A Study On Adoption Of Drone Technology Used By Farmers For Spraying, Predictive Forecasting

Of Pest And Disease Incidence

(Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Post Graduate Diploma in Management
(PGDM))

Agribusiness and Plantation Management (ABPM)

by

Manjunath Saginala
(PGDMABPM20-34)
_______________________
Submitted to,
Dr. Ganeshkumar C.

Professor- (Decision Sciences & Operation Management)

Indian Institute of Plantation Management, Bengaluru
_____________________

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF PLANTATION MANAGEMENT, BENGALURU

(An Autonomous Organization of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry

– Govt. Of India)

Jnana Bharati Campus,

Malathalli ,Bengaluru

560056

APRIL 2022.
 Indian Institute of Plantation Management, Bengaluru

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the winter project report titled “A Study On Adoption Of Drone Technology Used By
Farmers For Spraying, Predictive Forecasting Of Pest And Disease Incidence” by Mr.Manjunath
Saginala (PGDMABPM20-34) submitted in partial fulfilment of PGDM 2020-22 is an original work and no
part has been submitted or published for the award of any degree or diploma.

Comments by the Examiner:

Signature of the Examiner:

Date:

Name of Faculty
Dr .Ganesh Kumar.C
Professor(Decision sciences & operations
management)
Indian Institute of Plantation Management, Bengaluru
 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that Mr. Manjunath Saginala (PGDMABPM20-34), Post Graduate Diploma in
Management (Agribusiness and Plantation Management) student of Indian Institute of Plantation Management
(IIPM), Bengaluru has successfully completed his/her academic research-thesis titled “A Study On Adoption
Of Drone Technology Used By Farmers For Spraying, Predictive Forecasting Of Pest And Disease
Incidence” in our organization .

Date: Mr . Manjunath Saginala

Place: IIPM, Bengaluru (PGDMABPM20-34)
 DECLARATION

I hereby declare that the thesis report entitled “A Study On Adoption Of Drone Technology Used By
Farmers For Spraying, Predictive Forecasting Of Pest And Disease Incidence” submitted for the partial
fulfilment of the requirements of Post Graduate Diploma in Management Agribusiness and Plantation
Management) of Indian Institute of Plantation Management (IIPM), Bengaluru is my original work and not
submitted in partial or full for award of any other degree, diploma, fellowship or similar titles.

Date: Mr. Manjunath Saginala

Place: IIPM, Bengaluru (PGDMABPM20-34)
 Table of contents

Chapter No Chapter title Page no

Executive summary
List of figures
List of tables
1 1.1 Introduction 8
1.2 The best agricultural drones in the market
1.3 Some of the major companies in this sector
2 2.1 Review of literature 11
2.2 Objectives
2.3 Indicators and variables
3 3.1 Research methodology 12
3.2 Research design
3.3 Research methods
3.4 Sampling technique
3.5 Required sampling technique

4 Data analysis and interpretation 14

5 Findings 32

6 Recommendations 36

7 Drone flying restrictions in India 37

8 Reference 37
9 Annexure 38
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1- Sample Size Of 100 Farmers Using Drone Technology From Various States In India 14
Figure 2- Crops Grown By Farmers In Uttar Pradesh 15
Figure 3- Crops Grown By Farmers In AP, TS And TP States 15
Figure-4-Major Pest Found In Up. 17
Figure-5-Major Pests Found In AP,TS,TN 17
Figure-6-Major Diseases Found In The Up 18
Figure-7-Major Diseases Found In AP,TS,TN 18
Figure-8-Percentage Distribution Of Farmers According To Land Cultivated In Up 19
Figure-9- Percentage Distribution Of Farmers According To Land Cultivated In AP,TS,TN 19
Figure-10- Farmer Distribution On The Basis Of Knowledge About Advantages Of Drones In 20
AP,TS,TN
Figure-11- Farmer Distribution On The Basis Of Knowledge About Advantages Of Drones In 20
UP
Figure-12- Farmer Distribution On The Basis Of Frequency Of Requirement Of The Service In 21
Up
Figure-13- Farmer Distribution On The Basis Of Frequency Of Requirement Of The Service In 21
AP,TS,TN
Figure-14- Distribution Of Farmers On Price Levels That Are Chosen For Service In Up 22
Figure-15- Distribution Of Farmers On Price Levels That Are Chosen For Service In 22
AP,TS,TN
Figure-16- Distribution Of Farmers Using Different Measures For Prediction In Up 23
Figure-17- Distribution Of Farmers Using Different Measures For Prediction In AP,TS,TN 23
Figure-18- Distribution By The Ways The Company Reach The Farmer In Up 24
Figure-19- Distribution By The Ways The Company Reach The Farmer In AP,TS,TN 24
Figure-20- Farmers Distribution Based On The Channels That Influence Them To Use The 25
Service In Up
Figure-21- Farmers Distribution Based On The Channels That Influence Them To Use The 26
Service In AP,TS,TN
Figure-22- Farmer Distribution On The Basis Of Experience With The Service Of The 27
Company In Up
Figure-23- Farmer Distribution On The Basis Of Experience With The Service Of The 27
Company In AP,TS,TN
Figure-24- Farmer Distribution On The Increment Of Yield After Joining Company’s Service 28
In Up
Figure-24- Farmer’s Rating On The Basis Of Quality Of Service Provided By Respective 29
Company In Up
Figure-25- Farmer Count On The Basis Of Cost Reduction In Different Commodities In Up 29
Figure-26- Farmer Count On The Basis Of Cost Reduction In Different Commodities In 30
AP,TS,TN
 Figure-29- Farmer’s Rating On The Basis Of Quality Of Service Provided By Respective 30
Company In Up
Figure-30- Farmer’s Rating On The Basis Of Quality Of Service Provided By Respective 31
Company In AP,TS,TN
Figure-31-Status Of Tabled-4 Companies Work On Drone Predictive Analysis 35
Figure-32-Service Charges For Drone Spraying 36

List of tables

Table-1 List Of Major Pest And Diseases In Crops Grown By Farmers 18

Table-2 Lead Companies Providing Service On Predictive Forecast… 35
Table-3 Companies Providing UAV’ 36
Table-4 Various companies providing the drone service 37
 Executive Summary
The research is conducted on the topic “A study on adoption of drone technology used by farmers for
spraying, predictive forecasting of pest and disease incidence”. The aim of the project is to understand
competitive analysis and apt strategies to enter the aerial imaging and advisory service segment. Knowing the
perception of farmers regarding the drone used in predictive pest & disease analysis gives us insight about the
exact status of drone technology in the minds of farmers and can formulate the strategies based on the various
players offering drone service to the farmers. These insights are very much helpful for understanding what can
be done further to penetrate drone technology into Indian agriculture. It enhances scope for more development.
Then, virtual survey, which provides practical and the real picture of the farmers (Both drone users & non
users) – if they use or not for predictive forecast and identification of pest and disease incidence, whether they
rely on the recommendations provided by the various sources or not and most importantly, how best the drone
service available in the market, whether farmers can afford for it.

Chapter-1

1.1 Introduction:
Growing crops is a beautiful activity which makes a farmer proud of himself, for he has created a new life.
Despite its beauty though, crop production requires varying farm activities and constant maintenance in order
to provide a high and healthy yield. By 2050 world population will rise to 9 billion (approx.) and we have to
increase our production to 50% to feed the population. Right now, more than 815 million people in the world
are hungry and more than half of them are in the Asia continent. Consequently, in the coming years food
production requires a boost of nearly 70 to 80%. Use of drones is the latest technology which has been
introduced and can help in achieving the aim. Drones also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are
generally remote-controlled aircraft with no pilots on board. They fly over the fields at low altitude and capture
whole data. They are the rapidly evolving & replacing satellites and aircrafts. They can capture high quality
images at cheap prices which satellites cannot do. They generally run on battery or fuel. They are being used
in various fields including military, agriculture, film industry, humanitarian relief etc. Drones have initiated a
technological revolution in the agriculture sector. They can gather large amounts of spatial data. The use of
drones in agriculture is rising in crop production, early warning, forestry, fisheries etc. They are so efficient
that they can gather whole soil data without even touching the soil. Drones these days are equipped with
modern technologies like navigation, controls, imaging, sensing etc. They are also being used for predictive
forecasts of pests and diseases, spraying fertilizers and pesticides. However, with the advancement of
technology they are also being used in the whole production process from land preparation to harvesting.
Depending on the crop type and growth stage, it's estimated that early pest detection can reduce yield loss by
up to 20-40%.Therefore, farmers need to put all of their effort into constant crop monitoring. Instead of
walking down the field, today farmers can use technology to monitor their crops faster and more
accurately, such as drones.
Drone technology is an innovation that continues to have far-reaching effects across today’s society,
transforming our lives and the way we do business. High-tech drones allow farmers to increase efficiency in
certain aspects of the farming process such as from crop monitoring to planting, livestock management, crop
spraying, irrigation and mapping. This approach to farming is based on observing, measuring and taking action
based on real-time crop. It erases the need for guesswork in modern farming and provides farmers the ability
to maximize yields and enhance crop production. In recent years the cost of agriculture drones has rapidly
declined, which has led to the explosion of drones and use in agriculture. In fact, the agricultural drone market
is expected to grow over 38% in coming years. There are multiple uses for agricultural drones, including:

● Scouting land and crop

● Monitoring overall crop health
● Checking for weeds and spot treating plants
● Managing livestock and monitoring for health issues

Drones are equipped with technology like propulsion systems, infrared cameras, GPS and navigation systems,
programmable controllers and automated flight planning. Plus, with custom-made data processing software
any collected information can instantly be put to use towards better management decisions.

1.2 The best agricultural drones in the global markets

1) Honeycorp AgDrone:
The 2017 Honeycorp AgDrone has a wing that is composed of Kevlar fiber. This material cannot be
cracked like carbon fiber, or quickly fall to pieces like
foam can, and makes for a very durable, versatile, and
powerful selection for drones in agriculture.

2) DJI Matrice 100:

The DJI Matrice 100 is one of the best quadcopters for
agricultural use on the market today: it has a dual battery
that allows for extended flight time of up to 40 minutes,
and has many options. The standard features of DJI
systems such as GPS, flight controller, and DJI
Lightbridge will help navigate through even the most difficult of
tasks, and in turn allow the pilot more time to focus on flight.

3) DJI T600 Inspire1:

The DJI T600 Inspire Quadcopter is another drone that is suitable

for agricultural use, its battery does not hold a charge for long. You
get 4k video recording capability, separate flight and camera control, and the frame is carbon fiber.
The propellers are attached easily; you just press down and twist, and they are locked.
 4) Agras MG-1 DJI:

Chinese drone manufacturer DJI launched the Agras MG-1.

The Agras is an octocopter designed to spray large areas of
farmland with pesticides or fertilizers. It can cover an
extraordinary amount of distance quickly – 4,000-6,000 m² in
just 10 minutes.

The market for agricultural drones is rising vastly and many companies have entered this business. By 2050
the market of UAV will rise up to $32.4billion.

1.3 Some of the major companies in this sector

 Semios  Bharatrohan
 Wolkas Technology Solutions  Equinox’s drones
 TartanSense  Parrot
 CropIn  Precision hawk
 Agrevolution  AG Eagle
 Nebula's Matt  Trimble

The adoption of modern technologies in agriculture, such as the use of drones or unmanned aerial vehicles
(UAVs) can significantly enhance risk and damage assessments and revolutionize the way we prepare for and
respond to disasters that affect the livelihoods of vulnerable farmers and fishers and the country’s food security.
But the question needs to consider is whether the farmers can afford it, availability of drone technology at the
grass root level for predictive forecasts of pests and diseases. To substitute the questions, requires study to
obtain the market analysis on available solutions in the market for aerial imaging (drones) and predictive pest
and disease advisory to understand competitiveness in the market (India) and formulate an apt strategies to
enter the aerial imaging and advisory service segment.

Chapter-2

2.1 Review of literature:

Since 2011, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), also called drones, represent a breakthrough for the
agricultural sector, because they are more affordable and easier to use (Frankelius et al., 2017). Nowadays,
practical applications for UAV are expanding faster than ever in the agricultural sector.In contrast
to the difficult and cost to obtain satellite imagery or conventional airborne data, recollect aerial images
with UAV equipped with GPS and digital cameras mode is cheaper and faster to do it. UAV represents one
of the most important emergent technological tools, recognizes to their flexibility of use as well increasing
applicability.
Currently, some of the most common applications of UAV are: a) acquisition of crop data (using different
types of cameras); b) monitoring of crop growth; c) sprayer (fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides); and d)
capture of images to create 3D models. Based on a global report published by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC),
the size of the UAV market in agriculture is estimated at $32.4 billion US dollars (Mazur et al., 2016). An
important issue is considering that the UAV technology will allow for individual farms to be highly data
driven, which will lead to increased productivity and yields

As much as India depends upon the agriculture, still it is far short from adapting latest technologies in it to get
good farm. Developed countries have already started use of UAV’s in their precision agriculture,
photogrammetry and remote sensing [UMRao MogiliB B V L Deepk]. It is very fast and it could reduce the
work load of a farmer. In general, UAVs are equipped with the cameras and sensors for crop monitoring and
sprayers for pesticide spraying. In the past, Variety of UAV models running on military and civilian
applications. In agriculture, the first UAV model is developed by Yamaha. Unmanned helicopter Yamaha
RMAX was introduced for agriculture pest control and crop monitoring applications. However, Yamaha
stopped their production in 2007. A technical analysis of UAVs in precision agriculture is to analyze their
applicability in agriculture operations like crop monitoring, crop height

2.2 Objectives:

1) To understand the solutions available in the market, provided by various players, for predictive pest
and disease advisory and spraying services
2) To obtain market analysis on available solutions in the market.
3) To study the competitions in the market based on the market share, brand value, and quality of advisory.

2.3 Indicators and variables:

Objective Indicators Variables

1) To understand the solutions Different  Satisfaction level.
available in the market, companies in the  Premium charge on service.
provided by various players, market,  Advisory services.
predictive pest and disease providing the  Willingness of the farmer.
advisory, spraying services solution.

2) To obtain market analysis on Market analysis.  Promotions.

available solutions in the  Advertisements.
market.  Business strategies.

3) To study the competitions in Competitors  Services given by

the market based on the competitors.
market share, brand value,  Brand value.
and quality of advisory.
  Quality of the advisory
services.
 Tie-ups with FPOs and
Farmers.

Chapter-3
3.1 Research Methodology:

In this research, our main objective is to analyze the market to find the available solutions for the prediction
of pest and disease incidence, with the help of drone technology. For that we are making a survey of the farmers
who are using such services. After collecting the data, we will analyze the data in the medium of excel and
finally to produce an appropriate strategy, based on the data collected, to enter the company into this new
segment.

3.2 Research design:

Exploratory research to be conducted to study the current market phenomenon and to acquire new market
insight. As the name implies, the primary objective of this exploratory research is to explore the
competitiveness and apt the strategies to enter the aerial imaging and advisory service segment through
thorough market analysis on available solutions.

It focuses on the discovery of ideas and exploratory thoughts. The exploratory research design is suitable for
studies which are flexible enough to provide an opportunity for considering all the aspects of the problem. At
this point, the required information is loosely defined, and the research process is flexible and unstructured.

This overall research design is flexible with unstructured process and includes non-probability sampling
techniques.

The non-probability sampling techniques includes:

1. Convenient sampling technique.
2. Snowball sampling technique.
3. Quota sampling technique.
4. Purposive or Judgmental sampling technique.

3.3 Research Methods:

1. Primary research is done to collect the information from the farmers with the help of telephonic
interviews.
2. Secondary research is done for collecting the secondary information via website, blocks and journals.
3.4 Sampling technique:

Convenient sampling technique:

Convenience sampling is a type of sampling where the first available primary data source will be used for the
research without additional requirements. In other words, this sampling method involves getting participants
wherever you can find them and typically wherever is convenient. Reasons to choose this sampling technique
are:
 We can choose the samples based on our convenience wherever we can find them.
 Samples are chosen purposively because of few in number.

Snowball sampling technique:

Snowball Sampling is mainly is a nonprobability sampling technique where existing study subjects recruit
future subjects from among their acquaintances. And it relies on referrals from initial subjects to generate
additional subjects (android users) so that the sample will represent a good cross section from the population.
Reasons to choose this sampling technique are:
 Secretive groups can be identified easily.
 Referral system helps to find samples quickly.

3.5 Required sample size:

Considering our population as finite, with sample size of 100 farmers using drone technology from various
states in India like Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu

Method of collecting the data:

Collection of the data in the questionnaire is done by means of telephonic survey with the farmers.
Questionnaire is designed to collect farmers data in four sections. The first section is to collect the basic
information of the farmers and the agriculture. Second section includes the questions based on the information
about the drones and its usefulness, that are available with the farmers. The third section includes the
information of those farmers who are using the same services. Last section is for the purpose of collecting the
reference data of the other farmers, using similar services. During the survey, we will come across the farmers
which are also not using such services. So, those data will be removed from the source and data of the farmers
who’s all the four sections are filled up, are the only person of our interest
Chapter-4

4.1Data analysis and Interpretation:

Research sample size:

Considering our population as finite, with sample size of 100 farmers using drone technology from various
states in India like Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu.
• From overall sample, UP state has highest farmers distribution with 68%.
• The south Indian states (AP, TS, TN) has the farmers distribution of 32% in sample.
• Sample is categorized into four age groups, based on the availability of knowledge and ability
to work. The categories are:
• <25
• 26 – 35
• 36 – 50
• >50
Due to non-availability of farmer’s lead, we initially collected the primary farmer leads through social
media like YouTube and other similar sources.

Andhra
Pradesh
23%

Telangana
5%
Tamil Nadu
4%
Uttar Pradesh
68%

Figure 1- Sample size of 100 farmers using drone technology from various states in India

Crops Grown by The Farmers:

 Uttar Pradesh
80 68 64
Farmer count

60 49
40

20
7 6 2 2 1 1 1
0

Crops

Figure 2- Crops grown by farmers in Uttar Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu

19
20
Farmer count

15
10
10

5 3
2 2 2 2
1 1 1 1 1
0

Crops

Figure 3- Crops grown by farmers in AP, TS and TN states

Inference:

 The UP farmers grow major crops like mint (68), potato (64), paddy (49) including wheat, rapeseed,
muskmelon, watermelon.
 Very few (1) farmers also grow lemon grass, palmarosa and geranium in UP.
 Cumin is the widely grown crop in the Bara-Banki region of UP.
 Paddy (19), chilli (10), coconut (3), cotton (2) etc are been grown in southern states.
Crops Wise Pest and Diseases:

Crops Major pests Major diseases

Mint Cutworm, Mites Wilt

Paddy Hoppers Brown Leaf spot , khaira (zn deficiency)

Karnal bunt ,Powdery Mildew, Rust, False
Wheat Armyworm
smut
Boll worm, Aphids, Thrips, Jassids,
Cotton Blight, Leaf spot
Whitefly
Rapeseed Aphids, Bollworm Wilt

Muskmelon Cutworm Powdery mildew, Downy mildew

Lemongrass Bugs Leaf spot, Blight

Palma Rosa Aphids, Thrips Leaf spot

Pulses Bugs Wilt

Coconut Beetles, weevils Blight, Bud rot

Cocoa Bugs, caterpillars Anthracnose, Black pod

Banana Aphids Wilt, Anthracnose

Sugarcane Shoot borers( top, internal) Red rot

Chilli Whitefly, Thrips. Anthracnose, Powdery mildew

Table-1-List of major pest and diseases in crops grown by farmers

Major Pests Found in The Region

Uttar Pradesh
Whitefly 2
Bugs 2
Armyworm 2
Major pests

Hairy caterpillar 3
Hoppers 3
Boll worm 5
Mites 5
Aphids, Jassid and Thrips 28
Cutworm 44
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
Farmer count

Figure-4-Major pest found in UP

Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu

tea mosquito 1
Whitefly 1
Major pests

Armyworm 3
Bugs 4
Mites 5
Hairy caterpillar 13
Hoppers 20
Aphids, Jassids and Thrips 25
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
Farmer count

Figure-5-Major pests found in AP,TS,TN

Inference:

• In UP the major pests observed by the farmers are cutworm, aphids, jassids, thrips, mites, bollworms,
hoppers, hairy caterpillar, armyworms, bugs and whitefly.
• Out of these insects, cutworm and aphids the most destructive pests, that occurs in the cumin crop in
UP.
• Pests observed in fields by farmers are aphids, jassids, thrips, hoppers, hairy caterpillar, mites etc, in
southern states (AP, TS, TN).
Major Diseases Found in The Region:

Uttar Pradesh
60 48
Faaemer count

40

20 13 11
4 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 1
0

Diseases

Figure-6-Major diseases found in the UP

Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu

20 17 17
Farmer count

15
10
10 8
6 6 5 4 3
5 2
0

Diseases

Figure-7-Major diseases found in AP, TS, TN

Inference:

• Blight is the major disease observed by farmers in UP, AP, TS, TN.
• Leafspot, stem rot, downy mildew, wilt, rust and other diseases observed in various crops grown by
farmers as mentioned.
• Potato crop cultivated in UP state is more affected due to potato blight.
Percentage Distribution of Farmers According to Land Cultivated:

Uttar Pradesh
1% 10%

< 1 ha
31%
1 - 2 ha
2 - 10 ha
>10 ha

58%

Figure-8-Percentage distribution of farmers according to land cultivated in UP.

Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu

0% 6%

<1
1 - 2 ha
39% 2 - 10 ha
55%
>10 ha

Figure-9- Percentage distribution of farmers according to land cultivated in AP,TN,TS.

Inference:

• 58% of farmers in UP have 1-2 hectares and followed by 31% of 2-10 ha land holdings.
• In southern states 55% of farmers having >10ha and 39% with 2-10 ha land holders use this
service.
• Only very few farmers < 2 ha lands use this service due to various reasons.
Farmer Distribution on The Basis Of Knowledge About Advantages Of Drones:

Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu

Farmers knowledge on drones

Yield estimation 3.3%

weed detection 3.3%
Plant counting and gap filling 3.3%
Knowing humidity in the soil and air 3.3%
Knowing water table 4.4%
weed detection 3.3%
Knowing damage proportion. 12.1%
Knowing yield potential 17.6%
Crop health monitoring (pest and disease… 16.5%
Chemical Spraying 33.0%
0.0% 15.0% 30.0% 45.0% 60.0%
Farmer count (in percentage)

Figure-10- Farmer distribution on the basis of knowledge about advantages of drones in AP, TS, TN.

Uttar Pradesh
Farmers knowledge on drones

Yield estimation 0.0%

weed detection 0.0%
Plant counting and gap filling 0.0%
Knowing water table 0.0%
Knowing humidity in the soil and air 0.0%
Knowing yield potential 3.1%
Knowing damage proportion. 17.5%
Chemical Spraying 21.6%
Crop health monitoring (pest and disease… 57.7%
0.0% 15.0% 30.0% 45.0% 60.0%
Farmer count (in percentage)

Figure-11- Farmer distribution on the basis of knowledge about advantages of drones in UP.

Inference:

• The technology used by organisations results in multiple benefits for UP farmers in

monitoring, spraying majorly and yield prediction, water table etc.
• Majority of farmers in south India uses drones majorly for chemical spraying but aware of
other potential benefits also.
Farmer Distribution on The Basis of Frequency Of Requirement Of The Service:
Uttar Pradesh
6.2%
10.8% Once in a week

Once in two weeks

6.2%
46.2% Once in a three weeks

Monthly once.

Once in a crop season

30.8%

Figure-12- Farmer distribution on the basis of frequency of requirement of the service in UP

Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu

4.3%
0.0%
Once in a week

30.4% Once in a three

weeks
Monthly once.
52.2%
Once in a crop
season

13.0%

Figure-13- Farmer distribution on the basis of frequency of requirement of the service in AP,
TS,TN.

Inference:

• Almost 46.2% farmers are willing to use the service once a week, 30.8% farmers are willing
use once in two weeks and rest monthly or for a crop season in UP.
• In southern states farmer uses drones mostly once in crop season (52.2%) or twice in crop
season (30.4%).
 • The alerts are informed either in the form of messages or personally by the company
employees available in the specific region like Masauli village of Bara Banki, UP.
• Farmers willing to get result oriented service that help to produce timely predictions of pest
and diseases.

Distribution Of Farmers On Price Levels That Are Chosen For Service:

Uttar Pradesh
3%

<500
500-1000
39%
>1000
58%

Figure-14- Distribution of farmers on price levels that are chosen for service in UP

Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu

0%
13%

<500
500-1000
>1000

87%

Figure-15- Distribution of farmers on price levels that are chosen for service in AP,TS,TN
Inference:
• In UP Maximum farmers (58%) are willing to choose service at below Rs. 500/acre, and 39%
farmers choose service at Rs. 500-1000. Very few farmers also told to have such service
(similar to BharatRohan’s service) above 1000.
• Most of the farmers perception was: “If the service helps me in increasing my income by Rs.
10,000 more, the there is no issue if the services charges even to more than Rs. 1,000.
• Majority of farmers use the service if the price is <Rs500 in southern states.
• Very few farmers (3%) even afford >Rs1000.

Distribution Of Farmers Using Different Measures for Prediction:

Uttar Pradesh

Kishan Sewa Kendra

Dealer

CIMAP

Input conpany support

Manual experience

BharatROhan

0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0%

Farmer count (in percentge)

Figure-16- Distribution of farmers using different measures for prediction in UP.

Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu

Kishan Sewa Kendra 0.0%

Dealer 0.0%

CIMAP 0.0%

Input conpany support 9.4%

Manual experience 90.6%

BharatROhan 0.0%

0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0%

Farmer count (in percentage)

Figure-17- Distribution of farmers using different measures for prediction in AP, TS, TN.
Inference:

• Majority of farmers use manual experience in southern states and in UP as the dominant service
provider BharathRohan gives advisory on prediction by using unique UAV/drone base hyperspectral
remote sensing and artificial intelligence.
• Other corporates like UPL, Syngenta, Bayer’s and govt organisations services are been used by
farmers.

Distribution By the Ways the Company Reach the Farmer:

Uttar Pradesh
Store 1.7%
Sources

CIMAP 3.4%

KishanMela 3.4%

Drone Service Provider 10.2%

Fellow Farmer 15.3%

Group 66.1%

0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0%

Farmer count (in percentage)

Figure-18- Distribution by the ways the company reach the farmer in UP

Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu

Farmer group / FPO 3.8%
Sources

Advertisement 15.4%

Company 30.8%

Farmer friend 50.0%

0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0%

Farmer count in percentage)

Figure-19- Distribution by the ways the company reach the farmer in AP, TS,TN
Inference:

• Majority of the service providers approached through the farmer using informal groups and
advertisements.
• Exhibitions and advertisements and marketing activities, social media(You Tube) act as a
good influencer to use the technology more for the farmers of South India (AP,TS, TN)
• We can conclude that, the UP farmers are less inclined to social platforms.
• Whereas south Indian farmers are more inclined to social platforms and posed good
knowledge about the technologies available in their areas.

Farmers Distribution Based on The Channels That Influence Them to Use the Service:

Uttar Pradesh
TV / Radio 1.7%
CIMAP 1.7%
Channels

Kishan mela 1.7%

Input Companies 3.4%
Dealers / Retailers 5.1%
Drone service provider 33.9%
Fellow farmer 52.5%

0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0%

Farmer count (in percentage)

Figure-20- Farmers distribution based on the channels that influence them to use the service
in UP.
 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu
govt institutions
Fellow farmer
Drone service provider
Channels

Dealers / Retailers
Social Media
Input Companies
Newspaper
TV / Radio

0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% 30.0% 35.0%

Farmer count (in percentage)

Figure-21- Farmers distribution based on the channels that influence them to use the service
in AP, TS,TN.

Inference:

• In UP due to dominant player in market the word of mouth, advertisements, ease of

technology worked out well and other corporates and govt institutions working to penetrate
this technology.
• Farmers joined company service also through a government organization like CIMAP-
Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow
(https://www.cimap.res.in/english/index.php).
• Majority of the farmers in the south India, get influence by the advertisements on mass media
like TV/Radio, Newspaper.
• Some Important agrochemical representatives and few drone service providers and dealers
also holds a source of influence of using UAV technologies in south India.
Farmer Distribution on The Basis of Experience with The Service of The Company:

Uttar Pradesh
30
25
25
Farmer count

20
14 14
15

10
4
5 2
0
6 months - 1 2 years > 2 years 3 Years >3 Years
year
Experience

Figure-22- Farmer distribution on the basis of experience with the service of the company in
UP

Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu

10 9 9

8
Farmer count

4 3

2 1

0
no experience <6 months 6 months - 1 year 2 years
Experience

Figure-23- Farmer distribution on the basis of experience with the service of the company in
AP, TS, TN

Inference:

• Majority of the farmers using this service from the past 3 years and even before but at least
have 6 months experience with the service.
 • BharatRohan has a good fame in the Bara Banki, UP state. Farmers have a very good
experience of its services.
• Moreover, farmers are concern with the service. Accordingly, their act of thought is that,
ADAMA is a better Brand and has better product provision. Thus, if it provides better such
services, farmers are readily willing to join.
• Due no strong service providers majority of the farmers have an experience of 6 months- 1
year with the service.

Farmer Distribution on The Increment of Yield After Joining Company’s Service:

Uttar Pradesh
40.0%
32.3%
30.6%
Farmer count

30.0%
24.2%

20.0%

10.0% 8.1%
4.8%

0.0%
0 - 10 10 - 20 20 - 30 30 - 40 >50
Increase in Yield

Figure-24- Farmer distribution on the increment of yield after joining company’s service in
UP.

Inference:

• In UP, nearly 87% farmers are conveyed that up to 30% yield has been increased. And 13%
farmers conveyed to increase yield above 30%.
• Analysing the data showed that, taking consideration of the data recorder, it is found that
majority of farmers with land less than 2 ha have confessed to increase in yield more than
20%. Where as many farmers holding land more than 2 ha have told that there in minor
increment of yield (I.e., 0-10%).
• Due to non-availability of advanced service provider, the increment in the yield cannot be
estimated exactly in south Indian states (AP, TS, TN).
Farmer Count on The Basis of Cost Reduction In Different Commodities:

Uttar Pradesh
Areas of cost reduction

Machinery and Labour cost 6

NA 18

Chemicals Cost 30

Fertilizer cost 38
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Farmer count

Figure-25- Farmer count on the basis of cost reduction in different commodities in UP.

Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu

Areas of cost reduction

Machinery and Labour cost 21

NA 0

Chemicals Cost 21

Fertilizer cost 2
0 5 10 15 20 25
Farmer count

Figure-26- Farmer count on the basis of cost reduction in different commodities in AP,TS,TN.

Inference:

• The site-specific management in the field is well addressed by the service providers as there is
huge decrease in fertilizer cost, chemical cost and machinery and labour costs respectively in
UP.
• 18 farmers out of 68 farmers conveyed that they haven’t noticed any reduction in cost in UP.
• Due to no such advanced technology used by the service providers the responses support
mostly to the decrease in machinery and labour cost and chemical cost in south India (AP, TS,
TN).
 • Thus, it is noticed that after using the services, there is reduction in the frequency and
quantity of the doses of chemicals and fertilizers, but cost as an independent factor.

Farmer’s Rating on The Basis of Quality Of Service Provided By Respective Company:

Uttar Pradesh
100.0%
Farmer count (in percentage)

80.0%
62.9%
60.0%

40.0% 29.0%

20.0%
8.1%
0.0% 0.0%
0.0%
1 2 3 4 5
Ratings

Figure-27- Farmer’s rating on the basis of quality of service provided by respective company
in UP.

Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu

100.0%
Farmer count (in percentage)

80.0%

57.1%
60.0%

40.0%
23.8%
19.0%
20.0%
0.0% 0.0%
0.0%
1 2 3 4 5
Ratings

Figure-28- Farmer’s rating on the basis of quality of service provided by respective company
in AP,TS,TN.
Inference:
 Almost 63% farmers reported 5 /5 rating for the quality of service provided followed by 4/5 with 29
%.
 • 57% farmers gave 4/5 rating for the service used followed by 5/5 rating with 23.8% farmers.
• Quality of the service is good from the service provider companies, but few farmers also gave
low ratings.
• One of the reasons was farmer doesn’t agree fully on the information provided.
• Based on the research, our thought for the issue, might be a communication gap between the
provider and the farmer, or may be due to technical issue like unavailability of information on
time, or farmer doesn’t follow.

Farmer’s Rating on The Basis Of Quality Of Service Provided By Respective Company:

Uttar Pradesh
60.0%
Farmer count (in percentage

48.3%

40.0% 36.7%

20.0%
11.7%

1.7% 1.7%
0.0%
1 2 3 4 5
Ratings

Figure-29- Farmer’s rating on the basis of quality of service provided by respective company
in UP.
Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu
60.0%
Farmer count (in percentage)

51.6%

41.9%
40.0%

20.0%

6.5%
0.0% 0.0%
0.0%
1 2 3 4 5
Ratings

Figure-30- Farmer’s rating on the basis of quality of service provided by respective company
in AP, TS, TN.
Inference:

 Every farmer in the sample strongly believes with helpfulness o f UAV’s service as multiple benefits
of drones known to them.
 Few farmers gave low rating due to uncertainties found in the agricultural, few farmers are
dissatisfied by the quality of service. Very few farmers in UP gave low ratings due to ineffectiveness
of the products provided by the company.
 In UP 48.3% farmers have rated 4/5 and 36.7% rated 5/5 because the cost on chemicals and fertilizers
had decreased. It also provides seeds and chemicals to their door step.
 In AP, TS, TN almost 93% of the farmers expressed helpfulness of service (aerial imagining), if
provided, as it helps in predicting and forecasting of pest and diseases, site specific management.

Chapter-5

Findings:

 There is huge scope in the penetration of agricultural technology all over India at affordable prices by
the farmers.
 Farmers are even ready to try drones in their fields for spraying, crop health monitoring etc.
 Majority of farmers using drones for low height crops like paddy, potato, chili, mint etc. and even in
Tamil Nadu drones are been used for coconut crops. This can be applicable even for the oil palm
which is largely grown in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
 Leaf eating caterpillars, sucking pest are major pests in the crops for which input company chemicals
can be solution for them.
 Farmers are in need of service and also personalized product service if given attentionally.
 Majority of farmers require service at low cost <Rs 500/acre, the range is in Rs 400-500/acre
southern states.
 By thorough research we found that companies like BharatRohan, UPL, Syngenta, Bayer’s are trying
the service even at low cost for cross selling of their products.
 Through word of mouth, social media advertisements, local drone dealers and service providers are
easily tapping the market.
 Southern states have no consistent service provider with advanced technology to huge customers.
 Multiple benefits of this UAV’s service are not been exactly known to the farmers which drags the
interest of farmer towards the usage of drone service.
 Farm input cost is decreased with the usage of drone service which can a marketing lead through
advertisements.
 Site specific management of crop is been done in UP and not in southern states by local service
providers due to lack of advanced technology and huge customer base.
  Farmers with land holdings of 2-10 hectares and above are interested to use the service at reasonable
prices and with better customer management strategies.
 Southern states especially in AP and Telangana, awareness is been increasing among farmers about
the benefits of the drones because of various govt institutions, corporates, local service providers.
 Customers(farmers) satisfaction level is scaling with additional features of UAV’s.
 Product services.
 Some potential farmers are willing to get personal owned drones for their field management and
ready to train themselves to start the service to fellow farmers.
 One of the major problems quoted by farmers is problem with propellers and batteries of the drone.

Lead Companies

Companies providing service on predictive forecast:

Sr.No. COMAPNY NAME CONTACT DETAILS

B2/85, Basement, Vishesh Khand, Gomti

BharatRohan Nagar, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – 226010
Airborne Amandeep Panwar (CEO) – 96505 88865
01.
Innovations Vimal Kumar Verma (BharatRohan
Private Limited employee) – 70683 64100
Email ID - info@bharatrohan.in

www.cropin.com
02. CropIn

www.fasal.co
03. Fasal

https://www.equinoxsdrones.com/agriculture
Equinox’s
04.
Drones

https://www.precisionhawk.com/agriculture
Precision
05.
Hawk
Table-2- Lead companies providing service on predictive forecast .

Companies providing UAV’s:

Sr.No. COMAPNY NAME CONTACT DETAILS

IKP Eden, 16, Tavarekere Main Rd,

Bengaluru, Karnataka 560029
01. SKY LARK
PH NO. (080) 5005 8600
MAIL :- info@skylarkdrones.com

BVM 8, 1ST FLOOR, DLF PHASE 2,

GURGAON
02. AERIAL PHOTO
Phone: +91-9910888251, 9910941170
Email: get@aerialphoto.in

iHub Gujarat, KCG Campus,

Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat,
PIN :380015
03. IG DRONES
PHONE : +91 6370868100
+91 9776982070
EMAIL:- info@igdrones.com

Registered Office:
H-103, Nerul Station Complex, Above
Dwarka Hotel, Nerul (W), Navi
Mumbai - 400706
R&D Lab:
04. INDRONES
Plot 90, Sector 16A, Nerul (W), Navi
Mumbai - 400706
Email: info@indrones.com
General Inquiries: +91-9594-160-160
Urgent Inquiries: +91-813-097-7119.
Table-3- Companies providing UAV’s
Various companies providing the drone service:

Gopi raja ( drone raja) 9989838337 Vijayawada - kankipadu

Sudheer 9704040591 Guntur-kollipora

Crystal ball- Madhusudhan reddy 8555087826 Hyderabad

Axpect atomizer 9494503535 Vijayawada

Aero space technologies 7989059604 Vijayawada

Jagadeesh chowdary 8074892715 Nellore

Table-4- Various companies providing the drone service

whether company works for drone predictive

analysis/ not?

17%

No
50% Yes
Maybe

33%

Figure-31-Status of tabled-4 companies work on drone predictive analysis

Inference:

Among the samples companies only 50% do predictive analysis.

 service charges for drone spraying
3.5
3
3
service provider count

2.5
2
2
1.5
1
1
0.5
0
350-400 400-500 >500
Price range/acre

Figure-32-Service charges for drone spraying

Inference:

Price range of Rs350-500/acre is charged by various companies

Chapter-6

Recommendations:
• Strong advisory services with a consultancy team can benefit the penetration of the service in the
market.
• Though in UP, BarathRohan is dominant but can enter in niche market with multiple benefits for bulk
farmers, FPO’s with lesser chemical price, strong advisory, better customer relationship
management.
• It is easy to enter in southern states market as they are no either strong player or using advanced
technology.
• Finding out the potential customers for drone service and maintaining the real time data can help
to maintain the customer and also increase the frequency of usage of the service.
• Drone specified product diversification can be done .
• Social media channel- YouTube channel especially on agro technology can benefit customer reach.
• Technology using startups like Crystal ball, Heliosprayers , Precision hawk, Equinox’s drones etc
are beneficial if collaborated.
• Product with less hardware errors and high battery back up is recommended based on the problems
faced by farmers.
• Segmentation-based on crop, land , age will help to find the lead and potential customers.
• Finding premium customers- community building.
 • For commercial scale farmers- estates, private farms .
• Out reachable store, toll free number, convenient booking, easy app user interface.

Chapter-5

Drone Flying Restrictions in India:

Based on our research and interpretation of the laws, here are the most important rules to know for flying a
drone in India.
• All drones except those in the Nano category must be registered and issued a Unique Identification
Number (UIN).
• A permit is required for commercial drone operations (except for those in the Nano category flown
below 50 feet and those in the Micro category flown below 200 feet).
• No Micro drone shall fly beyond a height of 60 meters above ground level (AGL) or a maximum
speed of 25 meters per second (m/s).
• No Small drone shall fly beyond a height of 120 meter AGL or a maximum speed of 25 m/s.
• Medium or Large drones shall fly in accordance with the conditions specified in the Operator
Permit issued by the DGCA.
• Drone pilots must maintain a direct visual line of sight at all times while flying.
• Drones cannot be flown more than 400 feet vertically.
• Drones cannot be flown in areas specified as “No Fly Zones”, which include areas near airports,
international borders, Vijay Chowk in Delhi, State Secretariat Complex in State Capitals, strategic
locations, and military installations.
• Permission to fly in controlled airspace can be obtained by filing a flight plan and obtaining a unique
Air Defense Clearance (ADC)/Flight Information Center (FIC) number.
India’s No Permission, No Takeoff Policy: Before every single flight, drone pilots are required to request
permission to fly via a mobile app, which will automatically process the request and grant or reject it. India
is calling their system “No Permission, No Takeoff” (NPNT).
Drone Pilots and Data Security: A drone pilot is liable for the protection of any data gathered during a
drone operation. One must follow suitable procedures and have hardware in place to securely store or
dispose of such data. Moreover, one have to ensure that the data gathered during operations is not shared
with any third party without the prior permission of the person to whom the data pertains.

References:
 https://doi.org/10.5897/AJAR2020.15101
 https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJAR/article-full-text/D82943165532
 www.precisonagriculture.com
 https://www.equinoxsdrones.com/blog/importance-of-drone-technology-in-indian-agriculture-
farming
 www.precsisionhawk.com
 https://digitalsky.dgca.gov.in/home , https://geoawesomeness.com/drone-flying-india-2021-rules-
pilots/

Chapter-8

ANNEXURE

Questionnaire

Demographic Profile:
Name of the Farmer:
Village :
Mandal / Taluka:
District. :
State :
Age :

Mobile number: WhatsApp number: / Same number

Mail id:

Area under major crops:

S.No Crops No. of acres
1
2
3
4 Others

Total

1) What type of sprayer do you use for spraying?

a) Knapsack sprayer
b) Battery sprayer
d) Tractor operated sprayer
e) Taiwan sprayer
f) Drones for spraying (If he opts for drone spraying, ask him questions from “Section A”)
g) High clearance boom sprayer
h) Others-Please specify

2) How much time requires for spraying conventionally for one acre? (note exact time)
a) ½ hr. b) 1hr c) 1.5Hr d) 2 Hrs. e) >2hrs
 3) What is the daily wage rate for spraying labor? (note exact wages)
(Calculate per acre spraying cost: daily wages / 8hrs =Rs. __/hr.)

Number of Sprays Crop 1 Crop 2 Crop 3

Herbicides

Insecticides I or (I+F)
Fungicides F or ( I +F)
PGR
Water Soluble Fertilizers

Who recommends Spraying schedule?

a) Argo chemical company executives

b) Retailers/Distributors

c) Fellow farmers/ Progressive farmers

d) On your own

e) Govt. officials

f) recommendations based on crop health monitoring by drones (If Yes, ask “Section B”)

4) what basis do they recommend the chemicals and dosages for spraying?
a) Their own experience and knowledge
b) Based on information and symptoms told to them retailers
c) After seeing the affected plant parts
d) Based on company advertisements
5) How effective and useful the recommendations are? Will the recommendations work properly? (Rate 5
to 1 where, 5 is maximum)
6) Do you take sprays as curative or preventive?
(If preventive go to Q.9; if curative ask Q.10)
7) If you take sprays as preventive, how do you understand which disease or pest is going to attack youcrop?
a) On your own experience and knowledge
b) Based on information and symptoms identified in the early stages
c) Because of the same disease or pest started attacking on your nearby fields.
d) Others (mention it)

8) If you are provided with early detection of pest and disease incidence before it happens, will it be useful
for you? Yes / No
10) For such services like drone based early pest and disease detection and recommendations based onit, for one
acre one crop season (~4months) how much service fee you would be willing to pay? (If Such recommendations
will be provided once in 15 days.)
Ans: Rs. /acre
(For students: Rs 100 b) Rs.200 c) Rs.300 d) Rs.400)

11) How frequently would you like to get such information?

a) Once in a week b) Once in two weeks c) Once in three weeks d) Monthly once.

12) Major problems in conventional spraying? (Give ratings 5-1; where 5 is more and 1 is less)
Sr. No. Rating 5 to 1 Remarks /Comments
1 Excess chemical usage
2 Lack of labor availability
3 Increasing labor wage rates
frequently
4 Risk of toxification to the operator
5 More time-consuming method
6 Unable to spray in standing crop
7 Efficiency of spraying
8 Thorough coverage and uniform
spraying
9 Other— (mention it)

13) Do you know drones are also being used in agriculture? Yes/No
14) What are the major usage of drones in agriculture?
a. Chemical Spraying
b. Crop health monitoring (pest disease infestation & Fertilizer deficiency)
c. Plant counting and gap filling
d. Yield estimation
16. a) Have you used any above service of drone? Yes/No (If Yes, ask 16.b. If No, ask * mandatoryquestions from
both “section A & B”)
16. b) Name it – (If answer is Spraying ask “Section A”, If Crop
health monitoring ask “Section B”)
15) Are you member of any farming community / FPO? Yes/No. (IfYes, Q17.a)

17.a) Will your Farming community / FPO require such kind of any drone service? Yes / No.
16) From where did you get to know about drone technology?

a) Newspaper
b) TV / Radio
 c) Fellow farmers
d) Argo chemical company representatives
e) Dealers / Retailers
f) Govt. institutes / universities (KVKs, RARs, ATMA etc.)
g) Drone service providers (Specify ..................... )

SECTION – A (Questions for the farmer, who has used drone for chemical
spraying)
17) In which crop have you used drone for spraying?
18) Which product have you sprayed buy drone?
Product Name Company Name _
19) How much quantity of chemical used ml
20) *How much quantity of chemical do you use for your conventional spraying? ml/acre
21) *How much water do you require for conventionally spraying? liters/Acre
22) What was the drone tank capacity? liters
23) For which insect/pest have you sprayed this chemical?
24) How many acres have you sprayed by drones?
25) How much time it took to spray all area? mins
26) Calculate per acre time required for spraying by drone = (Total time required in mins / total area
sprayed in acres) = min/acre
27) Are you satisfied with the results as compared to your conventional spraying method? Yes/No(Rating
10- 1 where 10 is maximum)
29. a) If Yes why? If no why?
28) What is name of drone company / service provider?
30.a) Contact detail of service provider
29) How much amount have you paid for spraying total area? Rs. /-
31. a) Calculate per acre spraying cost by drone (Total amount paid in INR / total area sprayed in acres) =
Rs. /acre
30) According to you is this cost affordable or not affordable?
31) If it is not affordable then what cost would you like to pay for per acre spraying by drones?
Ans: Rs. / acre
(For students a) Rs.200 b) 300 c) 400 d)500 e)600)

SECTION – B (Questions for the farmer, who has used drone for Imaging and recommendations services)

32) From how many days you are using this service?
 A) 6months B) 1year C) 2years D) >2years
33) * Do you think that, this kind of service is useful and all farmers should avail it? Yes / No 35.a) *
If yes, why and If no, why?
34) How much you are paying for this service? Rs. / acre/crop season
37) * According to you, is this service helps to the farmer in saving money? Yes/ No?
38) * How this service helps to the farmer in saving money? (Rate 5 to 1 where 5 is maximum)

Sr. No Ratings 5 to 1
1 Due to early detection, saves chemical cost on excess use
2 Pest and diseases got recovered and avoided yield loss
3 Not much useful

39) Approximately how much money you would have saved in spraying in one crop season for one crop? Rs.
/ acre
40) Approximately how much % of yield would have increased in one crop season for one crop?
%

41) Reference farmers information (who uses drone technology)

Sr. No. Name Village Mob No.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

*In Section A & B, marked green questions are mandatory to ask.