China is embracing smart agriculture, and consequently farming across the country is transforming into a high-tech and efficient system. In Henan Province, drones capture golden cornfields while smart agriculture tools monitor soil conditions, crop growth, and water needs. At the same time, algorithms help farmers make better decisions and reduce waste.
Moreover, Zhang Xianzhi, director of a planting cooperative in Wadian Township, explained that intelligent farming systems deliver precise nutrients through drip irrigation. In addition, he manages 2,800 mu (186.67 hectares) of land, including 400 mu with advanced irrigation. Furthermore, he noted that digital agriculture improves soil health while ensuring higher yields.
Initially, smart agriculture began in government-led demonstration zones. Since then, it has expanded rapidly nationwide. Consequently, more farmers in Henan and other provinces rely on technology to monitor crops, automate irrigation, control pests, and apply fertilizers with accuracy.
Meanwhile, China’s national AI action plan, released in August, identifies three key priorities. First, it promotes AI-powered breeding systems. Second, it develops intelligent applications in crop and aquaculture production. Third, it focuses on smarter machinery with advanced perception and decision-making. Altogether, these measures strengthen smart agriculture while enhancing sustainability and risk prevention.
Additionally, Han Jun, minister of agriculture and rural affairs, emphasized that China has built over 1 billion mu of high-standard farmland. He explained that technological innovation now contributes 63.2 percent of grain output, showing the growing importance of precision agriculture in food security.
Beyond that, local governments support family farms and cooperatives as drivers of rural revitalization. For example, in Jiangxi Province, farmer Gao Gongjing applied smart agriculture methods while managing 138 mu of farmland. Similarly, in Heilongjiang Province, the Xiwang Grain Planting Cooperative covers 5,700 mu and grows 21 organic grain types. Moreover, its IoT system tracks soil, nutrients, weather, and light in real time.
As a result, smart agriculture is now gaining global attention. In fact, Gong Jiaqin, co-founder of XAG, said that Chinese companies could lead the global farming sector with smart agriculture technologies.
Today, China counts more than 2 million agricultural cooperatives, over 4 million family farms, and 1.1 million specialized service providers. Altogether, these groups support production across 2.29 billion mu of farmland. Therefore, smart agriculture plays a vital role in strengthening both domestic output and long-term food security.
