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Top Questions About Drones in Agriculture Answered

Aug 11, 2025

The world is evolving towards more efficient, precise, and sustainable farming practices. And when we think about this transformation, drones immediately come to mind.

Chances are you’ve already heard about drones and their potential in farming. But how exactly do drones fit into agriculture? What benefits do they offer? And are they truly worth the investment?

This blog will answer all your burning questions about agricultural drones. Whether you're interested in improving your irrigation systems, precision spraying, or getting insights into soil health, drones can make a big difference.

TL;DR

Starting a drone-as-a-service business in India is a profitable venture with strong demand, offering potential monthly earnings of ₹50,000-₹75,000 during peak season.
A variety of government subsidies (e.g., SMAM, Namo Drone Didi Yojana, AIF) are available to significantly reduce the cost of purchasing a drone and pilot training.
Drones improve efficiency by increasing crop yields (5-10%), reducing chemical use (20-30%), and saving water (90%) through precision spraying and data-driven farming.
Essential commercial drone features include large payload capacity and advanced sensors. Operators must comply with DGCA regulations, including drone registration and pilot certification.

Business Opportunities & Market Landscape

Q. How profitable is starting a drone-as-a-service business in India?

A. Starting a drone service is a promising venture with high demand from farmers who need the technology.

Your Investment: Plan to invest ₹10-15 lakhs for a single drone, which covers training, certification, and operational costs. You can significantly reduce this with government subsidies.
Your Revenue: A single drone sprays up to 25 acres per day. With per-acre charges of ₹300 to ₹600, you can earn a monthly income of ₹50,000-₹75,000 during peak season.
Scaling Your Business: Expand your services beyond spraying. Offer crop monitoring and soil analysis to create additional income streams.

Q. What are the common business models for agri-drone services?

A. You can choose from a few key business models to enter the market successfully.

Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs): This is the most popular model. You buy drones and rent them out to local farmers on a per-acre basis. This works particularly well in areas with large farms.
Franchise Model: Partner with a drone manufacturer to reduce your initial risk. They give you a drone, training, and marketing support in exchange for a franchise fee.
Integrated Solutions Provider: Offer a full-service package. Use drone data and operations to provide farmers with actionable insights and consulting, helping them make smarter decisions for their farms.

If you're looking for a simpler path, consider Leher’s drone partner program, which gives you a full suite of tools and support to start your business with minimal risk.

Q. How do drone partner programs help you start a business?

A. Many companies offer comprehensive partner programs that provide a complete solution for starting your own agri-drone business. For example, Leher.ag has a program that equips you with all the necessary tools and support to get started, making it a viable option for aspiring entrepreneurs.

The Complete Package: They give you a professional agricultural drone and the necessary training to operate it effectively.
Guaranteed Earnings: The program connects you directly with a network of farmers who need spraying services, ensuring you have a steady flow of business.
Business Support: You get help with securing financial support, like AIF loans and insurance. They also offer 24/7 technical support for operations, hardware, and software issues.
Digital Tools: You manage your business through a dedicated app, which helps with order management, scheduling, and route optimisation.

Q. What are the major challenges in adopting drones in India, and how can they be overcome?

A. You will face several challenges in widespread drone adoption, but you can overcome them with the right strategy.

High Initial Cost: Many farmers can't afford drones. You can solve this by promoting the Custom Hiring Centre (CHC) model and leveraging government subsidies.
Lack of Awareness: Farmers often don't know about the technology's benefits. Conduct educational workshops and demonstration projects to show them the value.
Shortage of Skilled Pilots: There is a need for a trained workforce. You can help by establishing more DGCA-approved training institutes and advocating for government support for training programs.

Q. How can a small farmer benefit from a drone service?

A. As a small farmer, you can still get the benefits of drones even if you can't buy one.

Affordable Technology: Access advanced drone technology by using drone-as-a-service providers and paying a small per-acre fee.
Increased Efficiency: A single drone can spray a 5-acre field in about 25 minutes, saving you hours of manual labour and reducing your exposure to chemicals.
Modern Farming: This makes modern agriculture accessible and affordable. Using a custom hiring model allows you to adopt new technology without the financial burden of ownership.

Drone Technology & Crop Applications

Q. Which crops are best suited for drone spraying in India?

A. Drones are most effective on crops that benefit from precision spraying across large areas or have dense canopies. You can focus your services on these key crops:

Paddy (Rice): Use drone spraying to ensure uniform application and prevent disease spread in the dense canopy.
Cotton: You can efficiently target bollworm infestations and other pests by spraying from a low altitude.
Sugarcane: Drones can penetrate the tall, dense canopy to deliver fertilisers and pesticides where manual spraying is difficult.
Soybean & Chilli: You can use drone spraying to significantly reduce labour costs and your own exposure to chemicals in these crops.

Q. What are the must-have features for a commercial-grade agricultural drone?

A. When you buy a drone for your business, look for these essential features.

Payload Capacity: A large tank of 10-25 litres is crucial. A larger tank covers more ground in a single flight, reducing downtime for refills.
Flight Time: You need a battery life of at least 15-20 minutes. Look for models with fast-charging or easily swappable batteries for maximum efficiency.
Advanced Sensors: Multispectral sensors are essential for analysing crop health via the NDVI (Normalised Difference Vegetation Index).
Automation: Non-negotiable features like GPS-based flight planning, obstacle avoidance, and terrain-following systems ensure your operations are safe, efficient, and accurate.

Need to find a drone with all these features? Leher provides professional-grade, DGCA-approved drones that come ready with everything you need for efficient operations.

Q. What are the different types of agricultural drones available and their uses?

A. There are three primary types of agricultural drones, each with unique strengths suited for different tasks.

Multi-rotor Drones: These are the most common type for spraying and localised treatments. Their ability to take off and land vertically (VTOL) and hover precisely makes them ideal for small, irregularly shaped fields or for targeting specific crop areas with high accuracy.
Fixed-wing Drones: Resembling small aeroplanes, these drones are better for large-scale, systematic data collection and mapping. They have longer flight times and can cover vast, open fields quickly, making them highly efficient for tasks like multispectral imaging for comprehensive crop health analysis. They are not typically used for spraying.
Hybrid Drones: These models combine the best of both worlds. They have the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability of multi-rotor drones and the long endurance of fixed-wing drones.

This versatility makes them suitable for both large-scale mapping and, in some configurations, spraying in areas that would be challenging for traditional fixed-wing models.

Also Read: Top Drone Companies in India 2025

Q. What are the different types of sensors used on agri-drones, and what do they do?

A. Agricultural drones use various sensors in modern agriculture to collect critical data. You need to understand how each one helps you.

Multispectral Sensors: These are the most important for creating a health map of your crops. They capture images in different light spectra to calculate the NDVI, which helps you identify crop stress, nutrient deficiencies, or pest infestations.
Thermal Sensors: These sensors detect heat signatures, revealing moisture levels and potential irrigation issues.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging): Use LiDAR to create high-resolution 3D maps of the terrain and crop height, which is useful for land surveying and preparing for efficient sowing.

Operational Efficiency & Sustainable Impact

Q. How do drones increase crop yields and reduce costs?

A. Using drones boosts your profitability by promoting efficiency and reducing waste.

Precision Spraying: Drones apply chemicals precisely where needed, reducing your pesticide and fertiliser use by 20-30%. This saves you money and minimises environmental impact.
Timely Intervention: Drones use sensors to detect crop stress or pests early, so you can take immediate action and prevent crop damage. This can lead to a 5-10% increase in your overall yield.
Labour and Time Savings: Drones cover a field in minutes that would take hours to spray manually. This dramatically reduces your labour costs and frees up your time for other tasks.

Q. How do drones improve water management and irrigation?

A. Drones significantly improve your water management by helping you understand your fields' hydration needs.

Detailed Maps: Using thermal and multispectral sensors, drones create detailed maps of your soil moisture levels.
Precision Irrigation: These maps highlight areas that are over-watered or under-watered, allowing you to adjust your irrigation systems with precision.
Water Conservation: This precision can lead to a 90% reduction in water usage for tasks like spraying. It also optimises irrigation schedules, ensuring every part of the field gets the right amount of water.

Q. How do drones contribute to sustainable agriculture?

A. Drones are a key tool for sustainable agriculture, helping you promote efficiency and reduce your environmental impact.

Reduced Chemical Use: By using precision spraying, you apply chemicals only where needed, leading to a 20-30% reduction in pesticide and fertiliser use. This lowers costs and minimises chemical runoff into local water bodies.
Improved Safety: Drones reduce the need for manual labour, which can be a safety risk when handling chemicals.
Informed Decisions: Their data-driven insights help you conserve water and optimise resource use, contributing to a more environmentally friendly farming practice overall.

Q. How can drones be used for crop insurance and damage assessment?

A. Drones are revolutionising crop insurance by providing a fast and accurate way to assess damage.

Fast Surveys: After a natural disaster, use drones with high-resolution cameras and multispectral sensors to quickly survey large areas and document the damage.
Unbiased Data: This provides unbiased, verifiable data, which speeds up the claims process and helps insurance companies make faster, more accurate payouts.
Crucial Support: This technology can reduce the time taken for damage assessment from weeks to just a few days, offering you crucial support during difficult times and building trust with your insurance providers.

Also Read: How Drones Are Revolutionising Agriculture Practices

Government Support & Regulations

Q. What government subsidies are available for purchasing agri-drones in India?

A. The Indian government has multiple schemes to promote drone adoption. You should check your eligibility as a farmer or an entrepreneur.

Sub-Mission on Agricultural mechanisation (SMAM): This scheme gives you financial assistance for a drone, with subsidies ranging from 40-80% of the cost.
Namo Drone Didi Yojana: A central scheme specifically for women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs), offering up to an 80% subsidy for a drone package.
Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF): This fund provides loans with a 3% interest subvention, significantly reducing the cost of borrowing for drone purchases.

Navigating the application process for these subsidies can be complicated. For assistance, explore Leher's partner program, which provides dedicated support to help you secure financial assistance like AIF loans.

Q. What are the legal requirements for operating a commercial agri-drone in India?

A. Operating a commercial agri-drone requires you to follow strict regulations from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Drone Registration: You must register your drone on the Digital Sky platform to receive a Unique Identification Number (UIN).
Pilot licence: You must get a Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) from a DGCA-approved training organisation. The training typically takes 5-10 days.
DGCA Approval: The drone model itself must be DGCA-approved to be eligible for subsidies and legal operation. Always purchase drones from a recognised, approved manufacturer.

Also Read: How to Obtain a Drone Flying Licence in India?

Q. What is the future of drone technology in Indian agriculture?

A. The future of drone technology in Indian agriculture is incredibly bright. You can expect to see several advancements.

Advanced Automation: Look for more advanced automation, with drones capable of fully autonomous missions from takeoff to landing, with minimal human intervention.
AI Integration: Integration with AI and machine learning will allow drones to analyse crop data in real-time and make on-the-spot decisions about spraying or nutrient application.
Widespread Adoption: The development of more affordable and efficient drones, coupled with greater government support, will lead to widespread adoption across the country.

Practical Operations & Real-World Examples

Q. What are the key safety and maintenance tips for drone operators?

A. You must prioritise safety and proper maintenance for a sustainable business.

Pre-Flight Checks: Always perform a pre-flight check to inspect your drone, including propellers, batteries, and the spray system, before every flight.
Maintenance Schedule: Adhere to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule, which includes regular cleaning and prompt repairs.
Weather Conditions: Do not operate drones in high winds, rain, or other adverse weather conditions. Always check the forecast before flying.
Insurance: Obtain comprehensive insurance for your drone and liability coverage for your business to protect against accidents or damage.

Q. What are the typical maintenance and servicing requirements for a drone?

A. Regular maintenance is vital for the longevity and safety of your agricultural drone.

Post-Flight Cleaning: After each flight, thoroughly clean your drone, especially the nozzle and spray tank, to prevent clogs.
Battery Care: Handle batteries with care. Store them at the recommended charge level and check them for swelling.
Propeller Inspection: Inspect propellers for cracks or damage and replace them if necessary.
Professional Service: Get a professional service check from the manufacturer every 3-6 months to calibrate sensors and ensure all components function correctly.

Q. How do real-world companies demonstrate the benefits of agri-drones?

A. Companies like Leher provide tangible proof of the benefits of agri-drones. They demonstrate how their platforms can provide a holistic solution to farmers. Their data shows remarkable efficiency gains: a single drone can spray up to 50 acres per day in just 5 minutes per acre, which is an 8x increase in productivity. They also report significant resource savings, including a 90% water saving and a 40% reduction in input costs, leading to an overall 20% cost saving.

Q. How does drone technology contribute to a data-driven farming approach?

A. Drones are the cornerstone of a data-driven farming approach, which is primarily known as precision agriculture.

Data Collection: You use drones to collect vast amounts of data, from multispectral images that show crop health to thermal maps that highlight irrigation issues.
Actionable Insights: You then analyse this data using software to generate detailed reports and actionable insights.
Informed Decisions: Use this information to create precise fertiliser and pesticide application maps, optimise irrigation schedules, and forecast yields more accurately. This proactive approach helps you make smarter decisions, increase efficiency, and boost your profitability.

Conclusion

Drones are offering innovative solutions that drive efficiency, sustainability, and precision in farming. From improving irrigation and precision spraying to enhancing soil analysis and crop monitoring, drones enable agri-entrepreneurs to make data-driven decisions that can significantly increase productivity and reduce costs.

The long-term financial benefits, including reduced chemical use and optimised resource allocation, make drones a wise investment. With supportive regulations and government initiatives promoting easy access and training, the adoption of drones in Indian agriculture is becoming more feasible.

As drone technology continues to evolve, the future looks bright, with advancements in AI, automation, and data integration set to revolutionise farming practices further. Investing in drones today positions you at the forefront of the agricultural technology revolution, making your farm more efficient, profitable, and sustainable in the long run.

Take Control of your Farm’s Future with Leher's Advanced Drone Solutions

Instead of spending hours on manual tasks like spraying and crop monitoring, let Leher's drones handle it. You can focus on the bigger picture, while drones take care of the repetitive, time-consuming work, optimising your farm’s resources and boosting your yields.

Save Time & Effort: Drones can cover up to 50 acres per hour, cutting down the time spent on manual labour by over 70%. Now you can get more done in less time, freeing you up to focus on strategic decisions that drive growth.
Maximise Your Profits: With precision spraying and soil analysis, Leher drones help you use resources more efficiently, reducing chemical and water usage by up to 40%. This means lower costs and a higher return on investment (ROI).
Increase Yields: Real-time monitoring and early detection of crop stress or nutrient deficiencies can lead to a potential 10-15% increase in yields.
Eco-Friendly Operations: By applying fertilisers and pesticides only where needed, drones minimise runoff and environmental damage. You’ll be able to implement more sustainable practices while lowering your ecological footprint.