Precision agriculture takes flight: Drone technology in crop management

The integration of drones, or Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), into agricultural practices has ushered in a new era of precision farming. Drones equipped with advanced technologies such as sensors, cameras, and data analytics offer a range of scientific and accurate benefits that revolutionize traditional agricultural methods. This chapter explores the various applications and advantages of drones in agriculture, ranging from precision agriculture and crop monitoring to pest management and yield prediction. Two case studies demonstrate the practical implementation of drone technology in detecting and managing crop pests and diseases. The current status of drone usage in Indian agriculture and the challenges hindering widespread adoption are discussed. Finally, the chapter outlines future prospects, highlighting the potential of drones and artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming agricultural practices to enhance productivity, sustainability, and food security.