Early in the morning on April 8, a bustling scene was presenting itself in the rice base of the Linyuan Guzhai Family Farm at the Pukou Convenience Service Center in Quyang Town, Jingzhou Miao and Dong Autonomous County. Breathing in fragrances of the soil, Wu Daojing, owner of the farm, was making the first rotation of land preparation in his rotary tiller. The rumbling sound was playing a "Striving March" for the agricultural plowing.
"Farming used to rely on experience, and improving production and incomes depended on the weather and individual diligence. Now, technology has the final say. Rotary tillers are invented for farming; trans-planters and seedling-throwing machines for planting; drones for management; harvesters and dryers for harvesting and drying..." Wu said heartily.
This farm is reported to be a municipal-level demonstration farm featuring rice cultivation and rice field fish farming. Last year, the farm yielded fourteen hectares of rice and four hectares of fish, thus helping more than 10 villagers to “find employment at their doorstep”. The farm secured a revenue of over 200,000 yuan.
Recently, Jingzhou Miao and Dong Autonomous County has been vigorously developing modern agriculture with technology empowerment as a major means. As a result, it has not only achieved an increase in grain production but also enabled many farmers like Wu to become better off. Last year, the local grain production area reached 2,067 hectares, with a total output of 134,000 tons. The rice seed production covered an area of 3,333 hectares, with the output value totaling over 100 million yuan, according to statistics.
In addition to introducing high-quality rice varieties, the county has intensified the promotion of technological innovation by launching an online service platform for smart agriculture. It aims to guide socialized service organizations to provide professional services for agricultural business entities. This approach entails measures such as taking the seed production industry as a breakthrough point, conducting six major basic applications, coordinating various production factors, and digitizing management of agricultural production.
Moreover, in order to boost farmers' enthusiasm for growing grains, the county has organized agricultural technicians (and machinery operators) to connect with large grain growers. It has engaged in the front line of production through information technology means including holding on-site observations and spring training sessions, distributing policy-oriented instructive brochures, and using WeChat. It has, in this case, promptly released information on spring field management and preparation for spring plowing, and carried out technical training and guidance services, thereby improving the implementation rate of key technologies.
(Translated by Dong Yue)