Advisory

As labor and input costs rise, more farmers are switching to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for pesticide spraying as a cost-effective alternative. The key question is: how do you choose a low-cost drone that still meets practical farming needs?

WHAT IS A CROP SPRAYING DRONE

A crop spraying drone is a fully or semi-autonomous aerial device used to spray pesticides over medium and large-scale farms. It helps reduce manual labor and enhances spraying efficiency. These drones typically feature built-in liquid tanks, intelligent spray nozzles, and GPS navigation.

How crop spraying drones work:

• Pre-programmed flight paths via intelligent software or remote controllers
• GPS RTK navigation for precise positioning on the field
• Automated spraying system with preset flow rates
• Obstacle avoidance using sensors and radar for height adjustments

Current applications in agriculture:

• Used in rice, sugarcane, vegetables, and fruit farming in regions like the Mekong Delta, Central Highlands, and Southeast Vietnam
• Effective for complex terrain such as terraced fields or lowland farms
• Integrated with smart farming systems and pest-monitoring sensors

BENEFITS OF USING DRONE SPRAYING IN AGRICULTURE

Reduce labor costs and save time

• Cuts labor by 80–90% compared to manual or backpack sprayers
• Can spray 10–20 hectares per day depending on tank size and capacity
• Solves workforce shortages during peak seasons or in remote areas

Precise spraying and better health protection

• Minimizes human exposure to toxic chemicals
• Accurate GPS spraying reduces drift and off-target effects
• Promotes environmental safety and better food quality

Higher crop yield and efficient spraying cycles

• Even pesticide distribution reduces pest survival rates
• Promotes uniform crop growth and better harvest outcomes
• Enables timely spraying aligned with crop growth stages

SHOULD YOU BUY A CHEAP CROP SPRAYING DRONE

Pros and cons of low-cost drones

Pros:

• Low initial investment, suitable for smallholders
• Simple structure, easy to repair and operate

Cons:

• Shorter range, small tank capacity (under 10L)
• Lacks smart GPS or obstacle detection
• Shorter component lifespan, less accurate spraying

Comparison with premium drones

Criteria	Budget Drones	High-End DJI/XAG Drones
Tank capacity	5–10 liters	10–50 liters
GPS RTK	Basic or not included	Full GPS RTK integrated
Obstacle detection	None or basic	360° radar, multi-sensor
Auto spray accuracy	Manual or semi-auto	Smart autonomous spraying
Component durability	1–2 seasons	Over 8 years

Who should consider budget drones:

• Small farms under 5 hectares
• Cooperatives or farmers testing drone spraying for the first time
• Individuals training to become drone operators

KEY FACTORS WHEN BUYING A CROP SPRAYING DRONE

Tank capacity and spray radius

• Under 5 hectares: choose 10L lightweight drones with single rotors
• 5–20 hectares: choose 15–30L drones with wider spray coverage

Battery life and flight capability

• Standard batteries last 15–25 minutes per flight
• Prefer lithium batteries with <1-hour fast charging
• Remote control should maintain stable connection over 1km

Smart features: GPS RTK, obstacle radar

• GPS RTK ensures accurate coverage without overlap
• Obstacle radar improves safety near power lines or trees
• Some models include terrain-following sensors for varied topography

Warranty and technical support

• Choose vendors offering 12-month warranty and spare parts in stock
• Must provide training, field support, and troubleshooting
• Prefer those with technical service centers or remote updates

POPULAR LOW-COST DRONES FOR PESTICIDE SPRAYING

DJI T10, T20, T30 Crop Spraying Drones

Ideal for beginners and cooperatives:

• DJI T10: Compact 8L tank, 5–7m spray width, suitable for small farms
• DJI T20: 20L tank, GPS RTK, obstacle radar, accurate route spraying
• DJI T30: 30L capacity, fast spraying speed, ideal for 10+ hectare fields

These models offer a solid balance between price and performance.

Chinese domestic spraying drones (non-DJI)

• Cost 30–50% less than DJI drones
• Usually 10–15L tanks, basic motors, Chinese-only interfaces
• Limited support; best for experienced users or pilot testing
  Caution: Avoid units with no warranty or unclear origin

Mini drones for small household farms

• Suitable for farms under 2 hectares
• 5–8L manual or semi-auto drones with compact design
• 50–70% lower investment, basic functions for home farming
  Ideal for beginners before moving to fully automated solutions

WHERE TO BUY RELIABLE DRONES FOR PESTICIDE SPRAYING

Why choose DJI Đại Lợi

Official DJI reseller in Vietnam offering:

• Full DJI lineup: T10, T20, T30
• Showrooms in Ho Chi Minh City, nationwide delivery
• On-field tech support, flight training, and troubleshooting

Trusted by cooperatives and individual farmers nationwide

Warranty and technical service at DJI Đại Lợi

• 12–24 month official warranty on drone body, battery, controller
• Regular maintenance and free software updates
• Genuine parts in stock for fast replacements

Additional services when buying from DJI Đại Lợi

• Free training: basic handling to full flight programming
• On-site delivery and field installation
• Assistance with drone registration and insurance paperwork

Comparison: DJI Đại Lợi vs others

Criteria	DJI Đại Lợi	Small Vendors
Official Status	DJI-certified	Unclear
Technical Support	On-field, 1-on-1	Ship back for repair
Warranty	Full coverage, in-stock	May lack spare parts
Training	Free and complete	May charge or skip

WARNING WHEN BUYING CHEAP DRONES

Common mistakes when buying low-cost crop spraying drones:

• Focusing only on price, ignoring spare parts and accessories
• Buying gray-import units with no warranty or technical support
• Not verifying key specs like tank size, battery life, radar features

Always check seller reputation, warranty policy, and after-sales service to avoid risk.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SPRAYING DRONES

Are crop spraying drones battery-powered or gasoline-powered?

Most modern drones use lithium batteries:

• Eco-friendly, no emissions
• Quiet operation, low maintenance
• Swappable batteries during peak season

Some older domestic models still use gasoline engines, but these are rare.

Do I need a license to operate a drone?

No official license required in most areas, but:

• May need registration with authorities if flying in restricted zones
• Proof of legal purchase and ownership is advised
• Cooperatives or tech farming projects should train dedicated UAV pilots

Are spraying drones durable and reliable?

• Average lifespan is over 8 years with proper use
• Premium models like DJI are water-resistant, impact-proof, and circuit-protected
• Batteries typically last 1–1.5 years before needing replacement

Regular maintenance like blade replacement and nozzle cleaning extends drone longevity.

An affordable crop spraying drone can be a smart entry point for modern farming. However, buyers must be cautious of overpromising deals and make decisions based on actual farming needs. Wise investment today means long-term savings and better crop performance.