A farmer in Xiwangwen village, Boxing county, Binzhou city, East China’s Shandong province, checks his newly harvested wheat. This year, despite challenging weather conditions, China’s key grain-producing regions are expecting a bumper summer harvest. This promising outlook is largely attributed to advancements in agricultural technology, including seed breeding, smart farming, and a new generation of tech-savvy farmers.
China’s commitment to grain security has driven the adoption of advanced technologies and mechanization in agriculture. In 2024, the country’s total grain output surpassed 700 million tonnes for the first time, marking the 21st consecutive year of a bumper harvest. This year, despite prolonged drought and high temperatures in northern regions, farmers are optimistic about their yields.
Drought-tolerant wheat varieties have been a game-changer. In Shandong, a province frequently plagued by drought and water shortages, farmers like Liu Fengjun, head of an agricultural cooperative in Gaomi city, are expecting high yields. “In the past, these conditions would have reduced yields,” Liu said. “But with drought-tolerant wheat varieties, we expect an output of around 9.75 tonnes per hectare.” These varieties, bred for extreme weather and less fertile soil conditions, are crucial for boosting grain production.
Smart farming is also transforming agriculture in China. In Zouping city, farmer Liu Shuguang manages his 73-hectare farm using autonomous machinery with satellite navigation and remote sensing. With a few taps on his smartphone, he can dispatch combine harvesters, monitor operations, and even sow seeds. “Despite the drought, my yields rose by up to 525 kilograms per hectare,” Liu said. “And I’ve cut labor costs by 80 percent.” Smart agriculture is flourishing across China, with AI, low-altitude technology, and information technology being integrated into farming and grain processing.
The new generation of farmers is also contributing to this agricultural transformation. Yan Binghui, head of Tenghui Agricultural Cooperative in Guangrao county, uses precision irrigation to mitigate the effects of drought while reducing water usage. Yan, who quit his city job to start an agricultural cooperative, represents a growing trend of highly educated “new farmers” returning to the countryside, applying technology and business expertise to fields once dominated by manual labor.
Moreover, agricultural experts are being dispatched to rural areas to support farmers. In Yanzhou district, Jining, agronomist Li Chuanliang from Shandong Agricultural University trained farmers in field management to respond to drought. His team introduced high-quality wheat varieties and technologies, providing much-needed support to local farmers.
The implications of these advancements are significant. By embracing agricultural technology, China is not only safeguarding its grain security but also transforming its agricultural sector. This shift is creating opportunities for a new generation of farmers, promoting rural revitalization, and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices. As climate uncertainty and resource constraints continue to pose threats to traditional agriculture, China’s approach offers valuable insights for global food security.