Crop spraying drones for the Peninsula’s palms, durian and rubber
Hilly Pahang durian orchards, flat Johor palm blocks, ageing rubber in Perak. Each needs a different flight plan, and that is the part we enjoy.
Why tree crops and drones get along
Spraying a mature palm or a 12 metre durian from the ground means motorised mist blowers, long hoses and a lot of chemical in the air around the crew. A drone works above or beside the canopy on a programmed line, so the person in charge stands well back at the edge of the block.
Labour is the other reason. Research in MADA paddies in Kedah recorded a drop from four spraying workers to one when the farmer switched to a drone, and total spraying time from roughly 80 hours to 24 (Rosedi & Shamsi, 2022). Tree crops are different from paddy, so we treat those numbers as a sign of the direction, not a promise.
Honest about the hard parts
Steep durian slopes, tall old palms and tight rubber canopies can limit what a drone does well. When ground spraying is the better tool, we say so.
Built around three tree crops
Tree crops are trickier than paddy: tall canopies, uneven ground and long seasons. Here is how we approach each one.
Fruiting season coming up?
Durian and palm schedules fill quickly. Send a request now and we will come back with questions and a written quote.
Get a quoteFrom message to flight
- Tell us your crop, state and rough acreage.
- We review the site on satellite imagery and check airspace and the products involved.
- A site visit to walk the boundary, note slopes, power lines and houses.
- Spray day, followed by a written record of what went where.
Questions growers ask
Is drone spraying legal in Malaysia?
Yes, under CAAM rules. Agricultural UAS work requires an Unmanned Aerial Work Certificate under CAD 6011 Part (II). See our regulations page.
Can any pesticide be sprayed by drone?
No. The DOA payload list allows pesticides registered with the Pesticides Board that are recommended for UAS use, plus fertiliser, plant growth enhancers and seed.
Does drone spraying work on tall durian trees?
Usually yes, with slower passes and careful height control. Very steep or broken slopes can be a limit, which we check on site.
What does drone spraying cost per acre?
It depends on crop, terrain and acreage. We quote in writing after seeing the site details.