Agricultural Revolution: Intelligent Robots are Transforming Farming Practices in Rural China

Shanghai, The Gulf Observer: Rural farming in China undergoes a revolutionary transformation as agricultural robots and intelligent equipment replace conventional practices, marking a significant shift in agricultural landscapes.

At the forefront of this transformation is the Diantian Farm in rural Shanghai, where robots, guided by engineers, have taken over tasks traditionally performed by cattle. Over 70 engineers at the Diantian rural cooperative, specializing in rice cultivation, have spent the last seven years developing over 60 types of agricultural robots capable of tasks ranging from planting to harvesting.

Equipped with crawler feet for versatile terrain navigation and an artificial intelligence (AI) operating system as their brains, these robots streamline farming processes. Farmers can easily operate the robots through a WeChat mini-program on their mobile phones, showcasing user-friendly technology.

Wang Jinyue, head of the Diantian agricultural cooperative, highlighted the efficiency, accuracy, and tireless operation of the robots. Powered by technologies like 5G, image recognition, and big data, these robots swiftly calculate distances to crops, enabling rapid and precise harvesting within seconds.

The robots are equipped with China’s BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), contributing to over 100,000 sets of agricultural machinery automatic driving systems across the country. This reflects the integration of cutting-edge technology into agriculture, enhancing productivity and sustainability.

In Hanzhong, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, an automated vegetable farm has achieved unmanned production in cultivating green leafy vegetables. Covering approximately 13 hectares, this automated farm requires only five farmers, showcasing the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of intelligent equipment in agriculture.

The recent “No. 1 central document” for 2024 unveiled by China outlines priorities for comprehensively promoting rural revitalization this year. Emphasizing the consolidation of agricultural science and technology support, the document encourages research on core technologies related to germplasm resources.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs reports that the contribution rate of agricultural scientific and technological progress exceeded 62 percent in 2022, with an overall mechanization rate of crop cultivation and harvest reaching 73 percent. The embrace of intelligent robots and advanced technology signifies a modernization drive in Chinese agriculture, promoting sustainability and efficiency in rural communities.