China accelerates use of artificial intelligence in grain production

China is intensifying the digital transformation of its agricultural sector by actively introducing artificial intelligence technologies to improve production efficiency and strengthen food security. The issue was one of the key topics discussed during the country’s annual political meetings known as the “Two Sessions,” which include the gatherings of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

According to China’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Han Jun, modern technologies are already widely used across all stages of agricultural production, from field monitoring to automated planting and harvesting. Last year alone, more than 300,000 agricultural drones were used in the country — the highest number in the world.

One of the main centers of smart farming development is the province of Heilongjiang, one of China’s key grain-producing regions. Integrated farm management systems are being introduced there, allowing remote monitoring of field operations and data-driven decision-making. In 2025, grain output in the region exceeded 82 million tonnes, maintaining its position as China’s top grain producer for the 16th consecutive year.

Farms are increasingly transitioning to fully automated processes. According to agricultural experts and industry representatives, drones are replacing manual pesticide spraying, while some farms already operate unmanned machinery systems that significantly increase operational precision and reduce the need for manual labor.

Chinese authorities are also considering broader integration of artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, big data, and blockchain technologies into agriculture. Further investments in digital infrastructure and workforce training are expected to accelerate the modernization of the agricultural sector and strengthen the stability of food production.

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