Manual pesticide spraying is time-consuming, labour-intensive, and often inaccurate. Farmers across India face rising input costs, labour shortages, and uneven spraying.
Drone technology is changing that. AI-powered drones with smart sensors and GPS systems now deliver precise spraying with far less effort and chemical waste.
Driven by this value, India’s agricultural drone market is expected to grow from USD 145.4 million in 2024 to USD 631.4 million by 2030.
This blog explores the core innovations behind this growth, the real-world challenges, and how drones are reshaping Indian agriculture on the ground.
Drones in Agriculture: How Their Role Has Changed
Drones were once seen as tools for photography or recreation. Their role in agriculture was limited, and most rural users saw them as too complex or expensive. But things have changed quickly over the past decade.
As the need for faster, safer, and more cost-effective spraying increased, drones began to prove their value on Indian farms.
They are now used to apply pesticides, map fields, assess crop health, and carry out spraying tasks that once took hours, within minutes. This shift has created new opportunities for farmers and rural drone entrepreneurs.
What enabled this change was not just growing interest. Drones had to become more stable, more accurate, and easier to operate. These needs pushed rapid improvements in design, sensors, and automation.
We’ll now look at the core advancements that have made today’s agricultural drones practical, powerful, and ready for widespread use across Indian farms.
Core Advancements in Drone Technology
The shift from basic drone models to agriculture-ready machines has been driven by significant technical progress.
These advancements have improved drone speed, safety, accuracy, and adaptability, making them highly effective for Indian farmers and drone entrepreneurs.
Today’s drones are not just flying sprayers. They are smart aerial systems built to optimise spraying, reduce costs, and improve input efficiency across different terrains and crops.
Here are the core innovations transforming drone spraying operations across Indian farms:
AI-Powered Autonomy
Onboard AI now allows drones to plan optimal spray paths, adjust droplet volume in real time, and avoid obstacles mid-flight. These systems also detect coverage gaps and correct them instantly, improving spray precision and reducing chemical overuse.
BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight)
With DGCA-backed BVLOS capabilities, drones can now spray across large fields without being in the operator’s line of sight.
This means operators can manage wide-acre spraying safely from a distance, which is ideal for plantations, hilly terrain, and remote areas.
Swarming and Multi-Drone Coordination
Swarm-ready drones communicate with each other to divide spraying zones, synchronise coverage, and avoid overlap. This saves time and manpower when servicing large areas, making drone operations scalable for agri-service providers.
Higher Payload and Longer Flight Time
Drones like Leher’s can carry a 10-litre tank and spray up to 50 acres per day. With improved batteries and faster recharge cycles (as low as 45 minutes), drone entrepreneurs can complete more orders in a single day with minimal downtime.
5G and Edge Computing Integration
Connected drones with edge processors now support live monitoring, real-time decision-making, and remote operation even in low-connectivity regions.
Farmers can track spraying in progress, receive reports, and flag issues instantly via the Leher app and WhatsApp flows.
Advanced Imaging and Sensing Systems
Modern drones come equipped with NDVI, multispectral, and LiDAR sensors. These detect early signs of pest outbreaks, water stress, or nutrient deficiency, enabling farmers to take corrective action before crop loss occurs.
Failsafe Systems and Redundancy Protocols
Today’s drones include critical safety features, such as return-to-home functionality in the event of low battery, auto-landing in emergencies, obstacle avoidance, and secure flight logs. These controls ensure safe spraying without risk of hardware loss or damage in the field.
These advancements make drones far more than just a replacement for manual labour. They offer reliable, repeatable, and intelligent spraying solutions that suit the operational needs of Indian farms.
With each improvement, drones are becoming easier to use, safer to deploy, and more valuable to both farmers and service providers.
Also Read: New Technology in Agriculture: Top Trends and Benefits
India’s Big Push for Agricultural Drone Adoption
India is no longer just a beneficiary of global drone innovation; it is becoming a key driver. From government policy to grassroots training, the country is building a strong foundation for drone adoption tailored to its own farming needs.
These advancements are improving access and making drones a practical tool for everyday agricultural operations.
Here’s how India is accelerating its drone journey:
Progressive Policy and Incentives Support Widespread Adoption
Drone Rules 2021 streamlined permissions, reduced compliance burden, and introduced single-window clearances. This simplifies drone ownership and operation for individuals and businesses.
The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme earmarked money to support Indian drone manufacturers. This enables the creation of drones tailored to Indian farm sizes and input needs.
Targeted Subsidy Programs Make Drones Affordable
Under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM), farmers, FPOs, and cooperatives receive subsidies on drone purchases and training, depending on category.
The Namo Drone Didi scheme empowers rural women by providing up to 80% subsidy for women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs). These SHGs can then earn by offering drone spraying services in their communities.
Startups and OEMs Are Building India-Ready Drones
Indian agri-drone companies, such as Leher, are developing UAVs specifically tailored for Indian crop types, terrains, and weather conditions. While some focus on manufacturing, Leher specialises in field deployment and rural accessibility, ensuring drone tech reaches the farmer where it matters most.
These are among the cheapest drones in India, priced at just ₹4.5 lakh plus GST. Built for Indian farms, they also integrate with local service and repair networks, ensuring minimal downtime and greater confidence among rural users.
Training and Skilling Lay the Ground for Sustainable Growth
Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) are conducting field demonstrations and drone pilot training sessions across rural districts.
Programs like the Leher Drone Partner Program provide rural entrepreneurs with hands-on experience, operational support, and direct market access, turning technology adoption into a viable livelihood path.
India’s drone success story is being built on a robust ecosystem that connects manufacturers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and farmers.
As access widens and training deepens, Indian agriculture is poised to benefit not just from using drone technology but also from shaping its future.
Common Challenges to Drone Adoption and How to Overcome Them
While drone technology is reshaping Indian agriculture, its full adoption still faces several real-world challenges. These challenges are especially critical for smallholder farmers, first-time entrepreneurs, and agri-service providers operating in rural areas.
Fortunately, many of these barriers have practical, field-tested solutions, especially when supported by platforms like Leher.
Complex Regulatory Approvals and Flight Permissions
Navigating India’s drone policies can be confusing for first-time users. Getting approvals for autonomous or Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations involves multiple steps, which may delay field-level use.
Solution:
Register drones via the Digital Sky platform using official SOPs.
Leher supports pre-approved spray routes and manages backend drone licensing as part of its onboarding bundle.
Farmers and drone partners can focus on operations while Leher handles compliance.
Poor Network Connectivity in Remote Villages
Many farming regions suffer from weak internet or patchy GPS coverage, especially during peak hours or in hilly terrains. This affects remote drone monitoring and real-time adjustments.
Solution:
Leher’s drone systems support offline flight planning and auto-upload flight logs once connectivity is restored.
The use of edge-computing devices enables real-time decisions without requiring constant cloud access.
Future expansion includes coordinating with telecom providers to increase rural signal strength in key areas where drones operate.
High Initial Cost of Equipment and Upgrades
Fully equipped spray drones can cost ₹5–8 lakh or more, depending on sensors, batteries, and payload specs. For most smallholders or first-time entrepreneurs, this upfront investment is a barrier.
Solution:
Leher offers leasing, EMIs, and shared ownership. Drone partners deployed on large plantations earn steady income through work guarantees. Top partners earn over ₹1 lakh per month, often recouping their investment within a year while establishing a stable livelihood.
Rural franchisees can earn income without needing to buy drones outright.
Government subsidy schemes, such as SMAM or Namo Drone Didi, can be applied for directly via Leher’s support team.
Limited Technical Skills and Confidence
Flying drones, calibrating sprayers, or analysing spray data requires training. Many farmers and rural youth hesitate to adopt new tech due to a lack of digital confidence.
Solution:
The Leher Drone Partner Program provides hands-on training, certification, and flight scheduling support via mobile apps.
Farmers can also book drone spraying directly through Leher’s app or helpline, skipping the need to operate drones themselves.
Concerns Around Data Privacy and Usage
Farmers are often unsure about who owns their field data and how it might be used. Unfamiliar AI dashboards or unfamiliar digital interfaces can lead to mistrust.
Solution:
Leher ensures full data encryption and farmer ownership of spray data.
Real-time dashboards simplify insights and only share mapped data with farmer consent.
Spray reports help build trust by providing clear visuals of what was sprayed, when it was sprayed, and how much was sprayed.
Bringing drones into Indian agriculture marks a significant shift in the country's agricultural mindset.
Want to overcome these barriers and adopt drone spraying on your farm? Join Leher’s Drone Partner Program or book a spray via the Leher App (Google Play, Apple Store) today to get started with smarter, faster, and more profitable farming.
What the Future Holds for Drone Technology in Indian Agriculture?
As drone adoption grows, the next wave of innovation will go beyond spraying and imaging. These upgrades will make drones smarter, more autonomous, and more valuable to Indian farmers and rural drone entrepreneurs.
Here’s a look at the major advancements expected over the next few years and how they will shape the future of farming in India:
Integrated AI and IoT Networks
Drone technology will increasingly connect with smart sensors placed in the field. These ground-level IoT devices will monitor crop conditions, soil moisture, and weather conditions in real-time.
What this means for farmers:
Drones will automatically adjust spray volume based on crop stress or pest alerts.
AI will help forecast ideal spraying times, improving coverage and reducing waste.
Leher’s platform could integrate these data points to deliver fully optimised spray schedules.
Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) Business Models
Instead of owning drones, farmers will subscribe to services from certified operators. These annual or seasonal drone plans will include everything, including equipment, pilot support, and spray reports.
Why this matters:
No capital investment is required from Drone Entrepreneurs
Local drone entrepreneurs earn recurring income by managing operations.
Leher’s franchisees / Leher Partners are already moving towards this service-first model.
Swarm Robotics for Disaster Response
Multiple drones will fly together to cover larger areas, especially useful during emergencies. These coordinated swarms can scan flood-hit zones, detect crop loss, or even deliver aid during locust outbreaks or landslides.
Potential applications:
Agro-climatic resilience in high-risk regions.
Faster recovery from weather disruptions through damage mapping.
Real-time coordination between drones and rescue teams.
Satellite-Guided Drone Missions
Satellites will provide macro-level data, such as crop growth stages or disease hotspots. Drones will then fly to these exact locations to perform targeted spraying, imaging, or sampling with meter-level accuracy.
This two-layer system brings:
Higher efficiency in detecting and treating early-stage infestations.
Reduced chemical use by focusing only on problem zones.
Seamless integration with Leher’s Spray Management System dashboards.
Eco-Restoration and Environmental Services
Beyond farms, drones will help reforest land, restore degraded soil, and monitor biodiversity in rural ecosystems.
Key developments include:
Drones are planting seeds or saplings across large areas.
Thermal imaging to track animal movements or illegal deforestation.
Supporting rural climate missions with automated field data.
The next chapter in drone technology is about becoming more intelligent, efficient, and integrated into real-world farm operations. With the convergence of AI, IoT, and service models, drone-based agriculture is poised to become more sustainable, affordable, and resilient.
Leher is well-positioned to help Indian farmers and drone entrepreneurs tap into this future, one smart spray at a time.
Also Read: Precision Agriculture Definition: Benefits, Techniques
How Leher Is Delivering Real Impact Through Drone Technology?
Leher is transforming Indian agriculture by turning cutting-edge drone advancements into practical, on-ground results for farmers and rural entrepreneurs.
With a mission to make spraying faster, safer, and more cost-effective, Leher combines smart technology with a farmer-first model.
Here’s how Leher creates real impact:
Proven Scale and Reach: Leher has already sprayed over 35,000 acres across India, partnering with 2,200+ drone operators to serve smallholder farmers, cooperatives, and estates.
Fast and Efficient Spraying: Each drone can spray up to 50 acres a day, with a 10-litre tank, 22-minute flight time, and 45-minute recharge. Spraying takes minutes, not hours.
Lower Chemical Use, Better Results: Farmers using Leher’s drones report up to 75% less chemical residue and 30–50% yield improvements, especially in crops like tea, rubber, and horticulture.
Easy Access Through Mobile Booking: Farmers can book services through the Leher app, WhatsApp, or a centralised call system. Trained, DGCA-certified pilots handle the spraying, and payment is collected only after the job is complete.
Support for Drone Entrepreneurs: Leher empowers rural youth to become drone service providers. Its partner program includes training, financial assistance, and an app to manage daily operations, orders, and payments.
Data-Backed Decision-Making: Every spray is logged through Leher’s Spray Management System. Farmers receive GPS flight paths, chemical usage logs, and auto-generated reports to support subsidy applications and planning.
Leher is building a smart, inclusive agri-tech ecosystem.
Ready to get started?
Download the Leher App to book a spray or join our pilot training program today.
Let’s take your farm forward one smart spray at a time.
FAQs
Q. How do drone advancements impact smallholder farmers differently than large-scale farms?
A. Advanced drone systems offer scalable benefits, but smallholder farmers gain the most from efficiency boosts and cost reduction. Precise spraying helps reduce input waste, while service-based access models make technology adoption affordable without the need for ownership.
Q. Are drones suitable for spraying in hilly or uneven terrains?
A. Yes. Modern drones equipped with AI-guided flight and terrain-adaptive spraying capabilities can navigate slopes and uneven terrain. This is especially useful in tea estates, rubber plantations, and orchards, where traditional equipment struggles to maintain uniform coverage.
Q. Can drones help farmers outside of spraying, such as in crop planning or disease prediction?
A. Absolutely. Equipped with multispectral sensors and imaging tools, drones can monitor plant health, detect stress symptoms early, and generate field insights. This data supports better input timing, targeted interventions, and long-term yield planning.
Q. What role do drone startups play in advancing agri-tech in India?
A. Indian drone startups are developing UAVs tailored to the specific needs of Indian crops, weather conditions, and budgets. They’re also creating service platforms, pilot networks, and financing options to support widespread use. Startups like Leher bridge the gap between innovation and on-ground adoption.
Q. How can a farmer decide between owning a drone vs using drone spraying as a service?
A. Ownership offers control but involves higher upfront cost, maintenance, and pilot training. Service-based models, like Leher’s, are ideal for those who want access to advanced spraying without the operational complexity or capital investment.
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