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 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.
