Agri-drone economics

Drone vs sprayer application: cost/ha, crop loss, payback

Parameters

Agri-drone (DJI Agras etc.): pesticide/desiccant/spot application — no wheel tracks (a sprayer crushes 1–3% of yield), precise on wet soil, works when machinery can't enter. Output 5–15 ha/hr depending on flow rate. Cons: spray volume limits (10–30 l/ha), flight permits and chemical safety needed. Often buying the service beats buying the drone.

Economics

Sprayer (with losses)
232 000 грн
Drone service
140 000 грн
Saving/season
92 000 грн
Own drone payback
7.1 seasons