Technology helps Xinjiang grow roses, cotton, on once-barren land

URUMQI — In the northern foothills of the Tianshan Mountains in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, fleets of drones have become essential tools used in planting cotton.

At the Moguhu agricultural demonstration base, drones regularly soar to nearly 100 meters above the fields monitoring crop growth through remote sensing.

At the edge of the field, an intelligent pest detection system, a weather station, and seedling monitoring equipment are neatly arranged, and an upgraded drip irrigation system has been installed to improve water efficiency.

"These intelligent systems allow us to remotely monitor environmental parameters in real time and adjust accordingly to ensure healthy crop development," says Ma Zhandong, a senior engineer in charge of the modern facilities.

In recent years, Xinjiang has been committed to developing industries related to artificial intelligence in a wide range of fields, including manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare and education.

The integration of technology enables the automated, intelligent monitoring of soil moisture, pests, climate and plant growth, while reducing costs and conserving water.

"Cotton yields on this base exceed those of traditionally managed fields," Ma adds.

Blossoms in the desert

Located on the edge of the Taklimakan Desert, Yengisar county in Kashgar once struggled to develop its agriculture due to its arid climate and limited rainfall. But modern greenhouses have transformed the landscape.

Inside one of the county's agricultural industrial parks, colorful roses are in bloom. Powered by an intelligent internet of things control system, farmers use digital monitoring devices to precisely control irrigation and fertilization, and modern agricultural equipment, including cooling systems, automated ventilation systems and ozone sterilizers, are also controlled using smart technology.

Today, a variety of flowers, including roses and lilies, flourish on land that was once barren.

Known in China as the "Land of Figs", the city of Artux has seen dramatic improvements to fig production thanks to modern facilities, and with the introduction of new varieties for offseason cultivation, the fruit is now available year-round.

"Yields have increased dramatically. In 2023, our nine intelligent greenhouses produced about 450,000 fresh figs. Previously during the offseason, a single fig could sell for as much as 10 yuan ($1.4)," says Wang Shengye, general manager of a local agricultural company.

These intelligent agricultural parks have not only revitalized the local agricultural industry but also created jobs, improving the livelihoods of local communities, and increasing quantities of fresh fruits and vegetables produced in Xinjiang that are now reaching markets across the country thanks to advanced cold-chain logistics.

Enriching lives with AI

Pishan county resident Mukheddes Ablimit has logged more than 160 hours on her home smart learning device this year. The AI-powered device is available to all age groups, and offers a wide array of content, ranging from education to entertainment.

"Based on artificial intelligence, the device is easy to operate. I can listen to music, practice dancing and even learn new recipes," Mukheddes Ablimit says, adding that she has mastered the preparation of a number of dishes thanks to the platform.

AI technology has also been introduced in Pishan's schools. Xu Qinjie, a primary schoolteacher, says that AI-powered teaching tools have improved learning efficiency, as well as engagement between teachers and students, and have received positive feedback from both parents and students.

"Smart teaching is much-needed. For kindergarten students, it visualizes the learning process and makes lessons more interesting, which leads to steady improvements in academic performance," says Duan Yuping, deputy head of a local kindergarten.

Since the launch of an intelligent learning program, many Pishan residents — particularly those in rural and remote areas — have benefited from the advancements.