[Video/ntfabu.com]

Haimen district in Nantong has been working to build the first 5G-powered automated farm in Jiangsu province, local media have reported.

The demonstration area comprises hectares of rice and wheat in Xin’an village and 5,000 square meters of glass greenhouses in Zhengji village, both of which are in Zhengyu town.

Automated equipment, including tractors, harvesters, transplanters, and drones have been introduced to the farm in place of human labor to ensure a safe, efficient and high-quality production environment.

"Traditionally, farmers have to be wrapped head-to-toe to protect themselves from the heavy dust during harvesting," Zhang Rao, a town official, explained. "But the unmanned harvester has solved the problem."

The town has also built an intelligent controlling platform, which serves as the brain of the farm, and is capable of collecting and analyzing information on agricultural equipment, pests, meteorological and soil conditions, and plants. It can also take action if needed.

"For example, if the sunshine is too strong, a shade net at the greenhouse will open automatically," Zhang said.

The greenhouse is adopting soilless cultivation. Controlled by the intelligent platform, water flow and fertilizers are offered strictly in accordance with what the vegetables need. 

The rice and wheat fields are expected to produce 8,995 to 9,745 kilograms of grain per hectare this year, generating 500,000 yuan ($72,450) in income for the village's cooperative.