Smart Technologies And 5G Network Propel China's Agricultural Modernisation

China is making significant strides in modernising its agricultural sector through the integration of smart technologies and the deployment of the 5G network. This initiative, as reported by China Central Television, aligns with the central authorities' prioritisation of agriculture and rural development. This focus forms the core of the government's agenda during the 14th Five-Year Plan period spanning from 2021 to 2025.

To propel agricultural modernisation forward, China has implemented a series of measures and has seen substantial rural reform, achieving breakthroughs in several key areas. The country has notably enhanced its agricultural infrastructure, developing over one billion mu (approximately 66.67 million hectares) of high-standard farmland. This development has significantly boosted grain production capacity by 10 percent to 20 percent per mu.

Moreover, the total length of rural roads in China has extended to 4.6 million km, with all qualified towns and villages now featuring hardened roads. Impressively, more than 80 percent of administrative villages have gained access to 5G networks, marking a milestone in technological accessibility.

Scientific and technological innovation has emerged as a pivotal force in advancing agricultural modernisation in China. The contribution rate of agricultural science and technology progress has surpassed 63 percent. Additionally, the self-sufficiency rate of crop sources in China now exceeds 95 percent. The country has also seen widespread application of agricultural machinery equipped with China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System terminals and nearly 200,000 plant protection drones.

The adoption of modern science and technology has not only made traditional agriculture more efficient but has also significantly enhanced agricultural production methods. The mechanisation rate in crop plowing, planting, and harvesting increased from 67.2 percent in 2017 to 73 percent in 2022. This technological advancement has contributed to China achieving a grain harvest of over 650 million tonnes for the ninth consecutive year in 2023.

China is diligently working towards constructing a modern agricultural industrial system. Currently, the country boasts a total of 289,000 village-level comprehensive delivery and logistics service stations and 75,000 refrigeration and fresh-keeping facilities in production areas. These developments have significantly improved the efficiency of delivering fresh agricultural produce to major markets.

This comprehensive approach towards modernising agriculture through technological integration and infrastructure development underscores China's commitment to enhancing its agricultural sector's productivity and sustainability. By prioritising agriculture and rural development, China aims to secure its food security while also advancing towards a more technologically integrated future in farming.

With inputs from WAM