Rice crop monitoring using multirotor UAV and RGB digital camera at early stage of growth

Abstract

The increasing of population in the world lead the Malaysia government to intensification the food supply for the future in efficient way. Sustainable agriculture plays a main role for maintain the food production and preserve the environment from any excessive chemical by usage of technology for the better management. The Economic Transformation Program (ETP) emphasizes on the use of technology to finest aid crop production. Drone applications in crop monitoring are increasing globally and get place among end-users. The objective of this paper is to monitor rice crop by using multirotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) as known as drone and RGB digital camera in Kelantan, Malaysia. This paper will present the spatial analysis using RGB imagery in paddy plot at early stage to improve the management system. Results show that the uneven ground surface is a key element in achievement the higher yield production and improving the irrigation system in the paddy field. The ground management need to take action to make sure the paddy development can be growth in a healthy condition to increase the yield.