A complete solution guide for using DJI Agriculture drones when farming tea

 

Tea, the second-most consumed beverage worldwide, is as steeped in history as it is popular. Derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, tea has been savored since its origins in ancient China around 2700 BCE. Today, tea is cultivated across Asia, Africa, and even South America, with global production primarily dominated by China, India, Kenya, and Sri Lanka. Together, these regions account for 81% of the world’s tea supply, producing millions of tons each year.

 

Despite its prevalence, tea farming comes with challenges. Traditional farming methods, such as manual labor and fixed-wing aircraft, often prove inefficient, costly, environmentally taxing, and unsafe for workers. Enter a groundbreaking innovation: DJI Agriculture’s drone solutions for tea farming. Combining precision, efficiency, and sustainability, these drones are revolutionizing how tea is cultivated, making them a must-have for modern tea growers.

 

 

 

Why Traditional Tea Farming Needs an Upgrade

 

Tea farming's reliance on traditional techniques can be a bottleneck for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.

 

Limitations of Traditional Methods

 

Here are the common challenges tea growers face with conventional methods:

 

• Labor-Intensive Processes

 

Tea farming often depends on a significant labor force for tasks such as fertilizer application and harvest. Managing such large teams is time-consuming and costly, especially for expansive plantations.

 

• Fixed-Wing Aircraft

 

While fixed-wing aircraft are sometimes used for spreading fertilizers, these come with significant downsides. They rely on aviation fuel, contributing to environmental pollution, and lack precision, often dispersing fertilizers onto non-target areas like rivers, roads, or neighboring crops.

 

• Environmental and Worker Safety Risks

 

Traditional fertilizers are often applied manually, exposing workers to harmful chemicals that may irritate the skin or affect respiratory health. Adverse weather conditions, like muddy terrain, can further delay farming activities.

 

These challenges underscore the need for smarter, safer, and more innovative solutions—exactly what DJI Agriculture drones provide.

 

 

 

The Benefits of Drones for Tea Farming

 

Switching to precision agriculture for tea crops using DJI drones is a game-changer. Here’s how these aerial allies tackle the limitations of conventional methods and elevate tea farming.

 

1. Unmatched Precision and Accuracy

 

DJI drones ensure fertilizers and nutrients are spread evenly across plantations. With advanced weighing sensors and customizable settings for application rate, flight speed, and disk RPM, growers get consistent, precise results.

 

• Example: The Agras T50 drone applies 300-450 kg/ha of fertilizer with remarkable accuracy, preventing wastage and ensuring no over-application on nearby waterways or roads.

 

2. Speed and Efficiency

 

Time is money, and nowhere is this truer than in agriculture. DJI’s drones complete tasks in a fraction of the time required by manual labor or fixed-wing aircraft.

 

• Example: Completing a 912-hectare plantation manually requires 50 workers and 45 days. By contrast, seven Agras T50 drones can complete the same work in just 21 days—offering a 50% efficiency boost!

 

3. Environmental Sustainability

 

DJI drones are battery-powered, eliminating the environmental toll of aviation fuel. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, these drones align perfectly with the sustainability goals of leading tea brands like Lipton and Williamson in Kenya.

 

4. Enhanced Worker Safety

 

Drone technology removes the need for direct human contact with fertilizers, protecting workers’ skin and respiratory systems. Operators can manage applications remotely, keeping laborers safe from adverse effects.

 

5. Adaptability to Every Season

 

Tea plants are perennial and require consistent care. DJI drones can operate immediately after rain, even in muddy conditions, ensuring plantations receive fertilizer at the right time without delays caused by weather.

 

 

Benefit	Description	Example/Data
Unmatched Precision and Accuracy	Ensures even distribution of fertilizers and nutrients with advanced sensors and customizable settings.	Agras T50 applies 300-450 kg/ha of fertilizer with high accuracy, avoiding wastage and over-application.
Speed and Efficiency	Completes tasks faster than manual labor or fixed-wing aircraft.	912-hectare plantation: Manual labor takes 50 workers 45 days; 7 Agras T50 drones take just 21 days.
Timely Intervention	Apply treatments where they're needed, when they're needed.	The application can be started soon after the leaves dry, not being influenced by muddy ground conditions
Environmental Sustainability	Battery-powered drones reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact.	Aligns with sustainability goals of brands like Lipton and Williamson in Kenya.
Enhanced Worker Safety	Removes direct human exposure to fertilizers, protecting health.	Applications are managed remotely, preventing skin or respiratory issues for workers.
Adaptability to Every Season	Operates in various conditions, including muddy terrain after rain, ensuring timely care for tea plants.	Works year-round to meet the consistent needs of perennial tea plants without weather-related delays.

 

 

 

Drone Applications for Tea Plant Life Cycle Management

 

Adopting DJI drones allows tea growers to streamline crop management throughout the year.

 

Fertilizer Application

 

Tea plants in Kenya typically need fertilizers applied every three to four months. With drones like the Agras T50, growers can spread fertilizers quickly and accurately, ensuring all plants receive balanced nutrition.

 

Pest and Disease Control

 

While tea plantations in Kenya prioritize safety and typically avoid chemical use, growers outside of Kenya can use drones for targeted application of herbicides or pesticides, mitigating crop damage without excess chemical exposure.

 

Data Collection and Optimization

 

DJI drones with integrated sensors can provide invaluable insights to tea growers, such as identifying underperforming areas of the plantation or spotting early signs of disease. This data allows growers to optimize field management and maximize yields.

 

 

Best Practices for Tea Farming with DJI Drones

 

To maximize the effectiveness of DJI drone technology, tea growers should adhere to these best practices for drone deployment:

 

	Drone Model T50
Application Rate	300-450 kg/ha
Disk spinning speed	800-900 RPM
Flight Speed	24-30 km/h
Route Spacing	7-8 m
Height Above the Crop	5.5-6 m

 

By following these guidelines, growers can ensure optimal coverage, precision, and efficiency during each drone operation.

 

 

 

The Future of Sustainable Tea Farming

 

Tea farming with drones is a clear step toward a smarter, more sustainable agricultural future. DJI’s advanced drone solutions are helping growers overcome traditional farming challenges, lower costs, protect the environment, and deliver the finest tea crops worldwide.

 

If you’re ready to transform the way you farm, it’s time to explore DJI Agriculture drones. With precision, efficiency, and sustainability, they are the ultimate tools to revolutionize tea cultivation.

 

 

Special Thanks

 

Thanks to Geoffrey Nyaga from Precision Drones Limited who provided the information in this article.

 

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/DJIAgriculture

Follow us on YouTube: youtube.com/@DJIAgriculture

Follow us on Instagram:  instagram.com/djiagriculture_official