Once a barren region on the fringes of the vast Gobi Desert, Ningxia has undergone a remarkable transformation to become China’s premier wine-producing area. The flourishing wine industry in Ningxia has not only brought economic prosperity to the landlocked region but has also created a myriad of job opportunities for local residents.
One of the individuals who has embraced the change is Su Wenping, who now monitors the soil temperature, humidity, and irrigation data for his vineyard via a mobile app. With just a tap on the screen, Su can efficiently irrigate his 20-hectare vineyard, a stark contrast to the past where irrigation required manual intervention, increased labor, and wasted water resources.
“We used to need up to eight employees to manage the vineyard, but now we only need two,” said Su, adding that the adoption of smart technology has enabled a 20% reduction in water usage through precision irrigation.
Su is the vineyard plantation manager from Lilan Winery, located in Yongning County, Yinchuan, in the Northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The winery is one among approximately 200 nestled at the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountain in Ningxia. Thanks to extended periods of sunshine and a cool, dry climate—perfect for grape cultivation—the region has become an up-and-coming star on the global wine map. Ningxia’s wines have been receiving international recognition and awards, and the area dedicated to wine grape cultivation has now reached a staggering 38,867 hectares.
In a different vineyard, an advanced insect control facility has been installed. Through a micropower network in the vineyard, farmers can employ a photo-electric effect system to eliminate pests. Moreover, the facility is equipped with an image acquisition device, which collects data on insect invasions.
Li Xuyang, Deputy General Manager of Yongning power supply company in Yinchuan, explains the significance of this system. The data collected is thoroughly analyzed to help farmers decide on pesticide quotas and plan pest control measures more efficiently.
In this way, the blend of ancient viticulture and modern technology has turned Ningxia into a leading wine producer. This remarkable transformation not only represents an economic success story but is also a testament to the potential of sustainable and tech-driven agricultural practices.
READ MORE: