Bringing drones into fruit orchards

Improving precision in crop protection spraying

In recent years, as high-tech solutions have become increasingly integrated into agricultural production, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, have become a familiar sight over rice fields across the Mekong Delta. Notably, this technology is now being adopted in fruit orchards, particularly in Dong Thap Province, one of the Mekong Delta's leading fruit-growing regions by area under cultivation.

The adoption of drones not only helps farmers reduce labor requirements and input costs but also improves the precision of crop protection spraying, irrigation, and overall crop management. This development is seen as a positive step toward integrating science and technology into agricultural production, thereby contributing to a modern farming sector better equipped to adapt to climate change.

In many of Dong Thap's fruit-growing areas, one of the greatest challenges today is not only applying proper cultivation techniques but also using irrigation water efficiently amid increasingly extreme weather conditions.

According to Nguyen Van Nho, a farmer in Thap Muoi Commune, traditional irrigation methods can sometimes lead to overwatering or underwatering, both of which can negatively affect crop growth.

"When water is insufficient, farmers can still make up for the shortage. But once too much water has been applied, it cannot be taken back. That's why irrigation must be carefully managed to provide just the right amount, reducing costs while ensuring healthy crop development," he explained.

Driven by the need to optimize production, many orchard owners in the area, after witnessing the effectiveness of drones in rice cultivation, have begun introducing the technology into their fruit orchards.

Nho noted that drones distribute crop protection products and irrigation water more evenly than manual methods. In particular, water consumption is significantly reduced while maintaining the effectiveness of crop protection spraying in orchards.

Mo Van Tinh, who cultivates 1.2 hectares of durian in Tram Chim Commune, said that using drones reduces the water required per spraying session, helping extend water reserves during periods of extreme heat, drought, or saltwater intrusion. Although less water is used, treatment effectiveness remains unchanged. As a result, farmers can conserve water resources and better cope with prolonged adverse weather conditions.

Beyond water savings, many orchard owners have also reported reduced use of crop protection products thanks to drones' precision spraying capabilities. This helps lower input costs while reducing environmental impacts.

More complex to operate than in rice fields

As demand from farmers continues to grow, drone service providers specializing in fruit production are emerging across many localities.

However, according to drone operators, flying drones in fruit orchards is considerably more challenging than over rice fields. Operators must carefully account for flight altitude, wind direction, canopy density, and the appropriate water volume for each crop type.

While drones can operate over large, unobstructed rice paddies, fruit orchards present a much more complex environment. Dense tree canopies require greater precision to ensure that water or crop protection products are distributed evenly, from the upper canopy down to the base of the trees.

Nguyen Van Hai, who grows 0.6 hectares of dragon fruit in Thanh My Commune, said his family was initially skeptical about the effectiveness of drones. After repeated use, however, he found that the technology provided more uniform coverage while significantly reducing the time and labor required for orchard management.

In the context of steadily rising agricultural input costs and an increasingly scarce rural workforce, the adoption of advanced technologies has become essential to enhancing the fruit industry's competitiveness.

The emergence of drones represents more than just a new production tool; it reflects a broader shift in farmers' mindset. Moving beyond experience-based practices, growers are gradually embracing precision agriculture that is more efficient, resource-conscious, and technology-driven.

This trend aligns with the digital transformation strategies being implemented across many Mekong Delta provinces, aimed at building a greener, more modern, and sustainable agricultural sector.

Assessing the effectiveness of drone applications in fruit production, Tran Thanh Tam, Director of the Dong Thap Sub-Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, said the technology offers numerous practical benefits for growers.

"Drones significantly reduce the amount of water and crop protection products needed for each spraying operation, while also lowering labor costs and shortening the time required for orchard management tasks," Tam said. "Their high level of precision improves pest and disease control, minimizes input losses, and helps reduce environmental impacts."