The global agriculture drone market was valued at USD 4.98 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 6.10 billion in 2024 to USD 23.78 billion by 2032, exhibiting a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.5% during the forecast period. In 2023, Europe led the market, accounting for a 30.52% share of the global revenue, driven by strong adoption of precision farming technologies across the region.
Agriculture drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), are specifically designed for use in farming and agricultural operations. These drones are equipped with advanced sensors and imaging tools—including cameras, LiDAR, and multispectral sensors—which enable the collection of critical data related to crops, soil health, and other environmental variables affecting agricultural output.
The market’s growth is fueled by several key drivers, including the rising demand for precision agriculture, continuous technological advancements in UAV systems, improved cost-efficiency, and supportive government policies. Additionally, growing awareness and education around smart farming practices have encouraged wider adoption among farmers.
The data collected by agriculture drones is used across various applications, such as crop monitoring, field mapping, yield prediction, plant counting, irrigation management, and pest and disease detection. These insights help optimize farm operations, reduce resource wastage, and increase overall productivity—positioning drones as an essential tool in the future of sustainable agriculture.
Drone Deploy (U.S.)
DJI (China)
Precision Hawk Inc (U.S.)
AeroVironment Inc. (U.S.)
Trimble Navigation Ltd. (U.S.)
3D Robotics (U.S.)
Ag Eagle (U.S.)
Parrot Drone (France)
Sintera LLC (U.S.)
Delair Tech SAS (France)
https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/agriculture-drones-market-102589
Rotary Drone Segment to Dominate Due to Improved Structural Benefits
Based on type, the market is split into fixed wing, rotary wing, and hybrid. Among these, the rotary wing segment captured the largest agriculture drone market share in 2022. Rotary wing drones are available in a variety of designs and sizes. The enhanced structural benefits of the segment are aiding growth of this segment.
Hardware Segment to Lead Stoked by the Improved Ability to Collect and Process Data
As per component, the market is bifurcated into hardware and software. The hardware segment held majority of the global market share in 2022 owing to the improved capability of hardware components to collect and process the data and enable farmers to make informed decisions.
Frames Segment to Hold Major Share Due to Surging Demand for Robust Frame Structures
According to hardware, the market is divided into frames, control systems, propulsion systems, navigation systems, payload, avionics and others. Among these, the frame segment captured a significant market share in 2022 backed by the rising need for robust frames to support the drone’s hardware components, Moreover, industry leaders are focused on producing non-breakable frames, further aiding segment growth.
Imaging Software Segment to Capture Largest Share Due to its Ability to Help in Quick Problem Solving
The market by software is arrayed into imaging software, data management software, data analytics software, and others. Imaging software segment held the largest market share in 2022 as it enables the operator to detect and respond to the potential problems early, thus decreasing the risk of crop loss and improving yields.
Field Mapping & Monitoring Segment to Lead Due to Availability of Better Equipment
By application, the agriculture drone market is segregated into field mapping & monitoring, crop spraying, crop scouting, variable rate application, livestock monitoring, and others. The field mapping & monitoring segment dominated the market in 2022 owing to the availability of better high-tech camera equipment to monitor crops.
Geographically, the market is segregated North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World.
The report includes:
Major growth drivers, restraining factors, opportunities, and potential challenges for the market.
Comprehensive insights into regional developments.
List of major agriculture drone industry players.
Key strategies adopted by the agriculture drone market
Recent industry developments include product launches, partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions.
Rising Support by Various Governments for Agriculture Drones to Propel Market Expansion
Governments across the world are announcing several policies and initiatives to support agriculture drone adoption. This includes R&D grants, tax incentives, subsides, regulatory frameworks, training and education, and others. For instance, in April 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture received a grant for USD 1 million for innovations in digital agriculture. By providing regulatory and financial support, governments are helping to make UAVs more accessible to farmers while also ensuring that they are used in a safe and responsible way.
On the other hand, concerns regarding data overload and inaccuracies in collected data due to hardware or software issues and environmental factors will pose as challenges for businesses operating in this domain.
Europe to Hold Largest Share Backed by Strong Research and Development Facilities
Europe captured a significant global agriculture drone market share in 2022 owing to the surging demand for the drones, rising funding, and strong research and development capabilities of the region. Moreover, the growing number of startups such as Gamaya, Delair, Accelerated Dynamics, and others will further aid regional market expansion.
Meanwhile, Asia Pacific is projected to record the highest growth rate in the forecast timeframe due to presence of large agricultural countries such as India, Indonesia, China, and others. The rising demand for UAVs from these countries and growing focus of market players on developing advanced products will further facilitate regional market expansion.
Innovative Product Launches by Leading Companies to Drive Market Expansion
Industry leaders usually make tactical moves such as collaborations, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, and product launches to hold a dominant share in the global market. For example, in November 2021, XAG announced its plans to launch its P40 and V40 agricultural drones worldwide, thus bringing digital agriculture to rural areas with geriatric populations and poor infrastructure. The XAG V40 and P40 are fully autonomous drones capable of mapping, spraying, and farm broadcasting.
March 2023 – Avikus and Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, a subsidiary of Hyundai, entered into an agreement to carry out an experiment on fuel efficiency by implementing self-governing navigation systems. The venture incorporates five firms, Pan Ocean, POS SM, Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, Avikus, and Korean Register of Shipping.