How much does an agricultural spraying drone cost

Why is drone pricing such a hot topic?

The cost of agricultural equipment is always a major concern - especially as smart farming technology advances rapidly. Among these tools, agricultural drones stand out as a modern solution to save labor, time, and money. However, prices for different drone models vary significantly: from tens to hundreds of millions of VND, depending on brand, capacity, and features. Thus, asking “how much does an agricultural spraying drone cost?” is not merely a price inquiry, but also reflects the need to balance cost, ROI, and suitability for actual farm scale.

What factors affect drone prices?

In the Vietnamese market, agricultural drone prices typically range from 80 million to over 400 million VND. This difference is shaped by several key factors that buyers should understand before investing:

Tank size and operating capacity

• Common drones have a tank size of 10L to 40L, covering 5–25 ha/hour.
• 10L–16L drones are cheaper (80–130 million VND), ideal for small-scale farms.
• 25L–30L models like DJI T20, T30 cost 160–250 million VND.
• 40L–75L models like DJI T40, T50 can reach 300–400 million VND.

Brand and technology

• DJI leads the market with advanced sensors, radar, and RTK positioning, pushing its price higher than Chinese domestic brands like XAG or Kisan Drone.
• Basic Chinese models are 20–30% cheaper but less stable in the long term.

Automation features and sensors

• Smart spraying, pressure control, terrain sensors all raise the price.
• Some drones offer smart mapping and autonomous flight - ideal for large farms.

Included accessories

• Batteries, chargers, spare tanks, remote controllers are extra costs.
• A full combo package may add 15–30 million VND to the base price.

After-sales service and warranty

• Brands like DJI offer official warranties, 1-year maintenance, and genuine parts - raising initial cost but saving in the long run.

Price comparison by drone model and tech level

There are many agricultural drone options today, from basic budget models to AI-integrated high-end units. Understanding the differences helps you avoid overpaying or underbuying.

Model	Tank Size	Price (VND)	Key Features
DJI Agras T10	10L	85–110 million	Compact, ideal for small fields, basic auto-fly
DJI Agras T20P	20L	140–170 million	Radar, dosing spray, map management
DJI Agras T30	30L	200–250 million	RTK, 3D terrain scan, stable spray speed
DJI Agras T40	40L	280–330 million	Dual spray, omni sensors, AI flight assist
DJI Agras T50	50L	370–420 million	High efficiency, 25 ha/hour
XAG V40 (China)	20L	120–140 million	Cheaper, fewer sensors, harder to maintain

Note: Prices exclude battery, fast charger, and controller - add 15–30 million VND more.

How does tech affect pricing?

• Centrifugal spraying is cheaper but less uniform than pressure spraying.
• Terrain radar sensors ensure flight accuracy and avoid crashes - only on models over 150 million.
• RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) enables precise mapping and autonomous route planning - high-cost but crucial for farms >10 ha.

Renting drones – a practical alternative?

• Average rental cost: 180,000–250,000 VND/ha per session.
• For over 100 ha/year, total rental cost >20 million VND - similar to mid-range drone maintenance + depreciation.
• Ideal for households with small land, seasonal farming, or no pilot available.

Actual costs vs. return on investment (ROI)

Drones may seem expensive at first glance, but analyzing usage efficiency and labor savings shows their ROI is compelling. Below is a financial model from real-world applications in the Mekong Delta and Central Highlands.

Basic investment model: 200 million VND drone

Item	Details	Estimated Cost (VND)
Initial investment	DJI T30 + accessories	220 million
Annual operating cost	Battery + maintenance + labor	12–15 million
Annual spray capacity	15–20 ha/day x 50 days	~800–1000 ha/year
Equivalent rental value	250,000 VND/ha	200–250 million
Payback period	Within 1 crop season	~8–10 months

Manual spraying comparison

• A single worker can cover ~1 ha/day manually.
• For 20 ha: needs 3–4 workers, 5–7 days, high exposure to chemicals.
• A drone completes this in one morning - saving 70%+ cost and improving safety.

Hidden costs of not investing

• Time wasted waiting for rental availability
• Inability to spray at the right time
• Higher risk of pest outbreak due to late treatment

Choosing the right drone for your needs and budget

Not everyone needs the most expensive or high-tech drone. Choosing the right model helps cut initial costs and ensures long-term efficiency. Here are common scenarios:

1. Small farms (<10 ha)

Recommended: DJI T10, XAG P20

Budget: 90–130 million VND

Reasons:

• Compact and easy to control
• Sufficient for spraying 5–10 ha/day
• No need for RTK or advanced mapping

2. Medium farms (10–30 ha)

Recommended: DJI T20P, DJI T30

Budget: 160–240 million VND

Reasons:

• Full sensor suite
• Terrain and object detection
• Can hire pilot initially if needed

3. Large farms/cooperatives (>50 ha)

Recommended: DJI T40, T50

Budget: 280–420 million VND

Reasons:

• Fast spraying, 20–25 ha/hour
• Smart mapping, app tracking
• Fast ROI and low external rental costs

4. Farmers without piloting skills

Options:

• Hire service: 180,000–250,000 VND/ha
• Rent drone per season: 15–30 million VND
• Find DJI-certified partners to operate

5. Shared usage among smallholders

Recommendation: Joint purchase of DJI T20 or T30

Benefits:

• Shared investment cost
• Maximized drone usage
• Shared pilot service possible

Market trends and legal considerations

With the rise of smart farming, legal awareness is also crucial. Investors in drone tech should know these points to avoid unnecessary legal or financial risks.

Current market status

• As of early 2025, over 2,800 agricultural drones are registered in Vietnam - 3x more than in 2022 (source: MARD).
• DJI holds over 70% market share, especially in Dong Thap, An Giang, Gia Lai, Binh Phuoc.
• Rental services are growing fast - but there's a shortage of qualified pilots.

Legal compliance

• UAV registration is mandatory in Vietnam (as per Circular 19/2019/TT-BQP).
• Users must get a flight permit from the Ministry of Defense - especially near populated or border areas.
• Failure to register can result in 10–20 million VND in fines and equipment confiscation.
• Only approved pesticides may be used, or users risk violating Vietnam's Plant Protection Law.

Equipment insurance

• Some distributors offer agricultural drone insurance (4–7 million VND/year).
• Covers crash damage, drone falls, battery fires - worth considering for investments over 200 million VND.

Buying vs. Renting – Which is better?

Many households and cooperatives face this dilemma. Both have pros and cons, but it depends on your specific situation.

Criteria	Buying a Drone	Renting a Spray Service
Initial cost	200–400 million VND	0 VND
Annual operating cost	12–20 million VND	Based on area used
Flexibility	Full control over schedule	Depends on provider
ROI	8–12 months if >100 ha/year	No asset created
Risk	Collision, failure, repairs	Timing delays, technique gaps
Long-term stability	High if well-maintained	Medium
Upgrade flexibility	Resale or trade-in possible	Depends on provider

When to buy a drone?

• Land area >20 ha or shared use among multiple households
• You or someone you know can operate the drone
• Long-term goal: reduce outsourcing and gain seasonal control

When to rent services?

• Fields <5 ha or occasional farming
• No available pilot or technician
• Want to simplify cost, no maintenance burden

Suggested approach for best results

• Phase 1: Rent for 1–2 seasons to test
• Phase 2: Invest in suitable model with vendor support (many offer installment plans + free pilot training)
• Phase 3: Reinvest or upgrade after ROI is recovered

Agricultural spraying drone prices range from 80 to over 400 million VND, depending on tank size, technology, and brand. For small-scale farms, models around 100–150 million VND are sufficient, while large-scale growers benefit more from DJI T40–T50 drones in terms of time and cost savings. If you’re not ready to fly on your own, rental or group sharing is still a smart choice. Always align your decision with actual land size, need, and budget.

FAQs About Agricultural Spraying Drones

Should I buy a drone if I only have 5 ha of land?

No. It’s better to rent or join a shared investment to save on cost.

Why are DJI drones more expensive than Chinese brands?

They include precise sensors, smart radar, and safer flight modes - making them more stable and durable, though priced 20–30% higher.

How to use a spraying drone properly?

Operators must plan flight paths via software, maintain 2–3m spray height, avoid strong winds, and regularly check battery and nozzle systems.

Is a 30L drone suitable for coffee plantations?

Yes. The DJI T30 (30L) can cover 15–20 ha/day, ideal for medium-to-large coffee farms in the Central Highlands.

Should I get insurance for my drone?

Yes. Many vendors now offer coverage for crashes, falls, or battery explosions - worth it for investments over 200 million VND.