Agriculture drones have brought about a major change in how farmers operate their businesses. They provide a quicker way to spray crops, use less chemicals, and offer better coverage when spraying crops. As agriculture drones continue to grow in popularity and usage as a tool for farmers, it is becoming increasingly important for farmers to choose the appropriate agriculture drone that will meet their needs.
Many of the mistakes made by farmers when selecting an agriculture drone are due to a lack of information or being influenced by price, such as low prices on drones. This often results in poor performance, increased maintenance costs, and safety issues associated with the purchase of an agriculture drone. Knowing about these common mistakes can help farmers make smart decisions and obtain the best results from drone technology.
1. Price over performance
The most common reason a farmer chooses an agriculture drone is the price. A low-priced agriculture drone may seem to be an attractive option, but the lower the price, the greater the chance that the agriculture drone will have reduced quality of construction, reduced accuracy in spraying, reduced battery life and/or reduced after-sales customer support.
A productive agriculture drone is one that has a high spraying efficiency, covers a lot of land in one hour, and operates reliably under “real” conditions in the field. In the long-term, a more efficient agriculture drone will result in reduced chemical costs, fewer mechanical failures and consistent results which can save farmers more money.
2. Neglecting to verify whether the drone has been certified as safe by DGCA
When purchasing a drone, many farmers neglect to consider the certification of the drone. If a drone has not been certified by DGCA, it may not meet the safety requirements set by DGCA, and this may introduce the risk of impossible operations or legal issues that may arise when there is an application for subsidies or other types of government assistance.
3. Failing to take into account the after sales support and availability of spare parts for the drone
Many farmers have a tendency to view the agriculture drone as something that is only going to be used once and therefore never look into whether or not there is after-sales support for the drone, or if the parts of the drone can be obtained locally. After sales support is critical because a small issue or problem that occurs can stop many farmers from being able to operate the drone on a consistent basis, and will have a major impact on the ability of the farmer to continue to operate his farming business throughout the growing season. Having a reliable network to assist the farmer in maintaining the drone will help ensure that he can keep the drone in operation throughout the entire growing season.
4. Not taking into account local farming conditions
Every farming region has unique challenges that must be addressed before selecting an agriculture drone, such as wind conditions, crop height, field size, and terrain inclination or slope. Picking a drone without considering those factors could lead to ineffective spraying, inefficient results, and increased operation costs.
A suitable agriculture drone should be manufactured to withstand Indian field conditions, provide stable flight in all weather conditions, and accommodate varying crop types. Farmers should always ensure that the drone they purchase is specifically manufactured for their specific environment.
5. Failing to provide training and operational knowledge
The most common mistake associated with agriculture drones is the assumption that people who have not undergone training on the operation of agriculture drones can operate them properly and safely. While agriculture drones in India have become increasingly user-friendly, it is vital that farmers undergo technical training prior to operating them in a safe and effective manner.
Training not only prepares you for controlling the drone; it also teaches you the proper spraying technique, safety precautions, and how to maintain the drone. With proper training, you can expect to achieve better results, lower repair costs due to fewer accidents, and longer drone life expectancy.
Final Thoughts
When selecting an agricultural drone, you’re investing in a piece of technology that will impact your productivity, cost-effectiveness, and operational safety for many years to come. Look beyond the price alone; don’t ignore important factors like certification, service and support availability, and training opportunities; these mistakes are easily made if you’re not aware of the best practices in this area.
Make the right choice, and your agricultural drone will become more than just a tool; it will serve as a trusted partner in the way you do business in today’s highly competitive environment, enabling you to be more efficient, conserve fewer resources, and produce a higher yield from your fields year after year.
If you’re intrigued to purchase an agriculture drone or wish to invest in a kisan drone sales and service center, contact us on +91 7677111150.
