AGRICULTURAL DRONES MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2024 - 2031)

Agricultural Drones Market Size and Trends

Global agricultural drones market is estimated to be valued at US$ 4.80 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 19.24 Bn by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.9% from 2024 to 2031.

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Global agricultural drones market is witnessing growth due to increasing adoption of advanced technology and cost-effective agricultural drones among farmers. Technology empower farmers to gather field data, monitor crop growth, detect problems, map fields, and optimize irrigation and outputs. Drones enable early detection of diseases and pests, scans large areas of land quickly, monitor crops from the air on a regular basis, and provide much more precise field analysis than traditional methods. This helps farmers to boost productivity and maximize profits using minimal resources and preventive actions. With depleting groundwater supplies and increasing pressures of climate change, agricultural drones are supplementing conventional farming techniques for enhanced crop monitoring and management.

Market Driver: Rising demand for crop monitoring and analysis

Agricultural drones are increasingly being used by farmers to monitor crop growth, analyze fields for problems, and ensure optimal yields. With land holdings becoming larger in size, it is not feasible for farmers to manually inspect vast areas of land. Drones equipped with cameras and sensors enable them to survey fields from above and gather a richer perspective compared to conventional methods. High-resolution images and infrared photography captured by drones allow identification of moisture levels, signs of disease and nutrient deficiencies in crops at an early stage. Any issues that are detected can then be addressed promptly before significant damage occurs. Drones also facilitate analysis of sowing and fertilizing patterns to determine if changes are required for better results. With agricultural production needs to rise sharply to feed the growing population, maximizing output from available land resources is crucial. Drones streamline crop monitoring activities and help boost productivity through timely interventions based on a birds-eye assessment of farm fields. Precision farming supported by drones plays a key role in sustainably meeting escalating global food demand. Drone technology also aids in evaluating field conditions post-harvesting. Drones can fly over fields to check for leftover plant stalks and find spots that might need new planting or special care to get ready for the next crop season. Crop residue mapping assists farmers in making informed nutrient and soil management decisions. The use of drones for inspecting vast tracts of agricultural land in a short time has significant potential to increase yields, optimize resource use and lower production costs for farmers. When paired with analytical software, drones transform crop monitoring into an insightful and data-driven process. Their crop analysis capabilities address a pressing need amongst farmers and help improve farm management techniques for higher productivity. As agriculture becomes increasingly technology-reliant, drones can emerge as valuable tools that offer eco-friendly and low-cost solutions for vital crop inspection and surveillance activities.

Market Concentration and Competitive Landscape

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Agricultural drones have witnessed major technological advancements that have augmented their functionalities and suitability for diverse farming operations. Early drone models used for agriculture tended to be basic multi-rotor vehicles equipped with standard cameras. However, ongoing R&D efforts by leading manufacturers have yielded sophisticated drones custom-built for the needs of modern farmers. New-age agricultural drones features high-performance cameras, advanced sensors, swappable payloads and specialized hardware suited for precision applications such as crop spraying. 

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Farmers have concerns over the costs of purchasing, operating and maintaining specialized drone systems. Strict government regulations also limit the commercial use of drones in many countries. Agricultural drone technology has not advanced to a stage where drones can perform all farming tasks autonomously. Dependence on GPS signals can also impact functionality in remote areas with limited coverage. Adverse weather conditions like high winds continue to pose operational obstacles. Evolving privacy laws could further impact the collection and analysis of field images and data.

Market Opportunity: Emerging applications in precision agriculture

As drones become more affordable and integrated with technologies like computer vision, these will be able to perform more complex field analysis and tasks. More accurate crop monitoring and analytics can help boost yields and farm efficiency. Drones allow farms to scale up without increasing their costs dramatically. 

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Among type , rotary wing segment is estimated to contribute the highest market share owing 43.2% in 2024 due to their inherent versatility. Unlike fixed wing drones which can only fly horizontally, rotary wing drones excel at hovering, thus, providing valuable aerial footage from any angle. Their maneuverability enables inspection of crops from all sides as well as precise application of inputs like crop sprays directly above fields.

Farmers greatly value this multidimensional visibility and targeted precision. Rotary Wing drones simplify tasks like scouting for pests, diseases or nutrient deficiencies that may only be visible from certain perspectives. Their ability to adjust position on demand allows swift response and treatment of any issues discovered. Hovering capacity is also essential for livestock monitoring as it allows steady close-range observation of herd health and behavior changes.

Versatility even extends to emergency response situations. Rotary Wing drones can rapidly inspect infrastructure for damage after natural disasters, spot trapped or injured animals, or monitor dangerous conditions like fires or floods that require an aerial view. Their mobility indoors and through foliage further aids disaster assessment and search & rescue missions.

Though fixed wing drones have advantages like longer flight times, rotary wing drones deliver precision and control precisely tailored to diverse agricultural needs. As farming operations expand in size and complexity, versatility will remain a top priority, driving continued rotary wing adoption.

Insights, By Component- Hardware dominates amid technology advances

Among component, hardware segment is estimated to contribute the highest market share owing 68.3% in 2024 due to ongoing technology advancements. While agricultural drone software enables invaluable data analysis, mapping and automation, hardware delivers the physical tools transforming farm operations.

Advancements in camera, sensor and positioning technologies continually enhance insight extraction from drone imagery. Multispectral, thermal and hyperspectral sensors now detect invisible indicators of crop health with unprecedented accuracy. Precision GPS and inertial measurement units enable precise autonomous navigation.

Hardware powering new computer vision capabilities also analyze vast datasets in real-time to identify anomalies or automatically treatment recommendations. AI and machine learning hardware immersed at the edge further optimize decisions.

Lighter, more durable materials extend flight times to capture larger areas efficiently. Modular payload bays simplify sensor updating. Compact forms factor tailored for agriculture enhance access even to narrow fields or orchards.

As hardware capabilities expand precision, hardware will remain the driving force for deeper market penetration. Continued technology breakthroughs centered on improved resolution, connectivity, autonomy and analytics hardware will maximize insights extracted and value provided.

Insights, By Application- Field mapping & monitoring drives adoption

Among application, field mapping & monitoring segment is estimated to contribute the highest market share owing 34.2% in 2024 due to the critical insights it provides. Detailed geospatial maps and timeseries imagery build an invaluable historical record of field conditions.

Field maps reveal subtle variations in terrain, moisture or nutrient levels that impact uniform growth and yield. Persistent monitoring detects subtle changes indicative of early issues. Aerial imagery archives seasons of growth stages and transformations difficult to otherwise document.

Field maps and monitoring simplify variable rate inputs of water, seeds or fertilizers tailored to precise needs. Maps guide Autonomous equipment like robot tractors. Comprehensive records substantiate insurance claims or quality audits.

Fine-grained data even influences long-term decisions around land usage or crop selection. Questions of water resources, soil health or climate impacts that take seasons to fully understand via traditional methods are rapidly answered.

Field mapping & monitoring forms the indispensable baseline driving broader uptake. As insights optimize productivity and resilience, Field Mapping & Monitoring will remain the gateway for precision agriculture and data-driven management.

Regional Insights

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North America has established itself as the dominant force in the global agricultural drones market owing 44.5% in 2024. Home to the largest drone manufacturers like DJI and Intel, the U.S. accounts for over 40% of the total market size. With over 2.2 million farms, robust demand comes from large-scale corporate farming, which relies heavily on precision agriculture technologies for increased productivity and yields. Early regulation and legalization of commercial drone flights gave the region a head start. Ongoing R&D investments and a highly skilled workforce have ensured that North American companies set global standards in drone technologies. The region also hosts major agricultural trade shows that facilitate adoption. Exports of high-end drones to European and Asian markets have further augmented regional revenues.

Argentina has emerged as the fastest growing market for agricultural drones in South America. With over 33 million hectares dedicated to farming, the sector accounts for 10% of the national GDP. Corn and soybean plantations spanning thousands of hectares necessitate enhanced monitoring over large areas. Additionally, cattle ranches spread across remote regions require drones for livestock health checks. Lack of sufficient farm labor and recent droughts have accelerated the need for productivity enhancements using advanced tools. Compared to developed markets, agricultural drones are attractively priced for local farmers and available through a developing distribution network. The government has also promoted precision farming technologies under agricultural modernization programs. Export revenues from soy and beef further boost investments in agricultural technologies. This has attributed to Argentina recording a five-fold increase in domestic drone sales over the past three years.

Market Report Scope

Agricultural Drones Industry News

• In February 2022, Trimble is a company that focuses on providing advanced technology solutions for various industries, including agriculture, construction, geospatial, and transportation. launched an advanced 3D paving control system for Asphalt compactors, aiming to enhance the speed and precision of compaction operations
• In January 2022, Eavision is a company that specializes in providing innovative solutions for the automotive industry. launched the EA-30X, an agricultural spraying drone designed by Pininfarina Shanghai, capable of operating in various terrains and conditions for plant protection. The new version features improved obstacle avoidance technology and night-time autonomous operation.
• In December 2021, DJI is a prominent Chinese technology company specializing in the manufacturing and development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) introduced its latest AGRAS T20 drone for agricultural crop protection, boasting a maximum payload capacity of 20 kg and a 20% improvement in spray uniformity over a distance of seven meters
• In January 2023, XAG, a drone manufacturer, announced that the U.K.'s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) had approved its P40 and V40 agricultural sprayers to operate. This marks the first time drone spraying has been approved on U.K. farms.
• In February 2023, XAG, a company specializing in smart agricultural technology, collaborated with FarmInno is a technology company focused on providing innovative solutions for the agriculture industry. to introduce fully autonomous agricultural drones in Thailand. This collaboration  lead to the launch of advanced agricultural drones equipped with intelligent control systems.
• In March 2023, Avikus partnered with Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, a subsidiary of Hyundai, to experiment with fuel efficiency by implementing self-governing navigation systems. The project involves five companies: POS SM, Pan Ocean, Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, Korean Register of Shipping, and Avikus.

*Definition: The agricultural drones market comprises drones and associated services that help farmers increase crop production and monitor crop growth. Agricultural drones are enabling precision agriculture by capturing images and data that help farmers analyze fields, monitor crops, assess soil conditions, detect pests and diseases, and determine when and where to apply pesticides and water. Drones outfitted with cameras, sensors, and software can survey large plots of land more efficiently than manual labor, helping farmers boost yields while reducing costs and improving sustainability.

Market Segmentation

• Type Insights (Revenue, US$ BN, 2019 - 2031)
  • Fixed Wing
  • Rotary Wing
  • Hybrid
•  Component Insights (Revenue, US$ BN, 2019 - 2031)
  • Hardware
  • Software
•  Application Insights (Revenue, US$ BN, 2019 - 2031)
  • Field Mapping & Monitoring
  • Crop Spraying
  • Crop Scouting
  • Variable Rate Application
  • Livestock Monitoring
  • Others
• Regional Insights (Revenue, US$ BN, 2019 - 2031)
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa
    • GCC Countries
    • South Africa
    • Rest of Middle East & Africa
• Key Players
  • Aeronavics
  • AeroVironment Inc.
  • AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc.
  • DELAIR SAS
  • DRONE VOLT
  • FlyGuys
  • Harris Aerial
  • ideaForge Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
  • Kray Technologies
  • Nextech
  • Parrot Drones SAS
  • PrecisionHawk Inc.
  • Sentera Inc.
  • Shenzhen GC electronics Co. Ltd
  • Skyfront
  • SZ DJI Technology Co. Ltd.
  • Vision Aerial Inc.