Central China deploys tech and expertise to shield rice harvest from extreme heat

In Hubei's Xiaochang County, persistent heat is challenging rice production. Local experts are stepping in to help farmers protect crops now in a critical growth stage. Farmers are using Beidou-guided drones to spray foliar fertilizers and pesticides, shielding nearly 1,000 mu (approximately 67 hectares) of rice from pests and heat stress. Agricultural teams are providing guidance on irrigation, pest control, and growth enhancers to boost crop resilience. Smart monitoring stations track pests in real time, sending data to the cloud for rapid identification and early warnings. With a total of 420,000 mu (approximately 28,000 hectares) of rice planted, over 20 experts are working in the fields to ensure a stable harvest despite the extreme heat.