Farming has always been a challenge, with unpredictable weather, rising costs, and the pressure to improve yields year after year. 

But what if there were a way to tackle these issues with smarter, more efficient methods? 

Traditional farming can only take you so far, and the time to embrace innovation is now.

Drones are changing the way farmers work, offering solutions that save time, reduce costs, and improve crop health, while being better for the environment.

In this blog, we’ll dive into how the use of drones in agriculture is revolutionising farming practices, making them more sustainable and future-ready.

The Role of Drones in Modern Agriculture

The use of drones in agriculture is revolutionising farming practices, offering solutions that enhance efficiency, increase yields, and promote sustainability. In India, the agriculture drone market is experiencing significant growth. 

According to Grand View Research, the market generated a revenue of USD 145.4 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 631.4 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 28.1% from 2025 to 2030.

Drones equipped with advanced sensors and imaging technologies enable farmers to monitor crop health, assess soil conditions, and apply inputs with precision. This results in optimized resource utilization, lower input costs, and enhanced crop yields. 

For instance, drones can identify areas requiring irrigation or fertilization, allowing for targeted interventions that enhance productivity.

Recognizing the potential of drone technology, the Indian government has implemented several schemes to promote its adoption among farmers:

• Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM): This scheme provides financial assistance to farmers for purchasing agricultural machinery, including drones. Under SMAM, farmers can receive subsidies ranging from 40% to 75% of the cost of drones, depending on their category and location.

• NaMo Drone Didi Scheme: Launched to empower women in rural areas, this initiative aims to provide drones to women's self-help groups (SHGs). Under the scheme, the government offers an 80% subsidy on the cost of drones, up to ₹8 lakh per unit. 

• Farmer Welfare Ministry Subsidy in Haryana: The Farmer Welfare Ministry will launch a subsidy program in Haryana, focused on state-level support. These subsidies have yet to be announced for most states, with each state having its process and approach to distributing subsidies.

Additionally, SHG members receive training to operate drones, enabling them to offer Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) to local farmers. 

Precision Spraying with Drones

One of the key advantages of using drones in agriculture is the ability to perform precision spraying. 

Precision spraying involves applying pesticides, fertilisers, and other agricultural inputs only where they are needed, instead of spraying large amounts over the entire field. 

This targeted approach has several benefits, particularly for large landholdings.

1. Water Savings: Drone spraying can reduce water usage by up to 90% compared to traditional methods. This significant reduction is crucial in water-scarce regions, promoting sustainable farming practices.

2. Input Savings: By applying pesticides and fertilizers precisely where needed, drones can decrease input costs by approximately 40%, leading to more efficient resource utilization.

3. Cost Savings: Farmers have reported overall cost reductions of about 20% due to the efficiency and precision of drone spraying, making it a cost-effective alternative to manual methods.

4. Increased Productivity: Leher's drones can cover up to 50 acres per day, significantly enhancing spraying efficiency and enabling farmers to manage larger areas with less effort.

These numbers show just how much drone technology can change the way you manage your farm. If you’re ready to work smarter and make every drop and input count, Leher’s precision drone spraying services are here to help you get started with ease and confidence.

Crop Monitoring

While precision spraying is one of the most common uses of drones in agriculture, drones can also play a vital role in crop monitoring. 

With drones, you can gather real-time data on the condition of your crops, enabling you to make more informed decisions.

1. Early Pest and Disease Detection: Drones are equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal sensors that can detect changes in crop health.
   
   This allows you to spot potential pest infestations or disease outbreaks before they become widespread. Early intervention is key to preventing significant damage, and drones help you stay one step ahead.

2. Health Monitoring: Drones can capture detailed images of your crops, enabling you to monitor factors such as plant stress, water usage, and nutrient deficiencies. Identifying these issues early allows you to take corrective action before they affect crop yield.

3. Efficient Use of Resources: Continuous monitoring of your crops with drones helps you understand exactly where your plants need attention, whether it’s water, nutrients, or pest control. This data-driven approach ensures that resources are used efficiently, saving you time, money, and effort.

Using drones for crop monitoring enables better-informed decisions, resulting in healthier crops and a more sustainable farming operation.

Increased Efficiency and Cost Reduction

The fascinating thing about drones is that they offer efficiency, precision, and accuracy. Drones help reduce the time and effort spent on crop monitoring, spraying, and data collection.

1. Labour Savings: Traditional farming methods require a lot of manpower, particularly when monitoring crops or applying pesticides. Drones can cover large areas in a fraction of the time it would take to do it manually. This reduces the need for labour, saving you time and money.

2. Quick Data Collection: Drones can capture data on your entire farm in just a few minutes, compared to days or even weeks of manual inspection. This quick turnaround enables you to respond to issues more quickly, thereby improving your farm’s overall productivity.

3. Improved Yield: Drones monitor crop health and apply precise treatments to maximise yield. They provide the care crops need, resulting in healthier plants and higher-quality produce.

The use of drones in agriculture streamlines operations, increases efficiency, and reduces costs, making them invaluable tools for large landholding farmers looking to boost profitability.

Also read: How Can Fertiliser Spraying Drones Help You Save Money in Agriculture? 

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Sustainability is becoming more important than ever in agriculture. Drones are playing a key role in promoting eco-friendly farming practices by reducing chemical use, water, and labour requirements.

1. Reduced Chemical Use: Drones target only the areas that require spraying, helping to minimise the use of pesticides and fertilisers. This approach reduces your farm’s overall environmental impact and supports healthier ecosystems.

2. Water Conservation: Drones help in reducing water wastage by applying the right amount of water exactly where it’s needed. This is crucial in areas with water scarcity, as it helps conserve this valuable resource.

3. Soil Health: Drones reduce the need for excessive chemicals, helping protect soil health. Healthier soil means better crop yields over time, as it retains nutrients and moisture more effectively.

Using drones in agriculture helps reduce the environmental impact of traditional methods by minimising the use of unnecessary chemicals and waste. 

So, you’re not just protecting your farm’s health, you’re also doing your part for the planet. It’s a simple way to farm smarter and greener simultaneously.

The Future of Drones in Agriculture

As drone technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more exciting developments in the agricultural sector. From advanced sensors to AI-powered drones, the potential for drones to further revolutionise farming is limitless.

1. AI Integration: AI-powered drones could further enhance their ability to detect crop diseases, predict pest movements, and optimise resource usage. The future of drones in agriculture is not just about data collection but also about intelligent decision-making.

2. Automation: The automation of tasks such as spraying, irrigation, and crop monitoring will continue to make farming more efficient. With the right setup, drones could handle entire fields autonomously, reducing the need for human intervention.

3. Global Impact: As India works to increase agricultural productivity, drones in agriculture will play a crucial role in bridging the productivity gap with countries like the US and China. India has a massive potential to make strides towards more efficient and sustainable farming practices on a large scale.

Revolutionise Your Farming with Leher’s Drone Services

What if you could save time, cut costs, and grow healthier crops—all with the help of a drone? 

Leher’s Drone-as-a-Service makes it possible. 

It’s the smart, affordable solution for farmers who want to do more with less effort. No big investments, no hassle—just faster, more efficient farming.

Whether you’re a farmer looking to improve crop care, a drone pilot starting a new business, or a company seeking scalable solutions, Leher is here to help.

Here’s how Leher makes farming easier:

• Precision Spraying: Apply pesticides and fertilizers only where they’re needed—reducing waste and improving crop health.

• Save Time: Cover up to 50 acres a day—what used to take hours, now takes minutes.

• Cut Costs: Save 20% on pesticides, fertilizers, and water with precise drone spraying.

• Easy Booking: Book services through the Leher app or WhatsApp—track progress and make payments easily.

• Drone Sales & Leasing: Get the right drone for your farm size and budget, plus full support and training.

• Drone Partner Program: Become a certified drone operator, get financial support, and connect with farmers needing services.

• Support & Training: Ongoing help to ensure you’re using your drones to their full potential.

Ready to change the game?

Don’t let your farm fall behind. "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." 

Download the Leher app today: Play Store II Apple Store. 

Book, Spray, Pay—it's that simple.