AGRICULTURE SPRAYING DRONES – PART 1

TRADITIONAL SPRAYING METHODS

Before drones became part of agriculture, farmers relied on traditional spraying techniques to protect their crops. Here are the three most common methods:

• Backpack Sprayer – A tank carried on the farmer’s back with a hand-held nozzle. It’s low-cost and useful for small farms, but it’s slow, tiring, and exposes the farmer to chemicals.

• Power Sprayer – A motorized pump connected to a hose and spray gun. It covers more area than a backpack sprayer and requires less effort, but it still needs manpower and fuel to run.

• Tractor-Mounted Sprayer – Large tanks and boom arms attached to a tractor. This method is efficient for big fields, but it’s expensive, heavy on fuel, and not suitable for all types of terrain.

These methods have served farmers for decades, but they come with limitations in cost, safety, and efficiency.

PROBLEMS & CHALLENGES WITH TRADITIONAL SPRAYING

Traditional spraying methods, while effective in their time, present several limitations that affect efficiency, sustainability, and farmer well-being:

• Excessive Use of Chemicals – Sprayers often release more pesticides or fertilizers than necessary. This not only increases input costs but also harms soil health, contaminates water sources, and reduces long-term productivity.

• Time-Consuming Operations – Manual spraying and even tractor-based methods take considerable time, especially in large fields. Delays in application often reduce the effectiveness of crop protection.

• Health Risks for Farmers – Operators are directly exposed to chemicals through inhalation and skin contact. Over time, this exposure can lead to chronic health problems such as respiratory issues and skin disorders.

• Uneven Coverage – Traditional methods struggle with precision. Some areas receive excess spray while others remain untreated, resulting in uneven crop protection and inconsistent yields.

• Labour Shortage – Spraying is labour-intensive, and the shortage of agricultural workers in many regions has made it increasingly difficult and costly to manage spraying operations.

HOW DRONES ARE HELPFUL

At SKYX Aerospace, we take pride in being the first company in Coimbatore to receive DGCA (Govt. of India) Type Certification for agricultural drones. Our flagship model, the SKYX KISAAN ULTRA, is a Type Certified Drone, ensuring compliance, reliability, and safety for farmers adopting drone-based spraying solutions.

Spraying drones are emerging as a powerful alternative to traditional methods. They address many of the long-standing challenges faced by farmers.

• Reduced Spraying Time – Drones can cover several acres in a fraction of the time compared to manual or tractor-based methods, making spraying faster and more efficient. For Example – the SKYX KISAAN Drones is designed to cover 1 acre in just 5–7 minutes, giving farmers the ability to protect their crops quickly and efficiently during critical spraying windows.

• Minimal Labour Requirement – Only two people are needed — one to operate the drone and another to assist with refilling changing batteries and for any help in navigating.

• Even and Accurate Coverage – With GPS guidance and automated spray nozzles, drones ensure uniform application, minimizing wastage and improving crop protection.

• Larger Area Coverage per Day – Depending on the drone model and terrain, farmers can cover dozens of acres per day, far surpassing traditional methods. For eg: the SKYX KISAAN 10Series of Drones can generally cover an area of 20 to 25 Acres of Spraying per day in an ideal farmland.

• Day and Night Operation – Equipped with lights and automated systems, drones can be operated in both daylight and night time conditions, offering flexibility in critical spraying windows.
• Adoption of Technology – Using drones helps farmers embrace precision agriculture, reduce chemical usage, lower health risks, and move toward smarter, more sustainable farming practices.

HOW TO TRAIN TO OPERATE A DRONE

Spraying drones are advanced agricultural tools, and like any technology, they need the right training to ensure safe and efficient use. At SKYX, we provide structured hands-on training programs so farmers and operators can confidently manage drone operations in their fields.

1. Training Through SKYX Authorised RPTOs – We have a network of Remote Pilot Training Organisations (RPIOs)authorised by SKYX. These instructors are experienced professionals who are certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and they can guide participants through every step of operating a spraying drone — from pre-flight checks to spraying techniques, maintenance routines, and safe handling practices.

2. Direct Training with SKYX Aerospace – For farmers and agri-entrepreneurs who prefer to train with us directly, SKYX Aerospace offers in-house training sessions. These programs focus on real-world practice, allowing participants to operate the SKYX KISAAN Drones under expert supervision. Farmers gain confidence in tasks like route planning, automated spraying, refilling procedures, and troubleshooting.

Note: It’s important to note that this training is intended for practical skill development only. Participants will not be issued an official drone certificate/license, but they will leave with hands-on experience and the know-how to use drones effectively in their own fields.

HOW DOES THE GOVERNMENT HELP FARMERS BUY DRONES?

To encourage the use of agricultural drones, the Government of India provides financial support under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) scheme. Individual farmers can receive a 40% subsidy on the purchase cost of drones. For small and marginal farmers and for Agricultural Graduates the support is higher at 50% subsidy (up to ₹5 lakh). To promote collective ownership and wider usage, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are eligible for a 75% subsidy(up to ₹7.5 lakh). These measures are designed to reduce the financial burden and help farmers adopt modern spraying technology more easily.

Several states are actively supporting drone adoption with added subsidies and local initiatives:

• Bihar: Offers up to 60% subsidyon drones and provides training programs to farmers for safe handling.

• Andhra Pradesh: Extends 80% subsidy for FPOs and has launched the AP Drone Mart portalto connect farmers with drone services.

• Uttar Pradesh:Started pilot projects in selected districts to spray pesticides and nano urea through drones under state Agri schemes.

• Madhya Pradesh & Maharashtra: Supporting Agri graduates and entrepreneurs in setting up Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs)for drone services.

These state-level measures, combined with central subsidies, are helping farmers adopt drones faster and integrate them into everyday farming practices.

HOW TO BUY A DRONE

Farmers who are ready to adopt drone technology have two main options:

• Direct Purchase from SKYX Aerospace – Farmers can buy the SKYX KISSAN Dronedirectly from us. This ensures access to genuine products, hands-on training, and after-sales support tailored for agricultural use.

• Through Other Authorized Dealers – Drones are also available from other licensed manufacturers and dealers approved under government schemes. However, it’s important to ensure the dealer is authorized and provides proper training and support.

This brings us to the end of Part 1. I hope this first part on agricultural drones has been useful for you. In Part 2, we will explore SKYX drones the technical specifications of the variants and how they can be used effectively in the field.