What should operators of rice-spraying drones be aware of?

• Why drone operators need to be cautious
• Key factors affecting safe operation
• Common risks of improper operation
• Real-world consequences and lessons learned
• Practical recommendations for safe operation
• Pre-flight checklist
• Relevant regulations in Vietnam
• Conclusion

Why drone operators need to be cautious

In recent years, rice-spraying drones have been widely adopted in the Mekong Delta, Southeast, and Central Highlands as a breakthrough in smart farming. Yet behind this technological promise lie significant risks: operational accidents, equipment failure, environmental contamination, or even legal penalties. Several incidents of poisoning and unauthorized aerial spraying have been reported, emphasizing the need for proper training and compliance.

Drone operators must understand both the technical and legal aspects of aerial spraying to ensure safe, effective, and lawful operations.

Key factors affecting safe operation

Operating a spraying drone isn’t just about remote control—it requires mechanical knowledge, pesticide handling expertise, environmental awareness, and legal understanding.

1. Knowledge of pesticides and usage protocols

• Not all pesticides are approved for drone spraying; some active ingredients can drift and contaminate neighboring areas.
• Follow exact dosage, pre-harvest intervals, and buffer-zone regulations issued by the Plant Protection Department.

2. Pilot skill and terrain awareness

• The operator must understand wind direction, safe altitude, and flight speed—especially in terraced fields or near power lines.
• Proficiency in GPS mapping, Terrain Follow, and flight path programming is essential.

3. Pre-flight inspection and maintenance

• Check batteries, motors, nozzles, sensors, and flight software before each operation.
• Many crashes result from neglected maintenance: damaged propellers, outdated firmware, or overheated batteries.

4. Legal compliance

• Some provinces require drone registration or flight approval from local authorities.
• Spraying near residential areas, schools, or water sources can incur fines of 3–30 million VND if damage occurs.

5. Environmental and human impact

• Strong winds or incorrect altitude can cause pesticide drift, leading to excessive residues.
• Risks include poisoning of nearby residents, livestock, or water contamination without proper safety zones.

Common risks of improper operation

1. Technical accidents

Agricultural drones can cost 150–400 million VND. Many owners self-operate after minimal training, leading to:

• Mid-air control loss or crashes due to wrong Return-to-Home setup.
• Battery fires from incorrect charging.

A 2024 Can Tho report recorded 12 drone crashes in two months, mainly caused by user error and poor maintenance.

2. Human and environmental toxicity

Over-spraying or flying too low can spread chemicals to homes, ponds, and vegetables, causing allergic or respiratory reactions.

A 2023 Plant Protection Institute study found pesticide residues 2.4× above limits in vegetables near incorrectly sprayed fields.

3. Legal violations

Operating unregistered drones in provinces such as Long An or Dong Nai can result in:

• Administrative fines (10–30 million VND).
• Equipment confiscation.
• Possible criminal charges under Article 235 of the Penal Code for environmental harm.

4. Poor spraying performance

Incorrect speed, flow rate, or spacing causes uneven coverage—leading to burnt leaves or pest survival, requiring costly re-sprays.

5. Operator overconfidence

Many assume drones “spray automatically,” neglecting wind checks or calibration—one of the most common causes of failed early-season sprays.

Real-world consequences and lessons learned

1. Equipment damage

A farmer in Dong Thap reported losing 17 million VND replacing a motor after spraying with a clogged nozzle.

2. Localized crop loss

Improper altitude adjustment in Vinh Long caused pesticide runoff, reducing yield by 30–40%.

3. Health complaints from residents

In An Giang, a nearby household reported allergic reactions when the drone’s spray drifted during a wind shift.

4. Wasted chemicals

Incorrect spray calibration leads to 12–18% pesticide loss per hectare, according to regional Plant Protection data.

Practical recommendations for safe operation

1. For beginners

• Attend certified training from brands like DJI Agras, XAG, or Hylio.
• Log at least 10 supervised flight hours before solo operation.
• Record and review all flight errors for improvement.

2. For areas near residential zones

• Use drones with wind sensors and geofencing.
• File a flight plan 24 hours in advance; monitor weather forecasts.
• Mark and notify nearby households before spraying.

3. When using high-toxicity chemicals

• Avoid restricted compounds (e.g., Methamidophos, Carbofuran).
• Maintain at least 30–50 m distance from homes and canals.
• Use sealed protective gear when filling tanks.

4. During rainy seasons

• Avoid spraying from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. when storms are likely.
• Reduce flight speed to increase droplet adhesion.
• Use anti-drift or low-flow nozzles.

5. During peak pest seasons

• Inspect fields frequently and spray at the right pest stage.
• Combine spraying with fertilizer application per crop schedule.
• Keep a detailed spray log (chemical type, weather, dosage).

Pre-flight checklist

Item	Inspection details
Battery	Fully charged, not swollen or overheated
Nozzles	Clear, no leaks or blockages
Hoses	Secure, no kinks or cracks
Sensors	Functional, no software errors
GPS / Map	Route planned, no restricted zones
Weather	Avoid wind > 3 m/s or temperature > 35 °C
Controller	Stable connection, firmware updated
Documents	Permits and local notifications (if required)

Relevant regulations in Vietnam

• Circular 08/2021/TT-BNNPTNT – regulates pesticide use; bans aerial spraying near populated zones without proper isolation.
• Circular 19/2019/TT-BGTVT – requires UAV registration for non-private agricultural use.
• Environmental Protection Law 2020 – outlines liability for pollution caused by pesticide misuse.

Some provinces (e.g., Dong Nai, Hau Giang) require prior notice to local authorities before spraying operations.

Conclusion

Operating a rice-spraying drone represents a major step in smart farming but demands strict attention to technical, legal, and safety factors. Negligence can lead to equipment loss, legal penalties, or community health issues.

• New operators should invest in formal training and follow checklists rigorously.
• Experienced users should keep up with chemical guidelines and local regulations.

Every flight is both an opportunity and a risk—success depends on preparation and responsibility.

FAQs about rice-spraying drones

Can drones be used for small rice fields?

Yes, compact drones (10–16 L tanks) work well for 0.5–2 ha fields if flight paths are properly adjusted.

Why avoid spraying under intense sunlight?

High temperatures cause rapid evaporation, reducing effectiveness and risking leaf burn.

When is local registration required?

Before spraying near populated, road, or sensitive areas (schools, water reservoirs).

How to achieve effective spraying results?

Plan flight routes in advance, check wind, and set appropriate speed and flow rate for each crop stage.

What technical issues commonly cause crashes?

Weak batteries, broken propellers, GPS loss, or faulty terrain sensors — always inspect before every flight.