A comprehensive review of the functionality and applications of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the realm of agriculture

Abstract

In India, there is an urgent need to meet the food production due to the country’s rapidly expanding population. There is a downturn in the farming sector and the farmers are shifting to other firms due to insufficient output in the sector. Furthermore, traditional agricultural practices followed in India are insufficient to meet the increasing food demand. The costs and operational times generally increase as the majority of agricultural activities depend significantly on human labor. The increasing prevalence of machinery on farms is not a substitute for the necessity for human labor completely. This highlights the critical importance of agricultural automation. This study highlights the significant impact of UAVs on precision and smart agriculture through automation. The implementation of drones in diverse agricultural tasks has the potential to reduce labor demands and streamline operational efficiency. This review offers a comprehensive overview of conceptual design, command flow operation, micro-controller boards, remote-control systems, and attachments such as sensors, cameras, and motors in UAVs, aimed at automating agricultural activities. The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), alongside artificial intelligence and machine learning, enhances accuracy and precision in agricultural operations. This study also addresses future advancements, limitations, and challenges that farmers face in adapting to UAVs.