieving the aim. Drones also known as unmanned aerial
vehicles (UAV) are generally remote-controlled aircraft with no pilots on board. They fly
over the fields at low altitude and capture whole data. They are the rapidly evolving &
replacing satellites and aircrafts. They can capture high quality images at cheap prices which
satellites cannot do. They generally run on battery or fuel. They are being used in various
fields including military. agriculture, film industry, humanitarian relief etc. Drones have
initiated a technological revolution in the agriculture sector. They can gather large amounts of
spatial data. The use of drones in agriculture is rising in crop production, early warning,
forestry, fisheries etc. They are so efficient that they can gather whole soil data without even
touching the soil. Drones these days are equipped with modern technologies like navigation,
controls, imaging, sensing etc.
They are also being used for predictive forecasts of pests and diseases, spraying fertilizers
and pesticides. However, with the advancement of technology they are also being used in the
whole production process from land preparation to harvesting. Depending on the crop type
and growth stage, it's estimated that early pest detection can reduce yield loss by up to 20-
40%. Therefore, farmers need to put all their effort into constant crop monitoring. Instead of
walking down the field, today farmers can use technology to monitor their crops faster and
more accurately. such as drones. Drone technology is an innovation that continues to have
far-reaching effects across today's society, transforming our lives and the way we do
business. High-tech drones allow farmers to increase efficiency in certain aspects of the
farming process such as from crop monitoring to planting, livestock management, crop
spraying, irrigation and mapping. This approach to farming is based on observing, measuring
and acting based on real-time crop. It erases the need for guesswork in modern farming and
provides farmers the ability to maximize yields and enhance crop production. In recent years
the cost of agriculture drones has rapidly declined, which has led to the explosion of drones
and use in agriculture. In fact, the agricultural drone market is expected to grow over 48% in
coming years. There are multiple uses for agricultural drones, including:
 Scouting land and crop.
 Monitoring overall crop health.
 Checking for weeds and spot treating plants.
 Managing livestock and monitoring for health issues.
Drones are equipped with technology like propulsion systems, infrared cameras, GPS and
navigation systems, programmable controllers and automated flight planning. Plus, with
custom-made data processing software any collected information can instantly be use towards
better management decisions.

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY:

This study underscores the urgency of modernizing Indian agriculture to cope with the
impending challenges of a burgeoning global population and the effects of climate change
India's historical reliance on traditional farming practices is no longer sufficient to ensure
food security and economic stability. Drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
(UAVs), have emerged as a promising solution to these challenges. With their advanced
imaging technology, drones enable real-time, high-resolution monitoring of agricultural
fields, offering insights into crop health, potential pest infestations, and resource
management. This data-driven approach empowers farmers to make informed decisions,
optimizing crop yield and resource utilization.
Nevertheless, the integration of drones into Indian agriculture presents its own set of
challenges. Regulatory hurdles, privacy concerns, the need for specialized training, and initial
investment costs are factors that must be considered. This study aims to explore the
transformative potential of drone technology, considering its applications, benefits, and
challenges in the context of Indian agriculture. By evaluating the current state of adoption
and the evolving regulatory landscape, this research seeks to shed light on the pivotal role
drones can play in ushering Indian agriculture into a new era of efficiency, productivity, and
sustainability.
RATIONALE OF THE STUDY:
This study is grounded in the pressing need to address the myriad challenges that currently
confront Indian agriculture. As a cornerstone of the nation's economy, agriculture employs a
substantial portion of the population and plays a pivotal role in contributing to India's GDP.
However, the sector grapples with a host of persistent issues, including stagnating yields,
inefficient resource utilization, and an increased vulnerability to the impacts of climate
change.
With the global population projected to reach a staggering 9.7 billion by 2050, the imperative
of ensuring food security and bolstering agricultural productivity becomes more pronounced
than ever before. Climate change-induced disruptions, such as erratic rainfall patterns and
extreme weather events, demand adaptive strategies. Drones, by providing real-time data for
precision agriculture, have emerged as a transformative technology capable of aiding farmers
in their quest for resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.
Furthermore, agriculture is inherently resource-intensive, making the optimization of
resource use a critical imperative for long-term sustainability. Drones offer the potential to
facilitate precise irrigation, reduce chemical usage, and enhance land management practices,
thereby contributing to the conservation of vital resources.
In addition, the timely detection of pests and diseases is crucial to minimizing crop losses and
ensuring optimal yields. Drones equipped with advanced imaging technology can play a
pivotal role in early detection and targeted interventions, thereby reducing the need for
chemical treatments, minimizing environmental impact, and improving crop health.
The rapid evolution and increasing affordability of drone technology make it increasingly
accessible to farmers across India. However, the effective integration of drones into farming
practices necessitates a comprehensive understanding of their applications, benefits, and
challenges. By shedding light on these aspects, this study aims to provide valuable insights to
stakeholders involved in shaping the future of Indian agriculture. Ultimately, it seeks to
contribute to the sector's growth, resilience, and sustainability, making it a matter of
paramount importance for India's agricultural landscape.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES:
 To study the level of awareness among Indian farmers regarding the benefits and
potential applications of drone-based crop spraying and monitoring services.
 To study and analyze drone-based competition in the market.
  To formulate and assess innovative technologies and methodologies aimed at
increasing the performance and safety of drone-based services.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS:
 What is the level of awareness and adoption of drone technology among Indian
farmers?
 What are the key challenges and opportunities associated with drone integration in
 Indian agriculture with reference to market competitors?
 What are innovative technologies and methodologies for enhancing the efficiency,
effectiveness, and safety of drone-based crop spraying and monitoring services?
 What are the policy recommendations to support drone integration in agriculture and
accelerate its adoption by Indian farmers?

REVIEW OF LITERATURE:
 Darwish, Moustafa, and El-Shafie (2023) concentrate on the applications of drone
technology in agriculture, offering a comprehensive overview of its potential
contributions to the sector. They discuss how drones can play a pivotal role in early
pest and disease detection, reducing the reliance on chemical treatments and
enhancing crop health. The authors highlight the importance of data-driven decision-
making in modern agriculture and the transformative potential of drone technology in
optimizing agricultural practices.
 Ali, Khan, and Saleem (2022) present a comprehensive review highlighting the
multifaceted role of drones in promoting sustainability in agriculture. They discuss
how drones can aid in resource-efficient practices, early detection of pests and
diseases, and overall crop health management. The authors underscore the potential
economic and environmental benefits of drone technology, making it an essential tool
for modern agriculture.
 Ghazali, Azmin, and Wan Rahiman (2022) present a survey of drone implementation
in precision agriculture, providing insights into the status and prospects of this
technology. Their analysis spans the various applications of drones in agriculture and
examines their potential impact on farming practices. The authors highlight the
evolving role of drones in optimizing resource use and improving overall efficiency in
agriculture.
 Agrawal, Sarkar, and Singh (2021) provide a comprehensive review of drone
technology in agriculture, highlighting its diverse applications in precision agriculture
for sustainable crop production. They emphasize the potential of drones to offer real-
time, high-resolution monitoring of agricultural fields, providing valuable insights
into crop health, pest infestations, and resource management. The review underscores
the transformative potential of drone technology in optimizing crop yields and
resource utilization.
 Hussain and Kumar (2021) explore the role of drone technology in precision
agriculture, providing a comprehensive review. They discuss the applications of
drones in agriculture and their potential to revolutionize farming practices. The review
highlights the importance of real-time data collection and its impact on crop
monitoring,resource management, and overall efficiency in agriculture.
 Rejeb, Rejeb, Abdollahi, Treblmaier, and Escolà (2021) conducted a comprehensive
review and bibliometric analysis of drone technology applications in agriculture.
Their study delves into various aspects of drone technology's role in agriculture,
including precision farming, remote sensing, and data analytics. They highlight the
growing importance of drones as tools for optimizing agricultural practices, reducing
environmental impact, and improving resource management. Additionally, their
bibliometric analysis provides insights into the research trends and the evolving
landscape of drone technology in agriculture.
 Chaurasia and Dubey (2020) offer an in-depth review of drone-based precision
agriculture, focusing on its diverse applications and benefits. Their analysis covers the
spectrum of how drones can enhance crop monitoring, improve land management,
and optimize resource utilization. The authors emphasize the real-time data collection
capabilities of drones and highlight their potential to revolutionize farming practices.
 Gupta and Tiwari (2020) offer an insightful exploration of the potential of drone
technology in Indian agriculture. They discuss the diverse applications of drones and
their transformative impact on the sector. The review emphasizes how drones can
enhance crop monitoring, resource management, and overall agricultural practices.
The authors position drones as pivotal tools for modernizing Indian agriculture and
improving efficiency.
 Ahmad and Ghani (2019) delve into the challenges and opportunities associated with
the integration of drone technology in Indian agriculture. Their review examines the
 regulatory hurdles, privacy concerns, need for specialized training, and initial
investment costs that farmers and stakeholders may face. The authors emphasize the
potential impact of drones on the agricultural sector and discuss how overcoming
these challenges can lead to improved efficiency and productivity.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Source of Data:
 Primary Data: Data is collected via telephonic surveys with farmers, structured into
four sections covering basic information, awareness of drones, usage of drone
services, and reference data from non-users.
 Secondary Data: Secondary data is comprised of a literature review on drone
technology in agriculture, regulatory documents, and policies governing drone use in
the research area.

RESEARCH DESIGN

Study area: Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu

Sampling technique:
Convenient sampling technique and Snowball sampling technique.

Sample size:
Consumers: 100

Sample unit: Farmers, Agricultural Experts, Drone Service Providers

Tools for Data Collection & Analysis:

Survey Questionnaires for collecting the data and micro-soft excel, SPSS (Statistical Package
for the Social Sciences) and descriptive analytics will be used for data analysis.
EXPECTED OUTCOME:
 Increased awareness among Indian farmers about the benefits of drone-based
agriculture services.
 Insights into the competitive landscape of drone services in Indian agriculture.
 Increased awareness among Indian farmers about the benefits of drone-based
agriculture services.
 Insights into the competitive landscape of drone services in Indian agriculture.
 Identification of innovative technologies for more efficient drone-based crop services.
 Formulation of policy recommendations to support drone integration in agriculture.
 Improved farming practices, leading to increased crop yields and sustainability.
 Potential economic benefits, including cost savings and increased income for farmers.
 Positive environmental impact through reduced chemical usage and improved crop
health.
 Empowerment of farmers with data-driven decision-making capabilities.
 Identification of future research areas in agriculture and drone technology.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
 Agrawal, S., Sarkar, S., & Singh, A. K. (2021). A review on applications of drone
technology in precision agriculture for sustainable crop production. Environmental
Sustainability, 2(2), 301-317.
 Ahmad, A., & Ghani, M. (2019). Challenges and opportunities of drone technology in
Indian agriculture. International Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology,
10(2), 55-64.
 Ali, S., Khan, M. R., & Saleem, S. (2022). Role of drones in sustainable agriculture: A
comprehensive review. Sustainability, 14(2), 1170.
 Chaurasia, M., & Dubey, R. P. (2020). Drone-based precision agriculture: A review.
Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing, 48(8), 1185-1206.
 Darwish, A. A. M., Moustafa, G. M. A., & EI-Shafie, A. (2023). Applications of drone
technology in agriculture: A review. Agriculture, 13(1), 105.
 Ghazali, M. H. M., Azmin, A., & Wan Rahiman, W. (2022). Drone implementation in
precision agriculture - A survey. International Journal of Emerging Technology and
Advanced Engineering, 12(4), 67-77.
 Gupta, P., & Tiwari, P. K. (2020). Potential of drone technology in Indian agriculture.
In Proceedings of the National Conference on Recent Innovations in Agricultural
Engineering (pp. 63-68).
 Hussain, S. A., & Kumar, G. (2021). Role of drone technology in precision
agriculture: A review. Journal of the Saudi Society of Agricultural Sciences, 20(1), 1-
13.
 Rejeb, A., Rejeb, K., Abdollahi, A., Treblmaier, H., & Escolà, A. (2021). Drones in
agriculture: A review and bibliometric analysis. Science of the Total Environment,
794, 148569.
 Singh, S. K., & Singh, S. (2022). Role of drone technology in agriculture. Indian
Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 92(1), 1-11.
 Tiwari, P. K., Gupta, P., & Singh, R. (2021). Challenges and opportunities for drone
technology applications in Indian agriculture. Current Agriculture Research
Journal,10(1), 1-11.