Рrospects for the use of drones in agriculture

Abstract

Modern agriculture is undergoing a real transformation through the introduction of new technologies. One such innovation is the use of drones, which significantly simplify farm management processes and increase the efficiency of agribusiness.

Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have become indispensable assistants in the field of agribusiness. Thanks to their use, farmers can quickly receive important information about the condition of their fields. This allows them to quickly respond to changes and make informed decisions.

The use of drones in agriculture is becoming increasingly widespread. This is happening in proportion to the increase in the number of drones and the expansion of their functions. Drones perform monitoring, take aerial photographs, create 3D maps, sow seeds, apply fertilizers and chemicals, monitor crops and farm animals, and assist in irrigation.

The use of drones in almost every sector of the economy is growing rapidly, but the use of drones in the agricultural industry is growing at a high rate. The agricultural drone market is expected to grow from $1.2 billion in 2019 to $4.8 billion by 2025, according to some estimates. In the next few years, drone use will become more prevalent on farms large and small, from reconnaissance to security. The information collected by drones on farms is often used to make better agronomic decisions and is part of a system commonly referred to as “precision farming.” In many places, drones have already become an integral part of large-scale precision farming operations. Data collected by drones that record fields helps farmers plan planting and tilling for the best yields. Some reports indicate that the use of precision farming systems can increase yields by as much as 5%, a significant increase in an industry with typically low profit margins. The use of drones in agriculture not only increases efficiency and productivity, but also makes production more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Investment in such technologies is gradually becoming the standard of modern agribusiness, especially for those farms that seek to optimize resources and reduce costs.

Drones have great potential to transform agriculture in Ukraine and around the world. As technology advances in the future, drone production is expected to become cost-effective. The value of drones can encourage young people to work in the modern agricultural sector. The next agricultural revolution will be driven by drone data. Proper use of data can increase agricultural productivity without any negative consequences for the environment and at the same time improve farmers’ livelihoods. Therefore, drones can become a part of agriculture in the future, helping farmers better manage their fields and resources in a sustainable way.

In the primary production sector, high-tech drones allow operators to automate some processes, such as planting, livestock management, or crop spraying. These potential applications of drones open up a new branch of agricultural processes, sometimes called precision farming.

Without a doubt, drones are becoming an integral part of agribusiness. They open up new opportunities for farmers, making processes more transparent and manageable. Innovation in this area continues to develop, and we can expect drones to become even more advanced and accessible in the future.