Can technology give China’s farmers an edge against extreme weather?
In the second of a two-part series on climate resilience, CNA looks at how farmers in China are using AI, drones and other technology to prepare for storms – and the challenges of making these tools more widely available.
In a demonstration farm in Huizhou, Guangdong province, Shenzhen-based AI agricultural company FN Holdings showcases how technology can bolster China's farming sector against extreme weather. The 67ha farm employs drones, sensors, and AI to monitor crops, irrigation, and weather conditions remotely. Liu Lizhu, the project manager, emphasizes the convenience of controlling irrigation and accessing drone footage via smartphone, eliminating the need for long walks through the fields.
The farm's resilience during Typhoon Noul in July, which affected surrounding farms severely, was attributed to early warnings, preventive measures, and robust greenhouses. However, due to high costs, smaller-scale farmers find it challenging to adopt such technology. HKUST researchers are developing AI models that can forecast severe thunderstorms up to four hours earlier than current methods, potentially giving farmers more time to prepare.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
