The present chapter explores the transformative role of drones in enhancing agricultural supply chain management. Agricultural supply chains are vital to food production and distribution, and their efficiency and accuracy play a critical role in ensuring food security and economic sustainability. However, traditional supply chain methods face numerous challenges, including data collection, monitoring, and transportation logistics issues. The emergence and adoption of drone technology in agriculture has introduced innovative solutions to these challenges. Drones revolutionize farming practices, warehousing and storage management, and transportation logistics. They offer real-time data collection and analysis capabilities, integrating seamlessly with other technologies like GPS, IoT, and AI. This integration enables data-driven decision-making, resulting in optimized supply chain operations. The chapter highlights the challenges and limitations of drone technology and explores future trends and innovations poised to further transform agricultural supply chain management.
TopIntroduction
Agriculture is a fundamental component of the global economy and a vital source of sustenance for the world's growing population. In this context, the management of agricultural supply chains is of paramount importance. These supply chains' efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability directly impact food production, distribution, and, ultimately, global food security (Periakaruppan et al., 2023). Traditional agricultural supply chain management has faced many issues with its complex processes and logistical challenges. These challenges range from timely crop monitoring to pest control, warehousing and storage management, transportation logistics, and accurate data collection. Furthermore, the need for environmentally sustainable practices adds an extra layer of complexity (Soria‐Lopez et al., 2023).
In response to these challenges, the emergence of drone technology has brought about a paradigm shift in agricultural supply chain management approach. Initially developed for military and recreational purposes, drones have become indispensable in agriculture (Rejeb, Rejeb, Simske, & Treiblmaier, 2023). The usage of drones in different sectors are illustrated in Figure 1. They offer innovative solutions to age-old problems, transforming farming practices and improving overall supply chain efficiency (AlRushood et al., 2023). The primary objective of this chapter is to delve into the pivotal role of drones in agricultural supply chain management. The current chapter will examine the various types of agricultural drones, their applications, and their benefits to the agricultural sector. Additionally, it will discuss the integration of drones with other advanced technologies like global positioning system (GPS), the internet of things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI). This integration enables real-time data collection and analysis, facilitating data-driven decision-making and significantly enhancing supply chain operations (Thinakaran, Paul, Beulah Christalin Latha, & Jacob, 2023).
Figure 1. Usage of drones in different sectors
The present chapter discusses drone technology's economic and environmental implications and addresses regulatory and safety considerations that govern its usage. However, it is crucial to recognize that drones offer immense potential but are not without challenges and limitations.
TopAgricultural Supply Chain Management
Agricultural supply chain management encompasses the planning, coordinating, and executing various activities involved in producing, processing, and distributing agricultural products from farm to consumer (Fu et al., 2023; Istiak et al., 2023; Raj et al., 2024; Rejeb, Rejeb, Simske, & Treiblmaier, 2023). This multifaceted process is fundamental in ensuring the world's food security, bridging the gap between the agricultural sector and end consumers. It involves a series of interconnected stages, each with its challenges and intricacies.