AGRI-DRONE for Precision Agriculture

Abstract

The agricultural sector is witnessing a paradigm shift through the integration of cutting-edge technologies. This paper reviews the potential of AGRI- DRONE technology, focusing on quadcopter drones equipped with thermal cameras to conduct land surveys. These drones provide detailed insights into soil fertility and moisture content, enabling informed decisions to maximize crop yield and profitability. The discussion highlights the advantages, challenges, and future prospects of using drones in precision agriculture.

Introduction

Background & Objective:
The agriculture sector faces growing challenges such as climate change and limited resources. The AGRI-DRONE, a quadcopter with thermal imaging, offers a high-tech solution for sustainable farming. The goal is to improve land surveys and provide data on soil fertility and moisture, helping farmers optimize crop management and boost profits.

Literature Review Highlights:

• UAV Use in Agriculture: Drones are effective in collecting high-resolution data for analyzing soil health and crop conditions.

• Thermal Imaging: Accurately detects moisture and fertility issues, supporting better irrigation and fertilization.

• Crop Yield & Profitability: Drone use leads to 8–12% yield increases and 15–18% profit gains.

• Challenges: High costs, weather dependency, and the need for technical training hinder widespread adoption.

• Sustainability: Reduces use of water, fertilizer, and pesticides, minimizing environmental impact.

Applications of AGRI-DRONE:

1. Land Surveys: Detects uneven moisture and potential stress zones using thermal imaging.

2. Crop Monitoring: Identifies early signs of disease or pest infestation.

3. Resource Optimization: Enables precise application of water and nutrients.

Advantages:

• High precision data collection

• Cost and time efficiency

• Environmentally sustainable farming practices

Challenges:

• High upfront costs

• Need for technical skills

• Weather sensitivity

• Regulatory hurdles

Discussion:

AGRI-DRONE is technically feasible and effective for medium-to-large farms. Cloud integration enhances remote data access. However, affordability and training remain key adoption barriers. The technology significantly contributes to resource-efficient and sustainable agriculture.

Recommendations:

• Develop low-cost drone models for small farmers

• Provide training workshops

• Use multi-spectral sensors for deeper insights

• Offer government subsidies and policy support

Conclusion

AGRI-DRONES represent a significant advancement in precision agriculture, offering farmers a powerful tool to improve land fertility and moisture management. By leveraging quadcopter drones and thermal imaging, farmers can make informed decisions that enhance crop yield and profitability. While challenges exist, continuous technological advancements and supportive policies will drive the adoption of AGRI-DRONE technology, transforming the future of agriculture. The reviewed studies collectively underscore the potential of drones in transforming traditional agriculture into a more precise, efficient, and sustainable practice. Key themes include the utility of thermal imaging for soil and moisture analysis, the economic feasibility of UAV adoption, and the environmental benefits of reduced resource usage. However, challenges such as cost, technical expertise, and regulatory compliance must be addressed to realize the full potential of AGRI-DRONE systems. This literature review establishes a solid foundation for your project, highlighting both the promise and the practical considerations of implementing AGRI-DRONE technology in precision agriculture.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Madhvendra Verma, Balwant Singh. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.