MK socks East China's Shandong Province on September 20, 2024. As one of the nation's 13 major grain-producing provinces, Shandong's sown area and output have ranked third in China, with total output accounting for about 8 percent of the country's total. Photo: VCG" src="https://www.globaltimes.cn/Portals/0/attachment/2024/2024-09-20/e470de4d-b77e-4a29-a73a-50ec10d2ee16.jpeg" />

Farmers harvest corn in the fields of Dongying, East China's Shandong Province on September 20, 2024.  Photo: VCG

Most of China's provinces have entered the autumn crops harvest season, with more than 60 percent of autumn crops harvested in the southwestern part of the country and more than 15 percent nationwide, according to the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. The growing use of high technologies is expected to further contribute to a successful and bountiful harvest this season.

Provinces in Southwest China are in the peak harvest period for mid-season rice and corn, while large-scale harvesting of corn, soybeans and other autumn crops is set to begin soon in the northeastern and central parts of the country, according to CCTV.com.

Generally, autumn crops mainly consist of rice, corn and soybeans. In terms of harvest timing, southern rice is harvested first, followed by corn in northern China, and finally rice, corn and soybeans in the northeastern region.

"The mid-season rice crop in southern provinces is showing strong growth and is on track for a promising harvest. Favorable weather conditions since planting, along with the use of high-quality seeds and advanced farming techniques, have contributed to the positive outlook for a large-scale yield," Guo Tao, an agriculture professor at South China Agricultural University, told the Global Times on Sunday.

Earlier this year, a research team from Wuhan University developed China's first artificial intelligence (AI) system tailored for rice cultivation. According to CCTV.com, the system is now capable of accurately assessing key data on rice growth and has already entered the application and promotion phase.

Several provinces have employed modern agricultural technologies like big data, cloud computing and drones to offer strong technological support for autumn grain production, according to nmgnews.com.

Guo noted that the AI-based visual system for rice digitizes key traits, enabling faster and more accurate assessments. This technology plays a crucial role in improving the management of large-scale rice production, which is expected to enhance outcomes in this harvest season, said Guo.