In recent years, demand for affordable crop-spraying drones has surged across Vietnam’s rice and fruit-growing regions - especially in the Mekong Delta, Central Highlands, and Central Vietnam. The main reasons: increasing labor costs for manual spraying, while agricultural drones can save up to 70% of spraying time and 30% of pesticide use.
Smallholder farmers are increasingly adopting mini agricultural drones with 10–16-liter tanks - easy to operate, maintain, and priced below 100 million VND, ideal for farms from 2–5 hectares.
Compared to manual spraying, drones help:
According to the Vietnam Institute of Agricultural Mechanization, small rice farmers with 5 hectares can recover their drone investment within 1–1.5 crop cycles.
Drone pricing depends on:
When choosing an affordable drone, prioritize models with available spare parts, low power consumption, and easy repairability to minimize running costs.
For farms under 5 hectares, a 10–16-liter drone with a capacity of 5–7 hectares per hour offers optimal efficiency. Smaller drones are energy-efficient and highly maneuverable in narrow fields.
Lightweight carbon frames, corrosion-resistant materials, and brushless motors extend drone lifespan up to 3–5 years. Budget-friendly drones should sustain payloads of 10–15 kg for stable flight under light wind and uneven terrain.
GPS-based navigation ensures precise spraying and reduces overlap or missed areas. Many modern models feature auto-return when the battery runs low. Lithium batteries (22,000–30,000 mAh) provide 15–25 minutes of flight time - sufficient for budget drones to deliver reliable performance.
The DJI Agras T10 stands out as a leading affordable spraying drone. With a 10-liter tank, dual radar, and 360° vision camera, it can cover 6 hectares per hour - ideal for small-scale farmers seeking professional-grade quality.
The XAG V40 features AI-assisted navigation and RTK-mapped precision spraying. Praised for stability and accuracy, it’s priced between 85–95 million VND - a strong contender among high-tech budget drones.
Brands like JMRX and Joyance offer 16-liter drones priced around 50–70 million VND with 6–8 hectares/hour capacity. These are great starter choices for those wanting a low-cost crop-spraying drone without heavy investment.
Local manufacturers such as HESA and Drone Agri have developed 10–12-liter drones with stable flight performance, priced at 60–80 million VND. With easy access to spare parts and quick warranty service, these Vietnamese drones are excellent value for money.
Buying a used spraying drone is another way to cut costs, but check battery life, motors, and spray nozzles carefully. Drones with over 300 flight hours may show significant wear and reduced stability.
|
Model |
Battery Capacity |
Flight Time |
Spraying Capacity |
Price (million VND) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
DJI T10 |
22,000 mAh |
20 min |
6 ha/hour |
95–100 |
|
XAG V40 |
25,000 mAh |
25 min |
7 ha/hour |
85–95 |
|
Joyance 16L |
22,000 mAh |
18 min |
6 ha/hour |
60–70 |
|
Drone Agri 12L |
24,000 mAh |
20 min |
5 ha/hour |
70–80 |
The table shows that budget spraying drones can deliver similar efficiency to premium models at only 60–70% of the cost.
DJI and XAG achieve more even coverage thanks to ground-sensing radar technology. Vietnamese-made models offer lower operating costs but slightly less stability than top-tier brands.
Annual maintenance costs for budget drones average 3–5% of their value, covering battery, nozzle, and propeller replacement. When comparing models, consider total ownership cost, not just the purchase price.
Buy from authorized dealers with clear warranty policies
Reputable distributors like Đại Lợi, Nam Trung, and DJI Vietnam offer genuine drones with 12-month warranties and on-site technical support.
These checks ensure your low-cost spraying drone meets operational and safety standards.
Only purchase from verified sellers with clear contact information, official dealer certification, and authentic product images/videos. Avoid unverified listings to reduce warranty risks.
Overall, affordable crop-spraying drones can meet the needs of small farmers effectively when chosen according to specific field size and usage goals.
The DJI T10 and Drone Agri 12L are ideal for small fields, offering lightweight design, easy maintenance, and energy efficiency - both priced under 100 million VND.
Farmers are shifting toward AI-enabled agricultural drones capable of plant recognition and variable-rate spraying based on pest density. This evolution toward smart farming enhances productivity and reduces labor dependency.
Even with limited budgets, farmers can still own a high-quality, low-cost spraying drone by choosing the right brand and model for their real needs - a vital step toward efficient and sustainable agriculture.
Yes. With proper maintenance and battery care, they can last 3–5 years. Carbon frames and brushless motors ensure stability and minimal breakdowns.
A 10–16-liter drone is optimal, balancing efficiency and ease of operation for farms between 2–5 hectares.
Purchase from authorized dealers such as Đại Lợi, or official DJI/XAG distributors to ensure genuine products, warranties, and technical support.
Yes, but only after checking flight hours, motor condition, and battery health. Choose units with valid warranty papers or verified test videos.
Spray during calm weather, fully charge batteries, update software regularly, and adjust flight speed to match crop type for maximum spraying efficiency.
