Xiangyang Daily (Zhu Xian and Peng Yuejiao, the All-media Journalists, and Zhang Hengrui and Yang Ao, the Correspondents) On November 4, in a field in Shiniuping Village, Wu’an Town, Nanzhang County, Xiangyang, Hubei Province, a plant-protection drone glided low over the farmland. With a gentle sound, it evenly dispersed rapeseed seeds across the field from above.

“Last year, the fields were dry, prompting us to utilize mechanical sowing and strip seeding methods. In contrast, this year, the fields are excessively wet for machinery to operate effectively; therefore, aerial seeding has proven to be more appropriate. This method is faster and ensures a more uniform distribution of seeds, ideal for the current conditions,” Liu Xiaolong, a large-scale grower, introduced. This year, all 200 mu of his rapeseed fields were sown using drone seeding technology, completing the entire process in just one day.

It has been reported that to effectively mitigate the adverse effects of continuous rainfall experienced in recent weeks, Nanzhang County has focused on the core goal of “resisting disasters to seize the farming season and ensuring autumn sowing.” The county has enhanced its monitoring of soil moisture levels and disaster conditions, promptly activated emergency response measures, and promoted efficient autumn sowing operations to establish a solid foundation for grain and oil production in the upcoming summer.

As of now, Nanzhang County has deployed more than 120 drones and 2,900 sets of various types of agricultural machinery for autumn sowing. This initiative has created a modernized sowing landscape characterized by the harmonious integration of aerial and ground-based operations, where “machines fly in the sky and run on the ground.”

“Each area is choosing methods tailored to local conditions, employing drones for wet fields and utilizing machinery for drier ones,” said Deng Xiaolan, a Level-4 Researcher at the Nanzhang County Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

The flexible adjustment of crop structure has empowered farmers with greater initiative during autumn sowing. Nanzhang County has been actively guiding farmers to prioritize rapeseed cultivation in dryland areas, especially in mountainous towns and hilly slopes, ensuring adequate time and space for wheat planting in the hilly regions.

“Our cooperative has transitioned 300 mu of dryland to rapeseed cultivation. Though we had to adjust our initial plan, the harvest is now more secure,” said Ye Shoule, head of the Leqiang Planting Cooperative in Wu’an Town.

In the fields, the presence of agricultural technicians is quite prevalent. The Nanzhang County Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has established four technical service teams that actively engage with local towns and villages. These teams provide on-site guidance in various areas, including field drainage management, integrated sowing techniques for seeds and fertilizers, as well as high-efficiency sowing methods characterized by double density.

“With the support of technology and the collective efforts of all, we can surmount any challenge,” Liu Xiaolong remarked, a smile illuminating his sun-kissed face.

As of November 5, all 130,000 mu of rapeseed in the county have been sown. Additionally, 220,000 mu of wheat, representing 45% of the planned total of 510,000 mu, have also been planted. The county anticipates completing all sowing activities by November 20.