Technological equipment aids harvest in Kaiyang

A drone is used to spray pesticide in rice fields in Shizi village. [Photo/WeChat account of Kaiyang county]

In early autumn, the rice in the high-standard farmland demonstration area of Shizi village, Kaiyang county, is lush and thriving. In the skies above the paddy fields, a drone, controlled remotely by an operator, flies steadily. As it passes, a mist of pesticide drifts down onto the fields. In less than an hour, the pesticide is sprayed across more than 200 mu (13.33 hectares) of rice.

Drones have several advantages over manual spraying – they're faster, more efficient and cheaper, can apply pesticides more evenly and are more suitable for large-scale operations. This standardized and mechanized spraying method also eliminates any direct contact between people and pesticides, ensuring the health of farmers.

Shizi village has already achieved full mechanization throughout the entire process of planting, managing and harvesting, reducing not only the intensity of labor for farmers, but also increasing grain production efficiency.

In addition to pest control, drones are also used for fertilization to boost crop yields. As rice growth enters its later stages and the roots begin to age, their ability to absorb nutrients and water diminishes. By applying phosphorus and potassium fertilizers via foliar spraying, farmers can prevent premature leaf aging and promote healthy grain filling.