Amid Vietnam's surging durian exports—valued at $3.3 billion—farmers in the Mekong Delta are increasingly adopting agricultural technology to improve efficiency and address labor challenges. Among these technologies, agricultural drones are gaining traction for their ability to reduce costs, enhance crop protection, and improve working conditions.
Nguyễn Văn Hường, a 64-year-old farmer in Tiền Giang province, manages a four-hectare farm with over 300 durian trees and additional jackfruit and coconut trees. Facing rising production demands and health concerns associated with manual spraying, he began using an agricultural drone in late 2024 to manage pesticide applications more safely and efficiently.
"In the past, spraying required physical effort and exposure to chemicals," Hường said, describing how he used to manually spray trees by boat, often dealing with uneven coverage and health risks during windy conditions. Motivated to reduce physical strain and improve precision, he transitioned to drone-based spraying.
According to Hường, the drone has significantly reduced water usage and application time. What previously took two days now takes just three hours, and water use per application has dropped from 3,000 to 800 liters. The drone's sprayer allows for more even coverage, especially in the upper canopy where manual methods often fall short.
Hường estimates that using drone technology has lowered his crop protection costs by about one-third. With reduced input costs and less labor required, he reports an increase in net revenue, particularly from mature durian trees, which yield up to 100 kilograms of fruit annually.
This trend is part of a broader shift in Southeast Asia, where studies by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) show that agricultural drones have contributed to yield increases of up to 20% and reduced pesticide usage by 30%.
For smallholders in Vietnam, integrating such technology is seen as a response to evolving global standards, climate variability, and labor shortages. The move toward mechanization is especially relevant as the country works to meet export quality demands and improve food safety practices.
Within his local community, Hường has observed growing interest in drone use, with more farmers exploring the technology's potential. Features such as automated navigation and precision spraying have drawn attention from growers seeking alternatives to traditional practices.
While challenges remain in terms of training, cost, and infrastructure, the use of drones for crop protection marks a notable step in the technological transformation of Vietnam's agriculture sector. As durian production and export opportunities grow, tools that enhance productivity and sustainability are likely to play an increasing role in how the country's farmers operate.
For more information:
XAG
Email: [email protected]
www.xa.com