Modern agriculture is shifting away from traditional spraying techniques and embracing technology. Amid labor shortages and increasing pest resistance, spraying drones have become an essential solution. However, investment cost and model selection still present major concerns. To avoid wasted spending, it’s crucial to understand your farming conditions, actual needs, and key buying criteria.
Criteria for choosing the right pesticide spraying drone
Choosing the right drone is not just about “how much it costs,” but rather a combination of usage needs, crop types, land area, and investment capability. Key factors to consider include:
1. Cultivation area (first key factor)
- Under 1ha: Use mini drones, 5–10L capacity.
- 1–5ha: Medium drones (16–20L) with flight path programming.
- Over 10ha: High-capacity drones (25–40L), dual battery, high performance.
2. Crop type (affects spraying style and pressure)
- Rice, maize: Requires fast, wide-area spraying.
- Fruit trees: Adjustable spray angles for canopy coverage.
- Industrial crops (coffee, pepper): Prefer obstacle-avoidance sensors.
3. Terrain and farming conditions
- Flat land: Most drones can handle.
- Hilly/terraced: Choose drones with terrain radar and height control sensors.
4. Budget and maintenance
- Mini drones (VND 20–40M): Ideal for individuals, small households.
- Mid-range drones (VND 60–120M): Suitable for cooperatives and medium farms.
- Premium drones (>VND 150M): For large farms and service providers. Consider long-term costs of battery, parts, and maintenance.
5. Operational tech features
- GPS for auto-route mapping
- AI camera or obstacle detection sensors
- Swappable, high-capacity batteries
Choosing the right drone can reduce pesticide costs by 30–50%, cut labor by up to 90%, and improve spraying accuracy, pest control, and environmental protection.
Comparing drones by farming needs
A rice farmer in An Giang doesn’t have the same needs as a coffee grower in Đắk Lắk. That’s why one-size-fits-all drone models don’t work. Below are practical use cases and suitable drone recommendations.
By cultivation area
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Area
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Recommended Capacity
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Spray Speed
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Suggested Models
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<1ha
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10–12L
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5–7 mins/ha
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P-G10, A12 mini
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1–5ha
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16–20L
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4–6 mins/ha
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DJI T20, AGRAS A22
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>10ha
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25–40L
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2–3 mins/ha
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DJI T40, XAG P100 Pro
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For 1–2 crops/year, large drones may be unnecessary - consider renting or buying secondhand.
By crop type
- Fruit trees: Tall canopy, adjustable spraying. → DJI T10 or T20P with rotating nozzles
- Low crops (rice, vegetables): Even propeller dispersion → P-G16, A20
- Industrial crops (coffee, cashew): Terrain radar, long battery life → XAG V40
By terrain
- Complex terrain/obstacles: Needs obstacle avoidance sensors, terrain radar
- Lowland/swampy areas: Prefer IP67 waterproof shell
By usage frequency
- Daily use: 2–3 batteries + fast chargers needed
- Occasional use: Durable, low-maintenance drones preferred
By budget
- Under VND 50M: P-G10, Chinese domestic brands (no AI sensors)
- VND 50–100M: DJI T10, A20 – balanced performance & cost
- Over VND 120M: DJI T40, XAG V100 – large-scale farming, IoT integration
Benefits and risks of choosing the wrong drone
Many farmers regret investing in drones over VND 100M that end up unused due to poor fit or complexity. Here’s what actual usage data shows:
Proven benefits
- Saves 30–50% pesticide via even, accurate spraying
- Reduces 90% of manual labor
- Boosts yield 10–20% by timely, effective spraying
- Covers 5–10 ha/day with drones >16L
According to Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture (2024), spraying drones saved an average of VND 18 million/ha/crop in the Mekong Delta.
Risks of poor selection
- Overcapacity → investment waste: e.g., 25L drone for only 2ha
- No height radar → uneven spray on slopes → burnt leaves or poor coverage
- No obstacle detection → prone to crashes in areas with trees, power lines
Hidden costs
- Battery: VND 7–15M per unit, replace every 1–1.5 years
- Maintenance: Imported drones need skilled technicians, repairs can be costly
- Consumables: Nozzles, filters, props need 6–12 month replacement
Choosing the wrong drone not only wastes money but reduces productivity. Base your decision on actual needs - not trendy models.
Choosing spraying drones by specific use case
You don’t need to spend hundreds of millions for every case. Select based on real usage rather than models or brands. Here are typical use cases with matched suggestions:
Small-scale households (<2ha)
- Usage: 3–5 sprayings/crop, not daily
- Suggest: 10–12L drone, single battery, manual control
- Recommended: A12 mini, PG-G10 (~VND 30–45M)
Farming groups or cooperatives (5–10ha)
- Usage: Alternating spraying schedules
- Suggest: 16–20L drone with GPS programming
- Recommended: DJI T20, XAG P30 (VND 80–120M)
Large farms or spray service providers
- Usage: Daily spraying, high intensity
- Suggest: 25–40L drone, dual battery, obstacle sensors
- Recommended: DJI T40, XAG P100 (>VND 150M)
Hilly or obstacle-rich terrain
- Usage: Coffee, cashew, fruit trees
- Suggest: Terrain radar + adjustable nozzles
- Recommended: DJI T20P, XAG V40
Seasonal need (2–3 crops/year)
- Suggest: Rent or buy used → 40–70% cost of new drone
Top recommended drones & current price range
While over 20 drone models are available, only a few suit most Vietnamese farmers. Here’s a summary of top models per category:
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Model
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Capacity
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Key Features
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Price (VND)
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PG-G10
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10L
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Lightweight, easy to use, budget
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30–35 million
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DJI T10
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10L
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GPS automation, camera monitoring
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50–60 million
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DJI T20
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20L
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Terrain sensor, accurate spraying
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80–90 million
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XAG P30
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16L
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Powerful, good for fruit crops
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100–120 million
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DJI T40
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40L
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Versatile, high performance
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160–190 million
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XAG V100
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35L
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AI operation, IoT integration
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170–200 million
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Operating cost notes
- Battery: Dual set needed → VND 14–25M
- Fast charger: VND 3–8M depending on type
- Yearly maintenance: VND 3–5M
- Consumables: Nozzles, filters, props → ~VND 1M/year
Legal Considerations for Agricultural Drones
- No flight license needed for use within 5km² and below 100m height, but registration is recommended.
- Commercial use requires registration with the Department of Agriculture and Aviation Authority.
- Imported drones must have valid CO/CQ for warranty and parts replacement.
Buy only from authorized dealers (DJI, XAG) or official distributors for full technical support and legal compliance.
Spraying drones represent a breakthrough in smart farming - but only deliver value when chosen correctly. For small farms, budget mini drones are sufficient. For large farms or service operations, high-performance drones offer fast ROI. Most importantly, make your decision based on land size, crop type, and usage frequency - not popularity.
Asked questions about pesticide spraying drones
Are pesticide spraying drones expensive?
Not necessarily. Spraying drone prices in Vietnam range from VND 30 million to over VND 200 million depending on size, features, and brand. For small farms, entry-level drones around VND 30–50 million are usually sufficient.
Which drone is best for small farms (under 2 hectares)?
For small-scale use, choose mini drones with 10–12L capacity such as the PG-G10 or A12 mini. These are affordable, easy to operate, and suitable for seasonal spraying.
What drone model should I buy for large farms or service spraying?
If you spray daily or manage over 10 hectares, go for high-performance drones like DJI T40 or XAG P100 Pro. These have 25–40L capacity, dual batteries, and terrain sensors for precise, large-scale spraying.
Can I use a spraying drone on hilly or forested terrain?
Yes, but you’ll need a model equipped with terrain-following radar and obstacle avoidance systems. Recommended models include DJI T20P and XAG V40, designed for uneven landscapes.
How much can I save using a drone instead of manual spraying?
According to the Ministry of Agriculture (2024), using spraying drones can:
- Cut pesticide use by 30–50%
- Reduce labor costs by 90%
- Increase yield by 10–20%
- Save up to VND 18 million/ha per crop in the Mekong Delta
What are the hidden costs of owning a drone?
Besides the initial purchase price, consider:
- Battery replacement (every 1–1.5 years): VND 7–15 million/unit
- Maintenance: VND 3–5 million/year
- Consumables (nozzles, filters, propellers): ~VND 1 million/year
Do I need a license to operate a pesticide drone?
- For private use under 5km² and below 100m altitude, no license is required, but registration is recommended.
- For commercial spraying, registration with local Agriculture Departments and Civil Aviation is required.
Should I buy a used spraying drone?
Yes - if you spray infrequently (e.g., 2–3 times/year), buying a secondhand drone can reduce costs by 30–60%. Just ensure it has clear origin and working condition.
Where should I buy a spraying drone in Vietnam?
Choose authorized distributors such as DJI, XAG, or certified resellers like DJI Đại Lợi. They offer warranty, after-sales support, and legal documentation (CO, CQ).
What capacity drone do I need for my crop type?
- Rice, maize: High-speed sprayers with 16–20L tanks
- Fruit trees: Adjustable-angle nozzles for tall canopies
- Coffee, cashew: Terrain radar and strong battery life required
