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ABSTRACT

The global population is expected to escalate by 2050. Owing to this, demand for agricultural products is presumed to elevate. Conventional farming techniques are having limitations in accomplishing higher agricultural production fuelled by an increase in population. Hence, smart farming, which uses information and data management system to increase the productivity and efficiency of agricultural systems can be the feasible solution to this imperative need. The application of drones is one of the smart agriculture practices. Nearly, 42 % of the country’s paddy fields are under the observation of 2500 plus manually controlled Agri - drones. The government has introduced Drone Shakti, and Kisan drones for the exploration of drone technology. While acknowledging the benefits of drones in agriculture in tune with the social, ecological, and economic backdrop, the article points out the present scenario and future prospects as well as challenges pertaining to drones. 

Keywords: Digitalization, Agri-Drones, Smart farming

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8. Agri-Drones for Smart Agriculture Prospects, Challenges and Way forward.pdf