BEIJING, March 23 -- The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into agriculture in China is catalyzing a transformative shift in farming practices, positioning the country at the forefront of smart agriculture development.

In a smart greenhouse facility located in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, autonomous robots equipped with high-definition cameras conduct surveillance of crop growth.

These robots, trained using a vast dataset of images, have achieved over 80% accuracy in pest identification, allowing for more precise agricultural decision-making.

This innovation reflects the broader objective of the Chinese government to modernize agriculture and boost rural revitalization.

Policies aimed at promoting smart agriculture have been outlined as part of a 2025 development framework, emphasizing technologies such as AI, big data, and low-altitude systems.

Maoming, known for its lychee production in Guangdong Province, exemplifies the effective combination of traditional farming techniques with advanced technology.

The implementation of the DeepSeek model has led to the integration of over five million data points, enhancing local agricultural practices.

The installation of 69 sets of 5G-powered Internet of Things (IoT) sensors across 20 lychee-growing towns has enabled farmers to monitor crucial environmental variables in real-time, facilitating proactive risk management in response to weather conditions.

Farmers in Maoming are increasingly utilizing AI tools to optimize their cultivation strategies.

For instance, local farmer Zhang Xianfeng now accesses an AI assistant for real-time guidance on crop management, enhancing her responsiveness to adverse conditions.

Previously relying on traditional methods, Zhang notes that AI-driven insights allow for immediate and precise interventions, enhancing overall productivity.

The burgeoning AI agriculture market in China is underscored by significant growth.

In 2021, the sector was valued at approximately 68.5 billion yuan (around 9.55 billion USD), with projections indicating it may exceed 90 billion yuan by 2024, reflecting an average annual growth rate of about 10%.

According to experts, there is substantial potential for AI applications in precision farming, pest control, and optimizing supply chains.

While proponents highlight AI's capabilities, challenges such as inconsistent data collection, privacy concerns, and limited farmer adoption persist, which may hinder its full integration into the agricultural landscape.

Infrastructure development in rural areas is essential to improve access to AI technologies, as emphasized by researchers from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

Additionally, training more professionals in AI will facilitate the technology's adoption in farming practices.