Which agricultural drone should you choose?

Rapid adoption, but difficult choices remain

In just a few short years, agricultural drones have shifted from futuristic tech to a common sight in Vietnamese fields. From smallholder farms to large cooperatives, drones are now widely used for spraying, seeding, and crop monitoring - revolutionizing modern farming methods. However, with a growing market full of options from brands like DJI, XAG, and Hylio, and increasing technical demands, many buyers are left wondering: Which drone truly fits their needs?

Key criteria for choosing an agricultural drone

When selecting an agricultural drone, users often face a mix of technical, financial, and operational considerations. Below are six essential criteria to guide your decision:

• Crop type and purpose: Fruit trees, wet rice, and industrial crops require different drone types (e.g., for spraying, seeding, NDVI monitoring).
• Cultivation area: Farms under 5 ha can use compact models (10–15L); those over 10 ha should consider high-capacity models (30–40L).
• Tank size and efficiency: Spray volume, coverage rate (ha/hour), and battery flight time affect operational performance.
• Automation and control features: Modern drones offer GPS mapping, obstacle avoidance, auto-return, and smart path planning.
• Investment and maintenance costs: Drone prices range from 80 to 250 million VND, but long-term maintenance and parts replacement also matter.
• Brand and technical support: DJI and XAG dominate the market with complete ecosystems and strong after-sales service.

Ultimately, the right choice isn’t about picking the cheapest drone or falling for flashy ads - it’s about long-term applicability, ROI, and durability in Vietnam’s farming conditions.

Comparing common types of agricultural drones

Choosing a drone is like choosing a farm vehicle - not every model suits every terrain or crop. Some drones are better for flat rice fields, while others are designed for orchards in highlands. Below is a breakdown of common drone types by use case and operational need.

Spraying drones – The most common and versatile

1. DJI Agras T10, T20, T40: Market leaders with smart software, GPS mapping, and automated flight paths
   • Pros: Highly automated, stable performance, strong after-sales support
   • Cons: High cost, requires software registration
2. XAG V40, P100: Fast acceleration, precise spraying, active obstacle avoidance
   • Pros: Easy-to-use interface, powerful spraying
   • Cons: Requires specialized maintenance team, higher repair costs

Seeding drones – Ideal for reforestation and soil rehabilitation

• Great for seeding rice, reclaiming barren land, and reforesting degraded zones
• Some models offer dual spraying-seeding features, but at a higher cost
• Typical payload: 15–25 kg with precise location-based seed release

Monitoring drones – Data collection and pest detection

• Equipped with NDVI, RGB, and thermal cameras
• Mainly used in precision farming; less common among smallholders due to high cost (300 million–1 billion VND)

Proven benefits and potential risks of drone use

First-time users are often amazed by the productivity drones bring. However, improper use can lead to significant risks.

1. Proven benefits:

• Saves 70–90% of water and chemicals with fine mist controlled spraying
• Reduces labor by 95% - one operator can manage over 20 ha/day
• Increases crop yield and survival rate thanks to even spraying and soil preservation
• Protects human health by avoiding direct exposure to chemicals

2. Common risks of poor selection:

• Overspending on overpowered or unsuitable drones with poor ROI
• Operational mistakes from lack of training, leading to breakdowns
• Incompatible mapping software causing automation errors
• Long wait times for imported parts during repairs

Which drone for which farming need?

No drone is a perfect all-in-one solution. Smart selection depends on your actual farming goals, land size, terrain, and budget. Here are tailored recommendations:

1.Smallholder farms <5 ha – budget-conscious

• Suggested: DJI T10 or XAG V20
• Reason: Affordable (100–120 million), easy to use, covers 4–5 ha/day
• Best for: Wet rice, vegetables on small plots

2.Mid-sized farms (5–15 ha) – time efficiency focused

• Suggested: DJI T20P or XAG V40
• Reason: 20L tank, ~10–12 ha/hour
• Best for: Orchards, sugarcane, corn, sweet potato

3.Large cooperatives >20 ha – automation & reliability

• Suggested: DJI T40 or XAG P100
• Reason: High power, supports spraying, seeding, and fertilizing
• Best for: Smart farming and commercial drone services

4.Mountainous or terraced terrain

• Suggested: XAG V or P series
• Reason: Strong motors, auto height adjustment, better obstacle handling

5.Need for monitoring & analytics

• Suggested: Combine spraying drone + NDVI/thermal camera (e.g., DJI Phantom 4 Multispectral)
• Reason: Precision pest and nutrient management using aerial data

Top drone picks & quantified cost breakdown

Top 3 recommended agricultural drones:

Investment & operational costs

1. Initial investment: 100–250 million depending on model
2. Operating cost per hectare sprayed:
   • Electricity: ~2,000–3,000 VND/ha
   • Pesticides: ~30–40% savings vs manual spraying
   • Labor: One operator can replace 3–5 workers

Legal and usage requirements in Vietnam

• Drone registration: As per Circular 19/2021 from the Ministry of Defense, drones >250g must be declared before use
• No-fly zones: Avoid airports, military areas, and other restricted locations
• Operational training: Users are encouraged to attend supplier training to avoid violations and ensure safety

Agricultural drones now come in a wide range of capacities, features, and prices. DJI stands out for automation, XAG for terrain flexibility, while smaller models like T10 suit individual households. To maximize spraying, seeding, and crop monitoring efficiency - choose your drone based on area, crop type, and budget. Don’t follow trends - follow your real needs.

FAQs on agricultural drones

Should I buy a drone if I only farm 3–5 ha?

Yes - if you aim to save on labor, time, and chemicals. A DJI T10 is ideal for small farms and costs under 120 million VND.

Why use different drones for fruit trees and rice?

Due to different terrain and coverage needs - fruit trees require good obstacle avoidance; rice fields need wide coverage and stable flight.

When should I choose a drone with seeding function?

When reforesting, rehabilitating land, or seeding large, hard-to-access areas. Seeding drones are best for large-scale or forest planting.

How do agricultural drones work?

They fly via GPS-based maps, spraying or seeding according to pre-set paths - all fully automated.

How to save costs when buying drones?

Choose the right model for your needs - avoid overbuying. Consider second-hand certified units or seasonal rentals.