Which remote-controlled pesticide spraying drone should you choose?

• Why choose a remote-controlled spraying drone?
• Key criteria for selecting a remote-controlled spraying drone
• How to choose a drone that fits your needs
• Popular models, cost, and legal framework
• Conclusion
• FAQs about remote-controlled pesticide spraying drones

Why choose a remote-controlled spraying drone?

Across Vietnam and the world, farmers face increasing pressure to boost productivity while cutting labor costs. Traditional spraying methods - manual or tractor-based - consume large volumes of water, apply chemicals unevenly, and expose workers to hazardous substances.

Adopting remote-controlled pesticide spraying drones has become an inevitable trend. According to crop protection data, drone spraying can reduce water usage by over 90% and increase spraying efficiency up to 30 times compared to manual spraying.

However, choosing the right type is crucial, as each crop, terrain, and farm size requires different drone configurations. The right choice not only saves costs but also ensures uniform spraying, reduced chemical waste, and better yields.

Key criteria for selecting a remote-controlled spraying drone

Investing in a drone can cost hundreds of millions of VND, so understanding the main criteria before purchase is essential to avoid waste and ensure long-term value.

1. Field size and spraying frequency

• For small farms (<5 ha) with limited spraying sessions per season, choose a low-capacity drone.
• For larger farms (>50 ha) or frequent spraying schedules, choose high-capacity drones with longer flight times and higher tank volumes.
• Important metrics: spraying rate (L/min), tank capacity, and continuous flight time.

2. Terrain and crop type

• For open, flat fields such as rice paddies: high-capacity drones with faster flight speed are ideal.
• For fruit orchards, hilly, or uneven terrain: choose drones with flexible flight control and strong stability at low altitude to ensure underside leaf coverage.

3. Technology, safety, and control systems

• Features like GNSS/RTK, obstacle avoidance radar, and automated flight routes improve efficiency and safety.
• Consider after-sales service, spare parts availability, upgradeability, and operating costs (battery, chemical, labor).

4. Economic performance and cost savings

Drone spraying reduces both chemical and water consumption significantly - over 90% water savings and around 50% lower operational costs.

Before purchase, calculate ROI based on initial investment, operational costs, and the savings in time, labor, and materials.

How to choose a drone that fits your needs

Comparing major drone brands in Vietnam

• DJI Agras T100, DJI Agras T70P, and DJI T25 are widely distributed in Vietnam, with excellent spare parts availability and service networks.
• For lesser-known brands, check local technical support and spare part accessibility before purchasing.

Recommended drone types by use case

• Small-scale needs: fruit orchards under 10 ha: Choose compact 8–20 L drones - lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to operate.
• Medium-scale needs: rice fields or annual crops 10–30 ha: Choose 20–40 L semi-automatic drones that balance power and affordability. Outsourcing flight operation can also be considered.
• Large-scale or service providers: over 50 ha: Choose 40–70 L drones with advanced radar, obstacle avoidance, and stable flight performance. For example, 70 L models have been effectively deployed for durian farms in Vietnam.

Popular models, cost, and legal framework

Popular models

• DJI Agras T100 – 100 L capacity, ideal for large-scale farms or spraying services.
• DJI Agras T70P – 70 L, widely used in Vietnam for medium-to-large farms.
• DJI T25 – 20–35 L, suitable for moderate usage.
• DJI Agras T25P – upgraded version of T25.
• DJI Agras T40 – 40 L, distributed widely across Vietnam.

Reference cost and ROI

• Initial investment ranges from 100 million to several hundred million VND depending on the model and accessories.
• In Vietnam, 70 L models have shown remarkable improvements in efficiency and chemical savings.
• To calculate ROI: (chemical + labor + water savings) × number of spraying seasons – operating costs = payback period.

Legal standards in Vietnam

• Vietnam has introduced technical standards for UAV pesticide testing, such as TCCS 830:2022/BVTV for crop protection drones.
• Operators must comply with drone registration, safety, and pesticide regulations.
• Always request certification, training, and operational documents from your supplier.

Conclusion

Choosing the right remote-controlled pesticide spraying drone is not about price alone - it’s about matching the drone’s payload, technology, and capacity to your actual farming scale and production goals.

• Small fields → compact drones.
• Large fields or service operations → heavy-duty drones with strong support and radar systems.

In every case, assess key factors such as area, terrain, automation features, maintenance, and legal compliance before making a purchase.

FAQs about remote-controlled pesticide spraying drones

Can drones spray at night?

Yes. Many modern models feature LED lights and sensors for night spraying, but you must ensure proper visibility and flight safety.

Are the drone batteries easy to replace?

Yes. Most drone batteries are quick-swap (under 30 seconds) and can be charged separately. It’s best to have spare batteries and fast chargers to prevent downtime.

Can I update the drone software myself?

Yes. Most manufacturers offer mobile apps or firmware updates, but always follow official instructions to avoid operational errors.

How often should I maintain the drone?

Inspect after every 15–20 flight hours, focusing on the spraying system, propellers, and battery. Clean and test all functions before each spraying season.

Can drones operate in areas with weak signal coverage?

Yes. Modern drones can fly pre-programmed GPS routes, allowing operation even with low or unstable signals.