Photo: Collected
Rice accounts for about 30 percent of China's grain output.
At this year's China-Chengdu International Urban Modern Agricultural Expo, some
innovative ways to grow rice were showcased.
The fertile Chengdu Plain has been known as the
"granary" of China since ancient times. And this agricultural
expo is one of the exhibition areas.
GUO TIANQI Chengdu "Many smart farming devices have
been displayed in this outdoor field, including this smart irrigation system,
which allows people to remotely control the ups and downs of the valve and to
modify the amount of water in the field."
The smart irrigation system and the mini weather stations are all solar-powered. All the data can be analyzed in real-time on computers in a control room to help staff make decisions. But that's not all.
KE JIANGUO Technical Director Tianfu Agricultural Expo Park
"If upland rice farming is promoted nationwide, China can increase rice
production by at least 20 percent. Areas with distinct wet and dry climates,
such as Southeast Asia and Africa, are also suitable for upland rice
cultivation, which will greatly contribute to global food security."
Upland rice farming reduces water usage by 80 percent and
helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This smart farm is quite the attraction
at the expo.
KE JIANGUO Technical Director Tianfu Agricultural Expo Park
"This kind of on-site display of agricultural technology also has a role
in popularizing science. It can help young people get interested in
agriculture."
The 200-hectare farm also grows different types of soybeans,
corn, and vegetables to sell at the expo. GUO TIANQI, CGTN, Chengdu, Sichuan
Province.
|Source: Online/KSU
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