Post-war use of crop-protection drones will boost Ukraine’s agricultural output

UkrAgroConsult

The use of agricultural drones for applying crop protection products (CPPs) is expected to play a key role in increasing Ukraine’s crop yields in the post-war period. International assessments from 2025 highlight several measurable benefits of drone-based spraying technologies, particularly in terms of efficiency, sustainability and safety.

One of the main advantages is early detection of pests and plant diseases, which allows farmers to respond promptly and prevent yield losses. By combining aerial monitoring with targeted treatment, drones help shift crop protection from reactive to preventive management.

Drone application also significantly improves operational efficiency. Studies show that the time required for pesticide application can be reduced by around 50%, enabling faster coverage of large areas during critical treatment windows, especially when weather conditions are unstable.

In addition, the use of herbicides can be cut by approximately 30% thanks to more precise, site-specific spraying. This not only lowers production costs for farmers but also reduces chemical pressure on soils, water resources and surrounding ecosystems.

Another important benefit is more accurate and safer pesticide application, minimizing drift and reducing risks to nearby populations and livestock. Precision spraying improves compliance with environmental and safety standards, which is increasingly important for Ukraine’s integration into European agricultural markets.

After the war, several structural changes can be expected. Part of the military drone production capacity is likely to be reoriented toward purely agricultural purposes, which should lead to lower prices and wider availability of agrodrones. At the same time, the state is expected to launch preferential support programs for farmers to purchase such equipment, as part of the broader transition from a wartime to a peaceful economy.

Tags: Ukraine, drones