Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rapid development and challenges of the agricultural drone industry in China, highlighting the experiences of drone operators (referred to as "flyers") and the implications of technology on traditional farming practices [4][5][6]. Group 1: Agricultural Drone Industry Overview - China is the largest country in terms of agricultural drone application, with over 2.1 billion acres of operations annually, accounting for 98% of the entire drone industry's flight hours [5]. - The agricultural drone market has grown into a billion-dollar industry since 2015, with increasing hardware and application development [11][14]. - The profession of drone operators is evolving, with many individuals transitioning from traditional farming roles to become skilled drone pilots [20]. Group 2: Experiences of Drone Operators - Operators like Yang Ge have established small teams and travel across the country for work, with high demand in regions like Hainan, where they can earn around 2,000 yuan per day [12][13]. - The profession offers flexibility and independence, allowing operators to travel and work at their own pace, although they face unpredictable weather and long working hours [13][21]. - The entry of agricultural drones into the hands of ordinary farmers has changed the landscape, with many purchasing drones primarily for personal use and to offer services to neighbors [16][18]. Group 3: Challenges and Risks - The issue of pesticide drift poses significant challenges, leading to disputes between farmers and drone operators when chemicals affect unintended crops [24][26]. - Operators often face health risks due to prolonged exposure to pesticides, with many lacking proper medical insurance or support for occupational health issues [33][34]. - The industry is experiencing a price war, with service prices dropping significantly, making it difficult for operators to sustain profitable operations [36][38]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The agricultural drone industry is expected to continue evolving, with new technologies and business models emerging, but operators must navigate increasing competition and market saturation [40]. - The rise of new agricultural entities and changing land use patterns will further influence the dynamics of the drone operator profession [40].
日入2千的飞手,为何集体逃离?
虎嗅APP·2025-10-09 10:54