Impact of drone technology on agriculture - farmers' perception analysis
R Barathkumar, S. Selvanayaki, N. Deepa, Pragadeeshwaran Kannan, M Prahadeeswaran · Plant Science Today · 2024
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, are revolutionizing agricultural practices by enhancing precision and efficiency in crop management. This study examines the impact of drone technology on agriculture in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, focusing on farmers' perceptions and the extent of drone adoption. Covering a sample size of 120 farmers, the research explores various aspects of drone usage, including its benefits and challenges. Key advantages include reduced chemical usage, improved crop monitoring, precise irrigation, increased yields and water conservation. Government initiatives like the Kisan Drone program support the adoption of agricultural drones through subsidies and financial aid. However, high initial costs, technical complexity and regulatory barriers limit widespread adoption, particularly among small and marginal farmers. Custom hiring centres and enhanced government support are identified as potential solutions. Statistical methods such as binary logistic regression, propensity score matching and factor analysis are used to analyze adoption patterns and barriers. Findings reveal that drone spraying is the most common application, with higher awareness and adoption rates among educated farmers. The study concludes with recommendations to improve accessibility, reduce costs and expand training programs to benefit farmers across all socioeconomic segments.