Page 44 - IMDR Journal 2025

Research Article
equipped with multispectral cameras provide aerial imagery DATA ANALYSIS
that aids in
More farmers are showing interest in using drones for tasks
assessing crop health and identifying disease symptoms like crop spraying and monitoring. Drones help check crop
early. Farmers can carry out focused interventions thanks to health, water levels, and pest problems in real time.
the proactive decision-making made possible by this real- But still, many farmers are not ready to switch to drones. The
time data collection before crop damage escalates. biggest reason is the high upfront cost buying and
Rishikesavan et al. (2024) further highlighted the maintaining drones is expensive. Many also don’t have the
significance of drones precision farming, where their
capacity to perform spot spraying helps minimize excessive skills or support to use them effectively. Many farmers,
chemical use, ensuring both cost savings and environmental particularly small and medium- scale cultivators, find the
benefits. investment prohibitive. Even though drones can make a big
difference in farming, many farmers still don’t use them.
The advantages of precision spraying have also been widely One major reason is the lack of knowledge and training most
documented. Nithya et al. (2024) explained that drones farmers simply haven’t been taught how to operate drones.
significantly enhance spraying efficiency by covering large There aren’t enough training centers or support systems in
areas in a short period, making them more effective than place to bridge that gap.
traditional ground-based methods. This increased efficiency Government regulations add to the challenge. The rules
reduces labor costs and ensures uniform pesticide
application. Furthermore, drones contribute to about using drones in agriculture are often unclear or overly
environmental sustainability by reducing the overall complicated, which leaves farmers unsure about what
chemical footprint. Rishikesavan et al. (2024) argued that they’re allowed to do. This uncertainty makes many of them
precise pesticide and fertilizer application minimizes hesitant to try something new.
wastage and prevents excessive runoff, thereby mitigating On top of that, some farmers just don’t see the need. They’re
the negative ecological impacts associated with comfortable with their current ways of working and may not
conventional spraying techniques. Despite these promising fully understand how drones could make their jobs easier,
advantages, researchers have identified several challenges more efficient, or more profitable.
that hinder widespread drone adoption in agriculture. Nithya But for those who have used drones, the results are
et al. (2024) points out that limited battery life restricts encouraging. Drones are already starting to make a real
operational time, necessitating frequent recharging and difference in farming. Many farmers who’ve tried them say
reducing overall efficiency. Additionally, regulatory hurdles they’re getting better crop yields and that their day-to-day
remain a significant concern, with complex legal work has become smoother.
frameworks governing drone usage in many countries. One major benefit is how closely they can monitor crops. If
Guebsi et al. (2024) discusses the need for trained personnel, there’s a problem like pests or disease they can catch it early
emphasizing that the effective deployment of drones and act fast. Another big plus is targeted spraying. Instead of
requires technical expertise, which many farmers currently spraying an entire field, drones only treat the spots that need
lack. Why Government Support is Needed
it. This means fewer chemicals are used, which saves money
Farmers face many challenges in using drones especially the and helps protect the environment.
cost, lack of training, and unclear rules. This shows how Drones are expensive upfront, but many farmers feel the
important it is for the government to step in with better long-term benefits make it worth the price. They reduce the
policies. Support like training programs, easier rules, and need for manual labour, cut down on waste, and help avoid
financial help can make drones more accessible to farmers.
crop losses caused by unnoticed problems.
Research clearly shows that drones can change the way But some farmers are still unsure. They’re worried about the
farming is done. They can help farmers grow more, spend
ongoing costs, maintenance, and whether they’ll really get
less, and adopt sustainable methods. But for drones to be
enough value out of the technology. Short battery life is
widely used, we need to solve the current problems like another issue drones often need recharging or battery swaps
improving their performance, making batteries last longer, in the middle of a task, which slows things down. There’s
and simplifying the rules.
also the challenge of getting started. Without proper support
or guidance, many farmers feel unsure about how to use
drones effectively. But things could be different if the
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
government stepped in with stronger support. Most farmers
This research used a mix of methods: Surveys were done say they would be willing to use drones if there were
with farmers and other stakeholders to understand how subsidies, easier rules, and training programs to help them
drones are being used, what benefits they bring, and what learn. The key is making sure farmers feel supported not just
challenges people are facing. when buying drones, but throughout the learning process.
Government and industry reports were also used to support To make this work at scale, the government could
the findings.
● Offer financial help like subsidies or low-interest loans
The surveys show that drones help improve crop health
checks and reduce pesticide use. But they also show major ● Set up training programs that reach farmers even in small
roadblocks like high prices and lack of training or technical villages
know-how.

35