Page 43 - IMDR Journal 2025

Research Article
DRONES FOR CROP MONITORING AND
PRECISION SPRAYING

1
Kedar Kulkarni , Saransh Saini 1

ABSTRACT
Traditional farming has been transformed using drones in agriculture practices, offering innovative solutions for crop
monitoring and precision spraying. This research explores the impact of drones on agricultural productivity, focusing on their
role in real-time data collection, disease detection, and optimized pesticide usage. The integration of AI and IoT with drone-
based agriculture also presents both opportunities and technical challenges that require further study. Research gaps persist
regarding the cost-effectiveness and return on investment (ROI) of drone-based agriculture, real-world performance data for
precision spraying, environmental impacts, regulatory challenges, and the integration of AI and IoT.
KEYWORDS Agriculture, Artificial Intelligence, IoT

INTRODUCTION improve the way they work.
Agriculture is undergoing a significant transformation with The idea is simple: drones can make life easier for farmers.
the adoption of emerging technologies aimed at improving With a drone, a farmer can spray fertilizers and pesticides
efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. Among these more evenly and quickly. Drones can also give a real-time
technologies, drones have gained considerable attention for look at crops and help create detailed maps of the land. This
their ability to enhance crop monitoring and precision saves time, cuts costs, and reduces harm to the environment.
spraying. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, Thanks to these schemes, more farmers are beginning to
multispectral sensors, and drones using AI-driven analytics shift from old-school methods to high-tech, smart farming.
offer real-time information on pest infestations, soil This change means better harvests, more income, and
conditions, and crop health. Farmers may maximize improved food security for everyone.
resource allocation, reduce environmental impact, and make Challenges: Even though drones sound great, most farmers
well-informed decisions thanks to this data-driven method.
still don’t use them. Because They’re expensive, They’re
On 15th August 2023, the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri tricky to operate,There are many rules and regulations And
Narendra Modi announced the launch of the “Namo Drone there are environmental worries, too.
Didi” Yojana, aimed at empowering women by guiding These barriers are stopping many farmers from making the
them into a sustainable business model that allows them to switch.
increase their income by more than Rs 1 lakh. The scheme
includes Training, Funding & Allocation, Financial This study tries to understand a few key questions:
Assistance, Implementation, and Loan Application. The ● Why is cost such a big problem for farmers when it comes
NDDY scheme will provide 80% funding up to Rs 8 lakh for to drones?
drone procurement. The remaining amount can be availed as
● What technical problems are farmers facing when using
a loan from AIF at a 3% subsidy. KISAN DRONE SCHEME
these machines?
– ‘AKASHDOOT’ is designed for purchasing new drones
along with equipment/accessories for agricultural uses, such ● Are government rules too strict or confusing for farmers?
as spraying pesticides, fertilizers, anti- locust spraying, ● Is using drones in farming actually good for the
mapping of farmlands, crop monitoring, soil and field environment in the long run?
analysis, planting, and irrigation.
Features include loans available up to 85% of the unit with a LITERATURE REVIEW
maximum repayment period of 5 years. For financing, up to
Rs 10 lakh, the turnaround is 7 business days; above Rs 10 Other studies show that drones can really help farmers work
lakh, it is 14 business days. The maximum quantum of better and more sustainably. Drones can collect real-time
finance is Rs 25 lakh per borrower. data, help use water and chemicals more carefully, and
reduce waste. They also take clear pictures of the land,
Bringing Technology to the Fields: The Namo Drone Didi helping farmers see what their crops need and where to
Yojana and Kisan Drone Scheme
focus. This means less guesswork and more accurate
The Namo Drone Didi Yojana and the Kisan Drone Scheme farming, which boosts productivity and helps protect nature.
(Akashdoot) are efforts by the Indian government to make
Several studies have emphasized the role of drones in crop
farming smarter and easier. These programs are all about monitoring. According to Barve et al. (2024), drones
helping farmers use modern tools—especially drones—to

Corresponding author: kedarrk.23@gmail.com
1
Institute of Management Development and Research, Pune
Cite this Paper :
Kedar, K., Saransh, S., (2025)
Drones for Crop Monitoring and Precision Spraying, JMDR
34