Digitalization fuels rural vitalization in southern Shaanxi

Foping county in Northwest China's Shaanxi province has embraced digitalization to boost rural vitalization.

In recent years, Foping has leveraged technologies, such as big data and Internet of Things (IoT), to transform rural industries.

One such example is Longcaoping fishery industrial park, which introduced automatic feeders, aerators and environmental monitoring systems in February.

Cha Guangyuan, manager of the fishery industrial park, said automatic collection of data has been realized following the adoption of smart equipment.

"Water quality is an important factor in the aquaculture industry. Technology-driven aquaculture has reduced water quality-related risks, thus increasing production capacity and ensuring stable revenue growth," said Cha.

The introduction of a smart fishery platform has enabled workers to achieve real-time tracking of pond temperatures and water quality, and remotely control automated feeders and aerators with a click on their mobile phone screens.

Only 3 workers are needed to complete all tasks, compared with 10 workers that were required previously.

According to Cha, coldwater fish has found an ideal habitat in this region with its favorable climate conditions and water quality. The farm mainly breeds sturgeon, with an estimated output of 200,000 kilograms this year.

Li Fei, manager of the Foping branch of China Mobile, a leading telecom operator, said that a smart beehive enables real-time monitoring of beekeeping environments, which has significantly reduced losses caused by pests and diseases. When the beehive is an abnormal condition, beekeepers are promptly informed and can take measures in response.

Li Ning, an official from the Foping county bureau of agriculture and rural affairs, said a smart beehive uses a solar panel to power the sensors.

IoT technology enables beekeepers to check temperatures, humidity and sound levels in real time, and assesses the bees' health conditions and forecast their growth cycles and honey production.

With a mobile app, honey feeding and beehive environment keeping are done remotely. More information about beehives and bee farms can also be sent to beekeepers' phones.

"Compared with traditional apiculture practices, modern beekeeping technology boosts honey production and protects bees from pests and diseases. The sweet business of apiculture has delivered benefits to villagers' life," said Li Ning.

According to Li, 11 households in Foping county are engaged in apiculture. In the first half of this year, seven households took part in the smart apiculture project on a pilot basis, with 50 intelligent beehives introduced.

There are 22,000 beehives in Foping county, with an annual yield up to 250 tons of wild honey worth 25 million yuan ($3.45 million).

Smart agriculture in Foping is one of 10 digital rural initiatives supported by China Internet Development Foundation (CIDF) to boost rural vitalization.