In the sprawling rapeseed fields of Zhanghu township, Wangjiang county, east China’s Anhui Province, a scene of modern agricultural innovation unfolds. Drones, reminiscent of worker bees, crisscross the skies, playing a pivotal role in the cultivation process. Cheng Xueze, a prominent local farmer, is at the helm of this technological shift. Using a remote control, he directs drones to fertilize the vast expanse of rapeseed fields, a task that would have been unimaginable a decade and a half ago.
Cheng’s journey into agriculture began fifteen years ago when he returned home to pursue farming. Back then, fertilizing 20 mu (about 1.33 hectares) of farmland would consume an entire day for his family. Today, with the aid of drones, the same task can be accomplished in a fraction of the time, with a single drone capable of fertilizing 280 mu in less than a day. This dramatic increase in efficiency is a testament to the transformative power of technology in agriculture.
The establishment of a research center under the Institute of Cotton Research of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in 2016 marked a significant turning point for Wangjiang’s agricultural sector. This initiative, coupled with the recent collaboration between China Agricultural University and Anhui Agricultural University to found a science and technology yard for cotton, grain, and oil crops, has further accelerated the region’s agricultural development. The science and technology yard program serves as a practical and integrated model for cultivating talent in the field.
The impact of these advancements is evident in the scale of rapeseed cultivation in Wangjiang county. With a planting area exceeding 520,000 mu, the county boasts 69 demonstration fields covering 100 mu each and 11 demonstration fields covering 1,000 mu each. Each of these experimental fields is equipped with a digital archive, meticulously documenting data on soil moisture, weather conditions, and plant growth. This data-driven approach, as highlighted by Zhou Kehai, deputy director of the science and technology yard, ensures that farming practices are not only efficient but also sustainable.
The integration of drones and advanced data analytics in agriculture represents a significant leap forward for the industry. It not only enhances productivity but also paves the way for more precise and environmentally friendly farming methods. As Cheng Xueze and other farmers in Wangjiang county continue to embrace these technological advancements, the future of agriculture in the region looks increasingly promising. The transformation of traditional farming practices into a high-tech endeavor is not just a local phenomenon but a glimpse into the future of global agriculture.
