A Beginner’s Guide to Agricultural Drones and Their Applications

Spraying one acre with a knapsack can take nearly four hours. A drone does it in five minutes, with better coverage and less chemical waste. That’s not a future idea, it’s already happening across Indian farms.

Agricultural drones are saving time, cutting costs, and helping improve crop yields. Among many available options, the Leher drone stands out for Indian farmers. It connects you with certified operators and brings precision spraying directly to your farm.

So, how do these drones work, and how can they fit into your daily farming routine? Let’s break it down.

What Are Agricultural Drones?

If you’re new to the concept, think of agricultural drones as remote-controlled machines that perform key farming tasks from the sky.

They’re used to spray fertilizers, pesticides, and micronutrients, or even monitor crop health using cameras and sensors. These drones work on GPS systems and follow pre-programmed routes.

Here’s what makes them valuable on the ground:

• Even spraying: Drones maintain a fixed height and pattern, giving better coverage than manual methods.
• Precision targeting: Advanced sensors reduce overuse or underuse of chemicals.
• No manual flying needed: Farmers can simply book a drone service.

With agritech companies like Leher, booking is easily done through an app or a WhatsApp number, and trained operators handle the entire process.

Key Uses of Agricultural Drones in Indian Farms

Drones aren’t just flying machines; they’re practical tools designed to take on everyday farming challenges. From reducing effort to improving productivity, their value is becoming clear across Indian villages.

Farmers are using drones for a variety of purposes, including:

• Spraying fertilizers and pesticides: Drones cover acres quickly while ensuring minimal chemical waste.
• Crop monitoring: Some drones can detect signs of disease or stress before it’s visible on the ground.
• Mapping and surveying: Drones provide detailed views of your land, enabling you to plan more effective irrigation and nutrient management.

A farmer in Karnal used the Leher drone during the kharif season and reported a 25% reduction in chemical costs along with better spray consistency.

Benefits You Can See

The reasons for choosing drones go beyond just speed. They solve real pain points that farmers face every season.

Here’s why more farmers are adopting drone spraying:

• Time saved: Manual spraying is a slow process. Drones finish the work in minutes, covering up to 50 acres per day.
• Lower costs: Drones use inputs efficiently, often reducing chemical use by 20–30%.
• Improved yields: With better application, crops absorb inputs more effectively and produce greater yields.
• Health protection: Drones eliminate the need for direct exposure to harmful chemicals.

Certified services, such as the Leher drone, also ensure that proper safety and calibration standards are followed, which improves the outcome of every spray session.

Cost Consideration: What Should You Expect?

Now, let’s talk about something that matters to every farmer—cost. Drone spraying may sound high-tech, but it’s surprisingly affordable.

The pricing usually depends on the crop and the size of the farm, but in general:

• Service charges range from ₹150 to ₹250 per acre.
• Input savings come from more accurate and even application.
• Labor savings are substantial, particularly during peak workload periods.

Farmers using the Leher drone have noted that, while the per-acre rate is comparable to manual spraying, the real savings come from reduced chemical use and quicker field turnaround.

How Easy Is It to Get Started?

The good news is that you don’t have to invest in a drone or learn how to operate one. Accessing drone services has never been simpler.

With app-based or WhatsApp-based booking systems, the process is easy and accessible:

• Book through mobile, WhatsApp, or a phone call.
• Choose your crop and field size.
• A certified operator arrives at your farm and completes the spraying.
• You receive a report or update on completion.

Most first-time users quickly become repeat customers, thanks to the time saved and consistent results. Many of these bookings are made using platforms connected to services like the Leher drone, making the whole process smooth.

Extra Income: Become a Drone Operator

Drones aren’t just tools for farming—they can also create a new source of income.

If you’re interested in technology and live in a farming village, you could become a certified drone operator. Companies like Leher train rural youth through their drone partner program and even offer support to get started.

Here’s what you need:

• Basic education and smartphone skills.
• Willingness to learn drone operation.
• Interest in offering spraying services locally.

Certified operators can earn a steady income during peak seasons, and in some cases, this can even become a full-time livelihood. It’s one more way technology is creating opportunity in rural India.

Final Thoughts

Agricultural drones are no longer just for large, high-tech farms. They’re being used by everyday Indian farmers to reduce chemical waste, save labor time, and boost crop output.

With drones like the Leher drone, access to this technology is becoming easier and more affordable. Whether you’re spraying 5 acres or 50, the benefits are real and visible within one season.

Try drone spraying on one part of your field this season. See the savings, see the results, and decide how it fits into your farming approach.