From Drone Fields to Policy Frameworks: Integrating UAV-Based Agriculture into Public Management and Sustainability Governance

The rapid diffusion of drone-based precision agriculture in India has exposed both opportunities and governance gaps in public management systems. This study presents a systems-level evaluation of UAV spraying for crop protection, linking technical efficiency metrics with administrative decision-making frameworks. A mixed-methods approach was adopted: (i) quantitative life cycle assessment (LCA) of UAV spraying versus conventional methods in three crop systems (mango, rice, sugarcane), (ii) stakeholder interviews with farmer cooperatives and extension officials, and (iii) scenario modeling for policy integration. Results showed input reductions of 30–45% in water and pesticide usage, while highlighting administrative bottlenecks in regulatory clearances, subsidy pathways, and adoption incentives. The findings illustrate how public managers can integrate emerging agri-technologies into sustainability governance through adaptive regulations, farmer engagement models, and performance benchmarking. In addition, the research underscores the necessity of aligning innovation with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure long-term acceptance and legitimacy. Beyond agriculture, UAV policy integration has potential spillover benefits in climate monitoring, disaster response, and rural development, suggesting a broader administrative role for technology-enabled governance. This study therefore provides actionable pathways for ministries, local governments, and farmer cooperatives to systematically incorporate UAVs into agricultural policy while balancing efficiency gains with equity concerns. By aligning technical evidence with administrative reforms, it demonstrates a structured framework for technology adoption in agriculture that bridges engineering innovation and governance practice.