Key Takeaways
- DJI’s 2025 Agricultural Drone Industry Insight Report shows a 90% global increase in agricultural drone usage since 2020.
- Approximately 400,000 DJI agricultural drones were in operation globally by the end of 2024.
- Drone adoption has saved 222 million tons of water and cut 30.87 tons of carbon emissions.
- New case studies show significant reductions in pesticide use, labor, and costs in crops like coffee, rice, and grapes.
- Policy reforms and pilot training standardization are fueling adoption among younger users and women.
DJI Agricultural Drone Report 2025 Shows Industry Maturity and Regional Acceleration
DJI, the world leader in drone technology, unveiled its fourth annual Agricultural Drone Industry Insight Report during Agrishow 2025 in São Paulo, Brazil. The report highlights the growing maturity and environmental impact of the agricultural drone sector, along with a global trend toward policy-driven adoption and workforce diversification.
By the end of 2024, DJI estimates that 400,000 of its agricultural drones were actively used worldwide—representing a 90% increase since 2020. The technology’s widespread use is credited with helping farmers save 222 million tons of water and reduce 30.87 tons of carbon emissions through more efficient crop spraying and field operations.
Regional Policy Shifts Drive Adoption and Training
Countries across Latin America, Europe, and Asia have begun enacting more supportive aviation policies, accelerating the integration of drone technology into mainstream agriculture. Notably:
- Argentina has relaxed operational restrictions for agricultural drones.
- Spain simplified its drone approval process.
- Brazil has implemented standardized pilot training requirements to streamline adoption.
Yuan Zhang, Head of Global Sales at DJI Agriculture, noted: “Agricultural drones have become essential farm equipment around the world. Thanks to research-based policies and a clearer process for operator training, adoption among young people and women has grown significantly.”
Enhancements in DJI Drone Design and Anti-Drift Features
One of the persistent challenges in drone spraying is limiting chemical drift—a concern for both safety and environmental impact. DJI addressed this through nozzle redesign and airflow improvements, based on drift testing conducted from 2021 to 2024. The report includes best practices for reducing drift, such as:
- Flying during low wind speeds
- Adjusting flight altitude
- Tailoring droplet sizes to pesticide types and crop structure
These features aim to increase both precision and sustainability in pesticide and fertilizer application.
Case Studies Showcase Cost and Time Savings
The 2025 report includes real-world case studies across diverse crop types and geographies:
- Coffee farming in Brazil: Use of DJI Agras T40 and T50 drones cut spraying costs by 70% vs. manual labor and 50% vs. tractors.
- Rice spreading globally: Findings highlight optimal altitude, disk speed, and terrain leveling for improved distribution efficiency.
- Vineyard management in Romania: One grower reduced chemical use by over 50% and cut labor time from 3–4 days to just 2.5 hours—even on sloped terrain.
These examples demonstrate the versatility and effectiveness of agricultural drones across farming systems.
Outlook: A Global Ecosystem for Smarter Farming
With its continued investment in hardware, training standards, and global partnerships, DJI anticipates further adoption across new markets and crop types. The company’s platforms, such as the DJI Agras series, are increasingly integrated into precision agriculture systems, offering scalable solutions for cost reduction, yield optimization, and environmental stewardship.
Read the complete report here.
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