Importance of Drone Technology in Indian Agriculture, Farming

The service sector is declared to be the most substantial contributor to India's GDP. Our country reigns the world as the most prominent producer of pulses, milk, rice, wheat, sugarcane, spices, etc. These also add generous value to the economy with their activities in the agrarian sector. The Indian agricultural sector contributes a tremendous 18% to India's GDP (Gross Domestic Product). It is considered the prime source of livelihood for approximately 58% of the country's population, mainly for rural areas. Indian agriculture sector, along with forestry and fishing, results in a Gross Added Value of around Rs 18.55 lakh crore (US$265.51 billion) as of 2019. The agricultural sector expands with parallel industries at a growth rate of 2.1% (2019-20).

Regardless of Indian agriculture's contribution to the GDP, our country is yet to enhance productivity and efficiency in the sector to reach the highest potential. Several dimensions and concerns need to be identified, supported, and equipped with resolutions. Unsuitable methods for monitoring crops, water irrigation, using pesticides, and many other necessary farming activities are currently adopted. Resources are inadequate, not allotted according to weather conditions, or have not been exploited to their maximum potential—a reason why there is often a decline in the Return on Investment (ROI).

These hindrances have granted multiple opportunities for growth and development in the world of technology. The influence of technology in the agricultural sector has been invariably positive since its commencement. As governments and businesses across the country recognized the significance of food security and the consequences of environmental degradation, pollution, and water scarcity, the urgency to overcome certain obstacles arose.

WHY ADOPT AGRICULTURAL DRONES?

Drone technology has received the greatest attention in the business due to its versatility and is seen as the agrarian community's future. They were first utilised by the military. When other industries learnt about the wide range of uses for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), they immediately welcomed them.

What role do drones play in Indian agriculture? Drones not only improve overall performance, but they also help farmers to overcome a variety of other obstacles and get several benefits from precision agriculture. UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) fill the void left by human mistake and inefficiency in traditional farming practises, with the market for agricultural drones reaching a whopping $1.3 billion. The goal of implementing drone technology is to eliminate any uncertainty or guesswork and instead focus on accurate and dependable data.

Weather, soil conditions, and temperature are all important aspects in agriculture. Agriculture drones enable farmers to adapt to individual circumstances and make thoughtful decisions as a result. Crop health, crop treatment, crop scouting, irrigation, field soil analysis, and crop damage assessments are all aided by the information gathered. The drone survey increases crop yields while reducing time and costs.

Experts predict that by 2050, the world's population would have reached 9 billion people. Agricultural consumption is also expected to rise by about 70% at the same time. Drone technology combining artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and remote sensing capabilities is becoming increasingly popular due to its benefits. With its online 'Digital Sky Platform,' the central government has acknowledged the importance of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), machine learning, and artificial intelligence. India's drone startups have taken advantage of the opportunity to improve their technological capabilities.