Drone News

Drone Spraying Reduces Water Usage from 500L to 55L per Hectare!

Posted by

Pradipta V Mukherjee

July 18, 2025

On July 18, 2025

Drones have been used to great effect in crop cultivation in Karnataka, marking a significant advancement in agricultural innovation. A ground-breaking study by the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bengaluru, has shown notable increases in yield and efficiency.

Over the course of a two-year project, which was internally funded by UAS and ran from 2023 to 2025, the use of drones in agrochemical application was assessed. The effects of drone-assisted farming on finger millet (ragi) and pigeon pea (tur dal) were thoroughly evaluated during tests conducted in ten districts in southern Karnataka, including Bengaluru, Kolar, Hassan, and Mandya.

A standard operating procedure (SOP) designed especially for these crops has been validated for the first time. The SOP, which was created under the direction of Chief Scientist Mudalagiriyappa from UAS’s dryland agriculture project, included precise definitions of parameters like spray height, application timing, water volume, and chemical types.

Water conservation is one of the study’s major accomplishments. The amount of water needed per hectare decreased significantly—from 500 liters to just 55 liters—when drone technology took the place of manual spraying techniques. This indicates that the amount of water used for agrochemical applications has decreased by almost 90%.

There were also reports of increases in crop yields: tur dal production improved by 10% and ragi production increased by about 5%. Multiple crop varieties and controlled field plots with varying soil and climate conditions were used to measure these gains. With careful nozzle selection and height adjustments suited to various crop stages, spray drift and lodging problems were also resolved.

The growing lack of farm labor in rural areas has fueled the move to drone technology, according to SV Suresha, vice-chancellor of UAS. Drones are turning out to be a very successful mechanization solution as more people move from rural to urban areas.

BA Anand of the Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering added to the discussion by pointing out that the SOP created by UAS is different from the Center’s current policies. Following comparative testing of the equipment, localized calibration of the nozzle height and discharge rates was done to ensure better performance tailored to local agricultural needs.

At each study site, six 25 square meter plots were used for the trials, and buffer zones were set up to stop chemical drift and cross-contamination. The effects of farming methods on the environment were taken into account in addition to yield and efficiency. It is anticipated that using drones will greatly lessen the exposure of both humans and animals to dangerous agrochemicals.

Karnataka puts itself at the forefront of agri-tech innovation in India with this research. The results of this study could potentially serve as a model for technology-driven and sustainable agriculture across the country as drone integration spreads throughout the state.

Pradipta V Mukherjee

CEO, Mavdrones

Pradipta V Mukherjee is the visionary CEO of Mavdrones & Drone Pathshala, driving innovation and growth in the drone industry. With a passion for advanced technology, he leads the company's strategic direction, ensuring Mavdrones stays at the forefront of drone solutions. Under his leadership, Mavdrones has achieved remarkable success, including winning the 'Best Innovation and Technology in Drone Industry' award from ASSOCHAM. Pradipta is committed to revolutionizing the industry through advanced UAV technology, fostering a culture of excellence and forward-thinking within the organization.