Pesticides for Drones: Market Opportunity in Southeast Asia
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By Dr. Piyatida (Tung) Pukclai
Asia-Pacific Sales & Regulatory Policy Manager
Knoell group
Drones used for pesticide application are rapidly growing in popularity in Asia, for their advantages in efficiency, spray precision, reduced water consumption, and labor savings. They can be used in impassable terrain, allowing for precise, targeted application.
In general, drone piloting regulations vary by country with national aviation regulators setting unfavorable rules to protect national security and commercial air transportation. But attitudes toward commercial drones are loosening to embrace emerging business models.
Spraying drones and regulatory approvals could change agriculture applications and product registrations.
In Southeast Asia, there has been a wait-and-see approach to the drone industry. There are a lot of regulations that do not promote or support drone innovation. However, there are a lot of regulations regarding the usage of drones, their height, and weight.
The key to increasing the growth of spraying drones is increasing acceptance and better regulations. Drones are starting to play an important role in optimizing processes in agriculture. Several countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines are developing guidance on the application of pesticides using drones to prevent pests and diseases in crops.
Vietnam
In January 2023, Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development announced standards for pesticide-spraying drones in fields. The standards can be considered as the first document guiding the registration and deployment of drones in agricultural and plant protection activities. This is also the official legal basis for the registration of pesticide products used by drones as well as for the expansion and widespread application of new spraying technologies in Vietnam that have helped improve the efficiency for sprayers and the quality of agricultural products.
The Philippines
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is working with various government agencies to ensure the safe use of drones in agriculture. In March 2023, the CAAP held a consultation meeting with the Department of Agriculture (DA) to harmonize regulations on drones used for agriculture. Currently, it is in the process of amending the Philippine Civil Aviation Regulations governing drones and aims to release the amended regulations this year.
Indonesia
In Indonesia, spraying drones may be operated within 500 m from the nearest residential area. Considering the Ministerial regulation regarding drone operations, it seems that it is still weak. In order to create clear and definite legal protection, it is necessary to make arrangements in the form of a law regarding drones in Indonesia.
Thailand/Malaysia
The use of drones in Thailand is regulated under the Air Navigation Act, however, there is no specific regulation or guideline regarding using of drones in agriculture. Likewise, in Malaysia, the use of drones is regulated under the Civil Aviation Act. There is an ‘Agricultural Payload’ list, which is a list of pesticides and any other substances permitted by the Department of Agriculture (DOA), Malaysia to be used for spraying drone operations.
Pesticides for Spraying Drone Applications
The application of pesticides is a cornerstone of agriculture. Farmers using spraying drones constantly struggle with introducing the proper pesticide formulations in the appropriate amounts, at the correct times, and in the right places. One of the key issues is the pesticide formulation type that impacts the effectiveness and residuality of an active ingredient. Different formulations can deliver different biological activities for the control of various pests.
The dispersion of the active ingredient after application, the possible side effects, for example phytotoxicity or discharge of the pesticide to non-treated areas is a potential risk. The spray pressure, application speed, water rate, anti-drift additives, and nozzle are also important, given that these factors have an influence on the spray pattern and the size distribution of the droplets.
A variety of pesticide formulations are often applied together for drone spraying applications, which requires higher compatibility among formulations. However, it is necessary to make sure that no flocculation, agglomeration, or crystallization happens, which will block the nozzle or reduce the pesticide effect.
Considering pesticide products for spraying drone application, there are several products available in the market, for example, Coragen from FMC, Opera from BASF, ZORVEC ENIBEL from Corteva, Nativo from Bayer, etc. Besides this, several manufacturers from China and India also developing ultra-low volume (ULV) formulations and other formulations compatible with the drone spray system.
In Japan, more than 390 pesticide products are registered for spraying drones while South Korea has around 203 products. India has approved more than 470 pesticide products for spraying drones.
Focusing on Southeast Asia, the use of drones for farming is not entirely new. However, approval of pesticide products for spraying drones is challenging due to several regulatory hurdles.
The Philippines’ Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) approved several pesticide products for spraying drones. Malaysia published a list of pesticides to be used for spraying drone while many other countries in this region don’t have lists of pesticide formulations registered for spraying drones.
The adoption of agricultural drone technologies required governments to respond with regulatory frameworks, for example, setting piloting regulations and safe use practices for agricultural drones and pesticide formulations specifically developed for drone application. This could also be a product authorization for spray operations that may refer to existing formulations or new ones and established. Another framework could be for amended regulatory procedures, done in a timely manner, to prevent uncontrolled and inappropriate use of these applications. It is therefore important for governments to take a proactive approach to developing both a sound and enabling regulatory framework for the future of farming in the region.
Market Opportunity in Southeast Asia
In Southeast Asia, where rice is a major crop, drones are gaining recognition from farmers. Operations have grown dramatically, as spraying drones are suitable for controlling pests throughout the crop growth cycle.
Southeast Asia’s pesticide market is looking for appropriate pesticides for spraying drone applications. Not all pesticides can be sprayed with drones. Some forms of pesticides can clog the nozzles due to their poor solubility in water, making them ineffective when used.
Mixing pesticides for drone spraying requires high technical requirements. ULV formulations applied through ULV nozzles are the obvious choice if available. It is an attractive formulation option to adopt when the solubility characteristics of the active ingredient permit is that of the ultra-low-volume liquid. These products are designed to be sprayed without dilution and thus must be applied very carefully with specialized equipment.
Alternatively, we may consider soluble liquid, suspension concentrate, emulsifiable concentrate formulations, etc. So far, several companies are developing pesticide formulations such as anti-drifting and anti-evaporation formulations for spraying drone applications, etc. There is a continuous need to develop innovative new formulations to improve the efficacy of drone technology while minimizing cost and improving environmental safety. •
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Photo of Piyatida Pukclai courtesy of knoell