French farmers using more drones on farms

French farmers are monitoring an estimated 10,000 hectares of farmland with flying drones made by Airinov, a Paris-based company which made its first drone in a garage four years ago.

The GPS-controlled drones fly over crops, following a pre-defined route, taking readings such as chlorophyll or nitrogen levels. Weighing about 800g, the drones allow closer monitoring than satellites.

They can even reduce use of pesticides, by spotting the areas prone to weeds, from the sky.