Modern agricultural technologies and machines have revolutionized the way farming is done across the world. In China, the use of these technologies has enabled farmers to optimize their production and efficiency, leading to higher yields and greater profits. As spring farming gets underway across the country, farmers are increasingly turning to these technologies to ensure a successful growing season.
One of the most innovative technologies being used in Chinese agriculture is drones. These unmanned aerial vehicles are being used for a variety of purposes, including crop monitoring, soil analysis, and even pesticide application. Recently, drones were used to spray pesticides on a large oilseed rape planting base in Renmei township, Danling county, located in the southwest province of Sichuan.
The use of drones for pesticide application has numerous benefits. First and foremost, it reduces the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals for human operators, improving their safety and reducing the risk of health issues. Drones can also apply pesticides more accurately and evenly, reducing waste and ensuring that the plants receive the proper amount of treatment. Additionally, drones can cover large areas quickly, increasing efficiency and reducing labor costs for farmers.
The successful use of drones for pesticide application in Renmei township is just one example of how China is embracing modern agricultural technologies to improve its farming practices. In addition to drones, farmers are utilizing other technologies such as precision farming, autonomous tractors, and artificial intelligence to optimize their operations.
However, it is important to note that while modern technologies can be incredibly beneficial for farmers, there are also potential drawbacks. Some critics argue that the use of these technologies could lead to increased environmental damage, such as soil erosion or water pollution. Additionally, the high cost of these technologies can be a barrier for small-scale farmers who may not have the resources to invest in them.
Despite these potential challenges, the use of modern agricultural technologies in China is likely to continue to grow as farmers seek to increase efficiency and yields. As the country’s population continues to grow and demand for food increases, the need for innovative and sustainable farming practices will only become more pressing. By embracing these technologies, China’s farmers can not only meet this demand but also help lead the way in developing more sustainable and efficient agricultural practices for the world.
The use of drones in agriculture has become increasingly common in recent years. One such example is in the county where Li Kexue heads a cooperative. He explains that their drone has a loading capacity of 100 liters, allowing it to spray up to 20 mu of land in less than 20 minutes. This efficient method of pesticide application not only saves time but also labor and money.
According to Li, manually spraying pesticides on 1,600 mu of oilseed rapes would take around a week with 50 workers. Additionally, each worker’s per capita wage for each mu of land is 24 yuan (about $3.52). In contrast, using two drones can complete the same workload in just two days, costing only 8 yuan per mu of land. This significant cost and time savings make drone technology an attractive investment for farmers in China.
Apart from drone technology, other innovative machines such as rollers and hose reel irrigation machines are also being used to improve efficiency and productivity in Chinese agriculture. For instance, in Xizhai village, Tianzhuang township, Qingdao city, east China’s Shandong Province, rollers and irrigation machines were used in wheat fields.
To further promote the use of modern technologies in farming, agricultural experts are providing technological guidance to farmers during the spring farming season across China. Recently, North China’s Shanxi Province held a meeting via video link, calling on departments in the locality to ensure timely spring farming and preparation.
As China continues to invest in modern agricultural technologies, the country’s farmers will be better equipped to meet the demands of a growing population and changing climate. However, it is also important to balance the benefits of these technologies with environmental and social considerations, ensuring that they are used sustainably and equitably.
As spring approaches in China, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Shanxi Province is gearing up to provide technical assistance to farmers to ensure a successful season. Technical departments will issue guidelines on the production of grain and oil crops, set up expert teams for the production of wheat, corn, and other crops, and assign agricultural technicians to guide farmers and implement technical measures to increase production and farmers’ incomes.
Farming during the spring season can be challenging, and timely irrigation, fertilization, and pest control are essential to achieve a bumper harvest. Chen Bingqiang, a senior agronomist at the agro-tech extension and service center of Qingdao, emphasizes this point, stating that watering and fertilizing farmlands in a timely manner and preventing plant diseases and insect pests are critical to ensure a good harvest.
In Qingdao, a city in east China’s Shandong Province, farmers are already seeing positive results. According to Chen, Qingdao has planted 3.49 million mu of winter wheat, which is 60,000 mu more than a year ago. Furthermore, the wheat is growing well, laying a sound foundation for a bumper harvest this summer.
While natural factors like weather and pests pose significant challenges for farmers during the spring season, the use of technology can mitigate these risks and increase efficiency. For example, drones are used to spray pesticides on crops, saving time and labor. Similarly, rollers and hose reel irrigation machines are being used in wheat fields to optimize irrigation and improve crop yields.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Shanxi Province is committed to promoting the use of technology in agriculture to boost efficiency and productivity. Through the provision of technical guidance and support to farmers, they aim to improve the quality of crops and increase farmers’ incomes, leading to a prosperous and sustainable future for agriculture in China.