Advanced drone technology can address agricultural inputs and labor shortages, especially among fruit farmers.
Farmers in Vietnam are adopting a novel XAG P100 Agricultural Drone to cut costs and reap higher benefits in the cultivation of high-value crops, like bananas and durians. With the fully autonomous and precise operation, XAG drones thrive in Vietnam’s agricultural drone market. Advanced drone technology can address agricultural inputs and labor shortages, especially among fruit farmers.
XAG, the leading agri-tech company, has highlighted aims to support Vietnam’s fruit industry amid the shrinking agricultural workforce. Vietnam’s economy relies heavily on tropical fruit exports, particularly durian, and banana. Durian exports grew 137% from the same period last year to $421 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. Banana exports also grew 34.5% last year, reaching $311 million.
However, bananas and durians are usually planted in a hot and humid climate, prone to pests and diseases. Throughout the growth cycle, multiple sprayings and fertilizations are required, and the investment is heavy. Despite the relatively high-profit margin of fruit crops, Vietnamese farmers are faced with increasing pressures.
Most banana plantations in Vietnam are managed by manual labor. When the farm reaches 1 hectare and more, they must hire workers to water, fertilize, and control pests. Growth requires a lot of foliar fertilizer. Additionally, pesticide spraying is necessary to prevent aphids, mites, powdery mildew, and black rot.
XAG P100 agricultural drone pilot sets parameters and plans flight route on the app, XAG P100 follows pre-set path autonomously. Each day, it can spray 20-30 hectares of banana fields, equivalent to 20 workers working simultaneously.
