Russian Students Master Homegrown Ag‑Drones for Cereal Crops

Agricultural universities across Russia are integrating drone programming and operation into their curricula, as students partner with local developers to test next‑generation UAVs that promise faster, more precise crop treatment

Hands‑On Training with Cutting‑Edge UAVs

At the Ural State Agrarian University in Sverdlovsk Oblast, students aren’t just studying theory—they’re directly involved in field trials of a brand‑new Russian‑made aerial drone designed for spraying and fertilization. Under an obligatory academic program, agronomy and engineering majors learn to program flight paths, map fields digitally, and calculate exact fertilizer requirements. By working side by side with regional developers, these future agronomists gain real‑world experience in deploying precision agriculture technologies.

Dramatic Efficiency Gains

Early trials show the Ural‑built ag‑drone can spray a 66‑hectare field in just 30 minutes—compared with a tractor’s two‑and‑a‑half‑hour job under optimal conditions. Because the drone flies above the crop canopy, it eliminates soil compaction and crop damage common with heavy wheel‑based machinery. “The speed and accuracy we’re seeing are transforming how we think about field operations,” says one student engineer, reflecting the excitement around this domestic breakthrough.

Resource Savings and Broader Impact

Beyond time savings, the UAV slashes resource use: up to 90 percent less water and 30 percent less agrochemical per application. With a single shift capable of covering 250 hectares, these drones can significantly lower input costs for farmers while reducing environmental footprint. As graduates enter the workforce with both technical skills and hands‑on drone experience, Russia is poised to accelerate the adoption of precision agriculture—boosting yields, conserving resources, and strengthening national expertise in sustainable farming technologies.