This summer, farmlands in Uxin Banner are benefiting from two agricultural technologies – drones and smart irrigation systems – that are transforming field management and fertilization.

Drones hover over corn fields as they spray foliar fertilizers rich in medium elements and active ingredients. "I'm growing 2,000 mu (133 hectares) of corn this year, and this technology will help increase my income," said Badarihu, a resident of Henan village, Wudinghe town.

A drone sprays fertilizer. [Photo/Wechat account of Uxin Banner Release]

The drones are highly efficient and easily controlled via smartphone, with each capable of covering hundreds of mu of farmland in a single day. Conducting aerial pest control and management three times a year can increase corn yields by 100 kilograms per mu.

The technologies can be controlled via a smart phone app. [Photo/Wechat account of Uxin Banner Release]

The integrated irrigation and fertilization system also ensures uniform water distribution, even on uneven terrain. The entire system can be monitored and controlled remotely via a smartphone, saving time and labor.

The system now covers 92.9 percent of the banner's farmland. Compared with traditional irrigation methods, the technology saves 35 to 45 cubic meters of water per mu, reduces fertilizer use by about 8 kg, cuts labor costs by 50 yuan per day, and increases yields by 65 to 150 kg per mu.

"We plan to implement these technologies across 150,000 mu of farmland this year," said Aorigele, a local official responsible for promoting the adoption of agricultural technology.