Drone technology and use in ag business is taking off faster than ever. In a new report from RnR Market Research, the agriculture drone industry could reach a height of $3.7 billion by 2022.
The software company DroneDeploy released a separate report revealing that agriculture is the largest commercial drone sector with 2 million acres of worldwide coverage.
These reports dovetail with predictions from The Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International that 80 percent of all drones will be used for agriculture in the near future.
Rising popularity in the ag drone market is creating an ecosystem of companies looking to maximize the productive use of ag drone technology. Currently the second most popular drone manufacturer in the world is AgEagle, focused solely on drones for agricultural applications.
Related software companies like DroneDeploy are creating programs to help monitor field conditions, create fertilization maps, predict yields, and asses crop health using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI).
“I have found DroneDeploy to be an invaluable tool within my industry. It enables me to map fields and utilize the data in an efficient manner. This system works masterfully, is well supported and cutting edge in the industry,” said Gary Sorrick, General Supervisor at Del Monte, in the DroneDeploy report.
As the industry continues to mature, RnR Market Research predicts a rise in the use of ag drones for purposes beyond imaging. Current developments in ag drones include new technology for precision spraying, pest control, seeding, and remote sensing.
