Two "agricultural plant protection drones" are being operated by farmers to remove insects from large wheat fields in Dong Yang, Zhejiang province, February 26, 2023. (PHOTO:VCG)

By Khalid Khan

China has a rich history of agriculture that dates back over 4,000 years. The farmers in China have developed considerable expertise in growing crops, maintaining soil health, and preserving it. Agriculture has played a crucial role in China's economic development by providing raw materials and effective demand for a range of industries. Furthermore, agriculture offers affordable food and nutrition, making it an essential component of society.

With a population in excess of 1.4 billion, China is one of the world's most dynamic emerging economies. Since the reform and opening-up, agriculture has been a key part of China's economic growth. It has always been seen as a strategic industry that can help keep the country stable.

Meanwhile, science and technology play an important role in achieving sustainable development of agriculture and meeting the food demand of the world's growing population. Technology is primarily responsible for this new age. China is making substantial investments in sophisticated agricultural technologies, such as precision agriculture, biotechnology, and automation. These technologies not only increase yields, but also decrease expenses while enhancing the quality and safety of agricultural products. Moreover, these investments are opening new opportunities for companies to develop innovative goods and services that can meet the rising demand for safe, nutritious, and environmentally sustainable food among consumers.

The modernization of agriculture through science and technology is of paramount importance. With China's existing expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), the implementation of these skills in farming could lead to increased productivity and efficiency. Precision agriculture, which employs sensors and aerial vehicles to avoid wasteful resource consumption in food production, could prove to be particularly advantageous.

Also, sustainability is an important part that can't be ignored for the sake of development. China has made a lot of progress in promoting methods that are good for the environment, such as organic farming and integrated pest management (IPM). China needs to keep investing in new technologies that help farmers use farming methods that are good for the environment if it wants to reach its goal of becoming an "agricultural powerhouse."

Putting the "agricultural powerhouse" strategy into action could be good for both China's economy and the agricultural industry around the world. Still, it is important to focus on how well and how long farming methods work by using scientific knowledge and international experience.

To reach its goal of becoming a world leader in agriculture, China needs to invest more in research and development, grow the agricultural supply chain, and help multinational agribusinesses grow. The government has emphasized science, technology and reforms as ways to create a robust agricultural industry, with China owning crucial components like seed production.

China's agricultural policies are currently undergoing significant transformation. The government has implemented several programs to promote a modern, efficient, and sustainable agriculture industry.

China's agriculture industry is strong, innovative, and has a lot of room to grow because of these successes. Farmers are producing more food than ever before, and they are also producing it better and safer. Companies not only create jobs and help the economy grow, but they also come up with new products and services to meet customers' changing needs.

However, several challenges must be addressed to sustain this agricultural growth. With prudent planning and investment, China can continue to maintain its position as a leader in agricultural innovation and prosperity for decades to come. China's agriculture industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, but some challenges remain.

Overall, China's agricultural revolution has been a huge success. It has helped farmers make more money, produce more, and grow their markets. China can keep this momentum going and make its farmers even more prosperous by continuing to invest in modernizing agriculture and helping rural areas.

Khalid Khan is an associate Professor of Economics at the Balochistan University of Information Technology, Balochistan, Pakistan. This article is an excerpt of his remarks made at the forum held by the Global Food Security Association for Young Scientists.