Ag drone use has jumped by 90% since 2020, according to a new report from Chinese drone manufacturer DJI.

By the end of 2024, DJI estimated 400,000 of its ag drones were in use globally, saving more than 220 million tons of water and reducing more than 30 tons of carbon emissions.

“Agricultural drones have become essential farm equipment around the world. Thanks to research-based policies and a clearer process for operator training, adoption among young people and women has grown significantly,” stated Yuan Zhang, head of global sales at DJI Agriculture.

In reviewing developments in 2024, the company highlighted the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) approval of simultaneous operation of multiple agricultural drones, allowing a single pilot to control up to three aircraft, which it said opens more technical development opportunities for future agricultural drone operations.

Additionally, DJI celebrated approved weight limits for agricultural drones in the U.S. increasing last year, and recognized USDA’s continued research initiatives on ag drones, with focuses on pesticide drift mitigation, precision agriculture, and productivity enhancement.

DJI’s report went on to give a glimpse into ag drone use on a global scale, noting that usage continued to expand throughout 2024, citing “smarter rules by local aviation authorities” in places like Argentina, Spain and Brazil — which have reduced restrictions on drones or standardized pilot training processes.

“Increasingly, regional aviation authorities are implementing friendlier policies to accelerate precision farming and smarter crop protection technologies worldwide,” the report stated.

“The standardization for pilot training has also driven an influx of young people and women.”

Read the full Agricultural Drone Industry Insight Report here.

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