大疆创新2023-2-24农业无人机产业洞察报告英文版35页_9mb

Agricultural Drone Industry Overview

The global agricultural drone industry has rapidly expanded, driven by technological advancements and regulatory support, promoting sustainable farming practices. By the end of 2023, over 300,000 drones were in use worldwide, covering more than 100 countries. By June 2024, these drones had treated over 500 million hectares of farmland, with 6,000 instructors and 300,000 pilots trained. They have saved 210 million metric tons of water annually and reduced chemical usage by 47,000 metric tons while cutting carbon emissions by 25.72 million metric tons, equivalent to the annual sequestration of 1.2 billion trees.

Regulatory Developments
Brazil’s ANAC revised drone regulations in 2023, removing mandatory airworthiness requirements and allowing voluntary compliance. This streamlined the approval process for agricultural drones, enabling farmers to operate them more freely. In North America, the FAA and Transport Canada established exemption frameworks for drones weighing over 25 kg, allowing their use in spraying operations. Canada’s SFOC licenses enabled widespread adoption. In Europe, EASA introduced ISO 23117-17 standards, focusing on design and performance verification for drones under 150 kg. The ISO 22866 standard guided anti-drift testing, ensuring safe pesticide application. Australia’s CASA released support policies, simplifying operations on personal land and emphasizing the need for compliance with local spraying regulations.

Drifting Tests and Findings
Drone manufacturers conduct anti-drift tests globally, with detailed methodologies in China, Australia, and Europe. In China, tests revealed that ground drift increases exponentially with sampling distance and is negatively correlated with droplet size beyond 20 meters downwind. Optimal parameters include flight altitudes of 1.5–5 meters, speeds of 3–5 m/s, and fine droplet size (100–420 µm) to reduce air and ground drift. In Europe, Hungary’s tests under ISO 22866 showed that anti-drift performance improves with 300–500 µm droplet size and adjusted flight altitudes. Australia’s tests validated T40 and T50 nozzles’ compliance with local standards and demonstrated their effectiveness in reducing chemical usage.

Agricultural Applications
Drones are transforming various farming practices:

1. Mandarin Orange Management: Agricultural drones handle entire cycles, including flower bud promotion, orchard clearing, and pest control, reducing labor and chemical costs.
2. Korean Pine Plantation: Drones address diseases and pests in tall pine forests, using specialized flight modes (e.g., mountain/fruit tree mode) to navigate canopies. They improve yield by targeting pests and diseases, achieving a 15% income increase in some regions.
3. Tea Cultivation: Drones control pests like red spiders and leafhoppers efficiently, with tests showing a 90% reduction in operation time and 80% cost savings.
4. Wheat Seeding: Drones spread seeds on wet soil, preventing disturbances caused by traditional tractors.
5. Rice Planting: Direct seeding with drones improves efficiency compared to manual or tractor methods in countries like the U.S. and Australia.

Smart Agriculture Innovations
Drones enable precision agriculture via AI and mapping tools. In Thailand’s durian industry, T40 drones improved pest control and reduced chemical use by 51%. In Australia, drones mitigate weeding challenges in pastures, saving 88% water and 90–95% time. For agave farming, T40 drones reduced herbicide application time from 1 hour to 6 minutes per hectare, cutting costs by 44% and enhancing sustainability. Testimonials highlight their role in addressing labor shortages and environmental concerns.

Best Practices and Mistakes
Key considerations for effective drone application include:

• Parameter Selection: Adjust flight speed, altitude, and droplet size based on crops (e.g., low speed and fine droplets for orchard operations).
• Avoiding Drift Risks: Refrain from spraying near sensitive crops, downwind areas, or near beehives.
• Regulatory Compliance: Adhere to local guidelines, such as CASA’s approval for Australia.
  Common mistakes include using high-speed operations, coarse droplets, or unsuitable areas, which increase drift and environmental harm.

Industry Impact and Future Trends
Drones enhance crop protection, reduce labor intensity, and promote eco-friendly practices. Training programs by DJI Academy, such as those in Australia and Europe, ensure operators understand technical and regulatory aspects. Innovations like the T50 and T25 models, with improved anti-drift capabilities, reflect the industry’s focus on precision and efficiency. The OECD and FAO collaborate on global standards, while Brazil’s regulatory changes stimulate local adoption.

Drones are reshaping ancient agricultural practices, such as silkweed farming, by replacing manual methods with automated solutions. Their ability to access hard-to-reach areas, combined with cost savings and environmental benefits, positions them as critical tools for sustainable agriculture. Continuing collaboration among governments, industries, and researchers will further refine drone applications, ensuring safety, efficiency, and ecological preservation.