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Smart agricultural drones are transforming farming practices in Vietnam. By applying the latest AI technologies, these modern drones help farmers increase yields and reduce seasonal production costs.

OVERVIEW OF SMART AGRICULTURAL DRONES

What are smart agricultural drones?

Smart agricultural drones are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with advanced technologies such as GPS, sensors, AI, and automated control software to support agricultural operations.
These drones are specifically designed for pesticide spraying, seed planting, fertilizer distribution, and crop monitoring with precision and efficiency.

Practical applications in modern farming

Smart agricultural drones are widely used in modern farming models to:

• Accurately spray pesticides, minimizing waste
• Monitor crop growth via aerial imagery
• Optimize labor, especially in hard-to-reach terrains
• Integrate terrain sensors for obstacle avoidance and safe flight mapping

How they differ from regular drones

Criteria	Regular Drones	Smart Agricultural Drones
Primary use	Photography, filming	Spraying, seeding, crop monitoring
Payload capacity	Low (under 1kg)	High (10–75kg)
Sensor system	Basic	Multidirectional, phased array radar, RTK
Flight duration	Medium (15–30 mins)	Longer, optimized for agriculture

CURRENT TRENDS IN SMART AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGIES

Automation and AI in agriculture

2025 marks a significant advancement in smart farming 4.0 with solutions like:

• AI systems that detect crops and identify pests
• Auto-routed drones based on terrain maps
• Machine learning to predict pest outbreaks based on weather data

Drones with integrated sensors and flight mapping

Next-gen drones like the DJI T50 come with:

• Multidirectional radar for obstacle avoidance
• High-precision RTK GPS for stable flight paths
• Auto flight mapping within minutes of test flights

Digital transformation of agriculture in Vietnam

Vietnam has implemented:

• Smart farming models in the Mekong Delta
• Government-backed drone adoption in Lam Dong and Hau Giang
• Co-ops transitioning from manual spraying to smart drone operations

LATEST AGRICULTURAL DRONE MODELS IN VIETNAM

DJI Agras T50 with key improvements

The DJI T50 launched in early 2025 offers:

• 75L tank, double the T30’s capacity
• Dual FPV cameras for enhanced visibility
• Multidirectional radar for complex terrain navigation

Quick comparison: DJI T25 vs. XAG V40

Feature	DJI T25	XAG V40
Tank capacity	20L	20L
Sensors	Phased radar, FPV	Dual radar, no FPV
Weight	~52kg	~48kg
RTK integrated	Yes	Yes
Price	~129 million VND	~145 million VND

Smart agricultural drone prices in Vietnam

Current estimated market prices:

• DJI T10: ~95 million VND
• DJI T20P: ~220 million VND
• DJI T30: ~230 million VND
• DJI T50: ~190 million VND (promotional price with model deployment support)

IMPACT OF SMART AGRICULTURAL DRONES ON FARMING

Productivity and cost savings

A DJI agricultural drone can handle:

• 20–30 hectares per day (depending on model)
• 30–50% reduction in pesticide usage
• Up to 70% labor cost savings

Safety for farmers and the environment

Smart drones help:

• Minimize direct exposure to chemicals
• Avoid overspraying that affects neighboring fields
• Precisely target treatment zones to prevent water pollution

Recommended drone models by farm size

• 3–5 ha: Use DJI T10 or T20P
• 10–30 ha: Use DJI T25 or T30
• Over 30 ha: DJI T50 is recommended for maximum efficiency

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR AGRITECH IN VIETNAM

Pilot programs and financial incentives

The government promotes smart agri-tech with programs such as:

• Nationwide drone trials in rice farming
• Low-interest loans for co-ops and agri groups
• Prioritizing drones in national agri-digitalization policies

Role of co-ops and distributors

Co-operatives are key to connecting farmers with tech providers by:

• Organizing training on drone operation
• Negotiating pricing with DJI, XAG, etc.
• Coordinating drone sharing by crop zone

Distributors also provide tech support, warranty services, and supply genuine drone parts to local farmers.

Challenges to wide adoption

• High initial investment for small-scale farmers
• Shortage of trained drone operators
• Lack of legal frameworks for rural drone flights
• Poor signal coverage affecting RTK and flight data

FUTURE OUTLOOK FOR AGRICULTURAL DRONES

AI and digital farm data integration

By 2030, expect a merge of:

• Deep learning AI for pest detection via aerial images
• Big Data + cloud software for crop cycle tracking
• Real-time drone data syncing with digital farm platforms

Replacing traditional farm labor

Trials in Vietnam and China show:

• Drones can replace 50–80% of manual sprayers
• Reduce health risks for farmers
• Make agriculture more attractive to the younger generation

Toward sustainable and green farming

Drones enable:

• Accurate spraying with less soil and water pollution
• Lower chemical fertilizer use via precise crop tracking
• Easier organic farming through data-driven decisions

Experts forecast that UAVs will become a standard tool in Vietnam’s major farming regions.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR VIETNAMESE FARMERS

Checklist for buying a smart agricultural drone

1. Define your cultivation area (3 ha, 10 ha, 30 ha, etc.)
2. Prioritize drones with omnidirectional sensors and RTK
3. Choose models with FPV systems for visual aid
4. Buy from brands with warranty centers in Vietnam
5. Consult experienced co-ops or agribusinesses

Where to get accurate drone farming news

Stay updated by:

• Visiting official sites like DJI Agriculture Vietnam
• Following Facebook groups on smart agriculture
• Subscribing to co-op or distributor newsletters

Trusted suppliers in Vietnam

• DJI Đại Lợi – Official DJI distributor and service center
• AgriDrone Vietnam – Specializes in T20P, T25 drones
• TCT Nông nghiệp số – Partners with Mekong Delta co-ops

With the rapid rise of smart agricultural drones, farmers are encouraged to proactively seek information, choose suitable equipment, and leverage government support to successfully transition into high-tech farming.