DJI Agriculture, a leading innovator in agricultural drone technology, has released its Agriculture Drone Industry Insight Report for 2023/2024, spotlighting a significant surge in the global agricultural drone market. The report reveals that by June 2024, agricultural drones had treated over 500 million hectares of farmland worldwide, leading to a reduction of 210 million metric tons of water usage and 47,000 metric tons of pesticides. Additionally, agricultural drones have contributed to a substantial decrease in carbon emissions, equivalent to the carbon sequestration provided by 1.2 billion trees.
According to Yuan Zhang, Head of Global Sales at DJI Agriculture, the company aims to enhance farmland management efficiency through digital solutions and intelligent drones, with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability. The report demonstrates the widespread adoption of agricultural drones and smart farming techniques by governments and farmers worldwide to improve food production scientifically and sustainably.
The report also notes a trend towards liberalizing regulations in several countries. In Brazil, the ANAC has simplified requirements to just drone registration and pilot licensing. In the US, the FAA has published an approval list of agricultural drones for use with exemptions, while China allows manufacturers to train drone pilots. These regulatory advancements are expected to further expand the use of agricultural drones, benefiting farmers globally.
In terms of best practices, the report offers valuable guidance on personnel training, drone technology, agricultural applications, and integrating agronomy with drone operations. These insights are designed to help farmers implement more professional and efficient agricultural practices.
Technological advancements are also highlighted, particularly the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) for precise data processing and decision-making, and improved sensor technology for precision agriculture. These innovations have enhanced efficiency and reduced costs for farmers.
The report includes numerous tests and case studies from 2023, showcasing practical applications of drone technology. These include drifting tests for the Agras T50 and T25 models in various countries, management of a navel orange orchard in China, herbicide application in Mexico, targeted weed spraying in Australia, pesticide spraying in Thailand, and ripener spraying on sugarcane farms in South Africa. Each case study demonstrates significant resource savings and efficiency improvements.
DJI Agriculture's report underscores the progress and potential of the agricultural drone industry. The report sets the stage for future advancements in agricultural technology, promising a greener, smarter, and more efficient future for farming.
