Academician Zhao Chunjiang: Advancing Smart Agriculture and Building Digital Villages

By Zhao Chunjiang (Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Director of the National Engineering Research Center for Information Technology in Agriculture)

1. Fully Understanding the Characteristics of Modern Information Technology

Modern information technology demonstrates two distinct features:

(1) The Productivity Feature of Information Technology

Modern information technology serves as direct productivity. By integrating with agricultural factors, it acts as a multiplier, significantly enhancing agricultural labor productivity. Technologies like the internet, agricultural AI, big data, and blockchain are set to boost decision-making and management intelligence in agriculture. Meanwhile, tools such as agricultural sensors, robots, and smart equipment will upgrade traditional farming tools. Digital technology enables clearer understanding and management of agricultural production, its elements, and their interactions with environmental factors and technological measures.

(2) The Economic Feature of Information Technology

The digital economy leverages knowledge and information as key factors, using modern information networks and ICT as catalysts for efficiency and structural economic optimization. Since the 1990s, the U.S. has seized the digital revolution, achieving over a decade of economic prosperity and establishing itself as a digital economy leader. With rapid development in the internet, IoT, and big data, the digital economy has become a global growth driver. In 2018, China’s digital economy reached ¥31 trillion, accounting for 34.8% of GDP. It is projected to grow to ¥150 trillion by 2035, comprising 55% of GDP, comparable to developed nations. As President Xi Jinping noted in a 2019 message, the digital economy serves as a “digital engine” propelling high-quality global economic development.

In agriculture, digital transformation holds immense potential compared to industries and services. In 2018, digital agriculture accounted for only 7.3% of agricultural value-added output, far below industry (18.3%) and services (35.9%). Moreover, rural areas exhibit strong demand for ICT infrastructure to enhance living standards and governance capabilities, fostering substantial opportunities in rural digital economies.

2. Driving Smart Agriculture for a Modernized Agricultural Sector

(1) Global Developments in Smart Agriculture

Smart agriculture marks the third agricultural revolution, following the Green Revolution and biotechnological advances, driven by the integration of modern ICT with agriculture. Major developments include:

United States: After advances in mechanization, hybridization, and biotechnology, the U.S. now leads in digital agriculture. Around 20% of farmland and 80% of large farms have fully digitized field operations.
Canada: Reports highlight technologies such as soil and crop sensors, livestock biometrics, and agricultural robotics as transformative in 5-10 years.
European Union: The “Agriculture 4.0” initiative emphasizes smart agriculture technologies.
Japan: The SIP program focuses on robotic-driven agriculture, aiming to develop unmanned farms.

The global smart agriculture market is projected to reach $68.39 billion by 2025, with the Asia-Pacific region (especially China) leading growth at a CAGR of 14.12%.

(2) China’s Demand for Smart Agriculture

Labor Shortages: Urbanization and aging populations have sharply reduced rural labor availability, with agricultural workers increasingly older and less educated.
Low Competitiveness: Fragmented production scales and outdated practices hinder efficiency and economic outcomes.
Technological Gaps: Limited foundational research and a lack of interdisciplinary integration leave China trailing advanced nations in agricultural AI, robotics, and sensors.

(3) Strategic Goals for China’s Smart Agriculture

China is transitioning from traditional (Agriculture 1.0) to mechanical (Agriculture 3.0) and now smart (Agriculture 4.0) farming, with strategic objectives of:

Replacing human intelligence with computers for better decision-making and knowledge application.
Replacing manual labor with machines to address labor shortages and reduce costs.
Ensuring independent, secure, and controllable technologies to overcome critical bottlenecks.

(4) Key Tasks

Integrated Data Collection Systems: Deploy IoT, UAVs, and sensors for dynamic, real-time monitoring across agricultural chains.
National Agricultural Data Center: Create unified, scalable systems for agriculture data management, improving decision-making and service capabilities.
Smart Equipment Development: Focus on automation in planting, fertilizing, harvesting, and livestock management.
Major Engineering Projects: Implement smart agriculture initiatives in key regions, integrating AI, blockchain, and advanced equipment to enhance value chains.

3. Advancing Digital Villages to Drive Rural Revitalization

(1) International Experiences

Global examples, such as the EU’s “Smart Villages” initiative and the Cork Declaration 2.0, emphasize bridging the urban-rural digital divide, improving rural living standards, and fostering sustainable rural development.

(2) China’s Current State and Needs

While broadband and 4G network coverage have exceeded 98%, gaps in digital infrastructure and governance persist. Digital rural development remains at 33% of potential, with fiscal investment in agricultural digitization varying widely across regions.

(3) Strategic Considerations for Digital Villages

Under the framework of the “Digital Village Development Strategy,” focus areas include:

Upgrading rural ICT infrastructure.
Building comprehensive rural big data systems.
Developing integrated rural service platforms.
Modernizing rural governance with digital tools.

(4) Key Tasks

Rural ICT Infrastructure: Expand broadband and 4G coverage, integrate IoT monitoring, and establish 5G pilot areas.
Data Systems: Develop geo-referenced and socioeconomic databases for rural management and emergency responses.
E-Commerce Systems: Strengthen logistics and digital platforms to connect smallholders with broader markets.

4. Recommendations for the 14th Five-Year Plan

Align with national strategies, such as rural revitalization and new infrastructure initiatives.
Ensure practical, actionable planning with visible benefits.
Develop supportive policies, including subsidies and data management frameworks.