The Future of Precision Agriculture in Southeast Asia

Sugarcane in Northeastern Thailand

 

Nestled in the heart of northeastern Thailand, sugarcane is a vital crop that fuels the local economy. Thailand ranks among the world's largest producers of sugarcane, significantly contributing to both its economy and the global sugar market. The industry not only provides a livelihood for thousands of farmers but also serves as a source of sustainable energy, with by-products like bagasse being used for biofuel production. However, the region faces unique challenges that make sugarcane farming no easy feat.

 

This case study will take you through the ins and outs of using drones in sugarcane farming and show how drones are providing farmers with tangible benefits.

 

 

The Challenges of Sugarcane Farming

 

Despite its pivotal role in the nation's agricultural sector, the Thai sugarcane industry encounters several obstacles. These include fluctuating market prices, climate change impacts, limited access to modern farming technology, and labor shortages.

 

One of the most significant challenges facing sugarcane farmers in northeastern Thailand is the low purchase price due to insufficient sweetness. Farmers are often faced with the daunting task of spraying their crops during the rainy season, and the labor shortage only exacerbates this problem.

 

Additionally, when sugarcane reaches its towering height, achieving uniform spraying coverage becomes a Herculean task. This lack of uniformity leads to reduced absorption of ripening agents and, subsequently, lower crop quality.

 

As demand for sugar increases, the need for innovative solutions to enhance productivity and sustainability in sugarcane farming becomes more apparent, positioning technologies such as the DJI Agras T30 as potential game-changers in modernizing agricultural practices.

 

 

 

Why Traditional Techniques Fall Short

 

Before the advent of drone technology, farmers relied heavily on hand spraying and tractor spraying to treat their sugarcane fields. However, these traditional methods come with their own set of limitations.

 

Manual spraying is labor-intensive and time-consuming, often requiring a full day for ten workers to cover just 100 rai (16 hectares).* Tractor spraying, while more efficient, struggles to reach the towering tops of mature sugarcane plants. Both methods also fall short in achieving uniform coverage, essential for ensuring the effectiveness of ripening agents, herbicides, and other treatments.

 

The cost of these traditional methods can also be prohibitive. Chemical costs, combined with labor and equipment expenses, add up quickly. Plus, there's the added risk of accidents when workers are required to spray tall plants manually.

* In Thailand, the rai is the primary unit for measuring large parcels of land, particularly in agriculture. A single rai encompasses 1,600 square meters or approximately 0.40 acres, or 0.16 hectares.

 

 

 

Meet Assawin Phuree, the Visionary Farmer

 

Assawin Phuree is a model-turned-agricultural innovator inspired by his farming parents. With six years of experience in drone spraying under his belt, Assawin has already treated over 100,000 rai (16,000 hectares) with DJI Agriculture drones.

 

Assawin first discovered DJI Agriculture drones as a solution to tackle labor shortages and improve efficiency during the busy harvest season. He found that drones could cover more than 100 rai (16 hectares) in just three hours—a stark contrast to the full day it would take with a team of workers.

 

 

 

The Power of DJI's Agras T30

 

Assawin's operation relies on the DJI Agras T30, a powerhouse of efficiency and effectiveness. The advantages of using DJI Agras drones are clear:

 

1. Increased yield and sweetness through precise spraying.
   
    
2. Higher spraying efficiency, especially during rainy and busy seasons.
   
    
3. Uniform spraying coverage, leading to better efficacy.
   
    
4. Safe, uncrewed operation that mitigates labor shortages.

 

 

Chemical Information and Application

 

In this case, the operation used a variety of chemicals, including ripening agents, herbicides, foliar fertilizers, insecticides, and fungicides. These chemicals were applied using the Agras T30's precise spraying capabilities.

 

The operation parameters for the drone included an application rate of 30-32 L/ha, a droplet size of 170-265 μm, and a flight speed of 5-6 m/s with a route spacing of 4 meters.

 

 

	Drone Model
Operation Mode (Automatic or Manual)	Automatic
Application Rate (gal/acre) or (L/ha)	30-32 L/ha
Droplet Size (µm)	SX110015VS : 170 - 265 μm
Flight Speed (km/h) or (m/s)	5-6 m/s
Route Spacing (ft) or (m)	4 m
Height Above the Crop (ft) or (m)	2-2.5 m

 

 

 

 

The Impact of Drone Intervention

 

The results of using DJI's Agras T30 drones in sugarcane farming are nothing short of remarkable. The treated sugarcane fields saw a substantial increase in yield and sweetness compared to untreated fields.

 

Over a year of testing by Assawin's team has shown a several-ton increase per rai and a 1-2% improvement in sweetness, directly contributing to higher profitability. Furthermore, the cost-effectiveness of using drones for spraying reduced overall expenses while boosting efficiency.

 

See the table below for a breakdown of costs in Thailand.

Rates and costs were originally provided in Thai Baht and rai, but have been converted to USD and hectares.

 

Growing Stage	Management Method	Chemical Cost (USD/hectare)	Manual Spraying Labor Cost (USD/hectare)	Tractor Spraying Cost (USD/hectare)	Drone Service Cost (USD/hectare)
Establishment	Solid Fertilizer	163.86	14.54	36.27	14.54
	Drying agent	90.92	18.17	18.17	14.54
	Herbicide	18.20	18.17	18.17	14.54
Vegetative Phase	Optional: Growth hormone	25.41	18.17	18.17	14.54
Grand Growth	Herbicide + insecticide + fungicide	18.20	18.17	18.17	14.54
Ripening Stage	Solid Fertilizer	163.86	14.54	36.27	14.54
	Extra - Herbicide	18.20	/	/	14.54
	Extra - Ripening Agent	6.37	/	/	14.54

 

Summary	Manual Spraying (USD/hectare)	Tractor Spraying (USD/hectare)	Drone Service (USD/hectare)
Chemical cost	480.81	480.81	505.12
Spraying service cost	101.92	145.46	116.35
Yield increased (Ton/hectare)			6.25-12.5
Sweetness increased			1-2%
Overall income	27,779.25	27,779.25	36,373.30

Each cost in THB/rai was converted into USD/hectare by first converting the THB to USD and then adjusting for the area conversion from rai to hectare.

 

 

Testimony from the Field

 

Assawin Phuree couldn't be happier with the results. "Over a year of testing has shown that drones are more uniform, leading to a several-ton increase per rai and a 1-2% improvement in sweetness," he notes. "This technology has completely transformed the way we approach sugarcane farming."

 

 

 

Lessons Learned and Words of Wisdom

 

Assawin's experience offers valuable insights for others interested in using DJI Agriculture drones for sugarcane farming. He advises fellow farmers to consider using drones for extra herbicide and ripening agent spraying in the final stages to improve sweetness.

 

The uniform coverage and efficiency of drones make them an excellent choice for consistent results, even during challenging seasons. Additionally, Assawin's favorite part about using DJI Agriculture products is their ability to provide uniform coverage and efficient spraying, even during the rainy season, unlike any traditional method.

 

 

Special Thanks

 

We extend our sincere gratitude to Assawin Phuree for sharing his insights and experiences in revolutionizing sugarcane farming with DJI Agriculture drones.

 

Conclusion

 

The future of sugarcane farming in northeastern Thailand is bright, thanks to the integration of DJI's Agras T30 drones. By addressing labor shortages, enhancing spraying efficiency, and improving crop quality, these drones have become a critical tool for modern farmers.

 

For those interested in adopting drone technology for sugarcane farming, Assawin's success story serves as a testament to the incredible benefits that precision agriculture drones can offer. As we continue to explore innovative solutions in agriculture, DJI remains at the forefront, committed to supporting farmers in their pursuit of sustainable and profitable farming practices.

 

 

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