DJI Agriculture, a prominent player in drone technology for agricultural, has recently unveiled their Agriculture Drone Insight Report for 2022/23. The report delves into the adoption of drone technology in farming around the globe, and the evolving global policies surrounding drone use in agriculture.
The Head of Global Sales at DJI Agriculture, Yuan Zhang, commented on the release, stating,
"Governments and farmers globally are moving towards agricultural drones and smart farming to scientifically and sustainably enhance food production. The goal is to use fewer agricultural chemicals while preserving food security and the environment."
Key Highlights from the Report:
- DJI Agriculture’s Progress in 2022/23: Founded just over a decade ago, DJI Agriculture now has a presence across six continents, operating in more than 100 countries. By the close of 2022, there were over 200,000 DJI agricultural drones in use globally, covering an impressive 200 million hectares. The company also highlighted its initiative to bolster the field of tech-based agriculture by training 150,000 drone pilots and 2,500 educators.
- Global Policy Adaptation: As the global agricultural sector becomes more receptive to drone technology, regulatory changes are being considered in Europe, North America, and Brazil. In a significant development, China's CAAC granted airworthiness certification to multiple DJI agricultural drone models.
- Testing and Innovation: DJI's Agras agricultural drone series underwent rigorous tests, including assessments of droplet size, drift, and herbicide application. The report also pointed out the diverse applications of drones in farming. For instance, in the Maldives, drones played a pivotal role in pest and disease control, while in the U.S., a potato farmer achieved a notable 80% decrease in insect damage using drone-based spot spraying. In Japan, a rice producer combined drone technology with traditional methods to save on fertilizer costs, boosting profits by an extra 5,425 USD per hectare.
- Best Practices and Training: Global discussions are underway to standardize the best practices for agricultural drones. Topics under consideration include crew training, enhancements in drone technology, usage guidelines for pharmaceuticals, standard operating procedures, and safety protocols. DJI has also initiated the DJI ACADEMY, offering agricultural drone training in countries like Thailand, Mexico, Brazil, and Turkey. Innovations from DJI, such as the centrifugal nozzle and advanced radar technology, aim to refine agricultural production management.
- Collaborative Efforts: Apart from drone manufacturing, DJI Agriculture is also in collaboration with various chemical companies, academic institutions, and professional bodies to further investigate and establish best practices in the domain.
This report showcases the pivotal role of drones in modernizing the agricultural sector and emphasizes the need for further research, collaboration, and policy adjustments to optimize their impact.
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