Drone Fertiliser Spreader

A drone fertiliser spreader is an accessory module that replaces the liquid spray tank of an agricultural drone with a hopper and spinning-disc spreading assembly, allowing the same airframe to broadcast granular urea, di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), single super phosphate, paddy seed or pelletised biofertiliser.

Function

Granular material falls from the hopper onto a rotating disc; centrifugal force throws the granules outward in a swath that scales with disc speed and material density. Flight altitude, ground speed and disc rpm together set the application rate per acre.

Design and specifications

The DJI Agras T-series spreading modules are the most common reference platform in India. The T16/T20 spreader holds up to 20 kg with a 15 kg/min flow rate; the T40 spreader carries about 52 kg; and the T50 unit carries 50 kg with a discharge of up to 108 kg/min. The spreader module can be removed and washed in about three minutes between operations.

Operation

The drone follows a pre-loaded grid mission over the field, dropping the application across overlapping swaths. Compared with manual broadcast or a tractor-drawn fertiliser drill, the drone offers high field capacity over standing crops where ground machines cannot enter (waterlogged paddy at tillering, tall sugarcane at top-dressing). The same airframe can be reconverted to a sprayer (Agri Drone Sprayer) by swapping modules.

Subsidy and adoption

Operations remain under DGCA's Drone Rules 2021 and the Kisan Drone SOP: pilots must hold a Remote Pilot Certificate and each airframe must carry a Unique Identification Number. The platform is subsidised under SMAM and under the Namo Drone Didi scheme for women Self-Help Groups (80% capital subsidy capped at Rs 8 lakh).

References

DJI Agras Rice Spreading Guide. DJI Agriculture.
DJI Agras T-Series Spreading System. Maverick Drone.