China is taking a giant leap in agriculture by embracing cutting-edge technology to transform its farming industry. In its latest “No.1 central document” released on Sunday, the Chinese mainland reaffirmed its commitment to advancing agricultural technology, emphasizing collaborative research, technological breakthroughs, and the development of innovative farming solutions.
A significant highlight of this initiative is the strengthening of key research platforms like “Nanfan Silicon Valley,” a breeding base in southern China. “Nanfan,” meaning “breeding in the south,” utilizes the warm climate of Hainan Island and other southern regions to accelerate crop breeding practices.
On January 31, 2024, authorities including the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the National Development and Reform Commission announced an action plan for the Nanfan Scientific and Research Breeding Base in Sanya. By 2030, the plan aims to establish this breeding base as a national-level hub for breeding industry innovation, encompassing scientific research, production, sales, exchanges, and the transfer of achievements.
The document also highlights the promotion of biological breeding, high-quality agricultural machinery, and smart agriculture, integrating artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and low-altitude technologies. Last year, the national inventory of agricultural machinery surpassed 200 million units, with over 2.2 million devices utilizing the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System. The mechanization rate for crop planting, cultivation, and harvesting rose to more than 74 percent, with primary staple crops largely mechanized.
In the Xiong’an New Area of Hebei Province, the Fuxi Farmland stands as a testament to China’s agricultural innovation. Engineers manage grain planting using big data and AI, controlling remote unmanned machines from a control center located 20 kilometers away. Real-time crop information is accessible through a large monitoring screen, showcasing the potential of smart farming.
Moreover, Zhejiang Province has issued an action plan to develop the low-altitude economy in agricultural and rural areas. By 2027, the province aims to have over 10,000 agricultural drones and establish 100 intelligent monitoring points for agricultural production, further integrating technology to enhance agriculture.
These strategic initiatives indicate China’s dedication to creating a more efficient, sustainable, and technologically advanced agricultural future. By harnessing innovations like AI and drone technology, the Chinese mainland is setting a global example in modernizing agriculture.
