A worker uses a drone to carry out agricultural tasks in Anji county, Huzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/WeChat account: anjifb]

With the rice harvest coming to an end, farmers are now gearing up for the rape sowing season. Over the expansive fields of the Wanjiafeng Professional Cooperative in Anji county, Huzhou, Zhejiang province, a crop protection drone traversed the skies, releasing herbicides with precision.

"The drone is capable of carrying 40 kilograms of herbicide in a single flight. It enhances efficiency and reduces labor and chemical costs," said Li Hongbo, the cooperative's director. The drone's versatility also extends to seeding and fertilizing.

Since 2021, the cooperative has applied drone technology in crop protection, which allows for precise and even distribution by programming flight paths and parameters. Li emphasized that this shift from traditional farming methods frees farmers from arduous tasks, enabling them to redirect their efforts toward other parts of the agricultural production process.

Anji has embraced drone crop protection, with over 100 units in operation by the end of 2023. The county actively promotes drone usage through subsidies, training programs, and comprehensive services, fostering agricultural advancement and prosperity in the region.