China Agricultural University (CAU) unveiled its third-generation artificial intelligence system for agriculture this week, signaling a transformative shift toward practical AI adoption in global farming. The Shennong Large Model 3.0 debuted at the World Agrifood Innovation Conference in Beijing, showcasing a 5% performance boost over previous versions while requiring less computational power – a critical advancement for rural applications.
"This isn't just an upgrade; it's a reimagining of how AI serves agriculture," said Wang Yaojun, lead researcher at CAU. The team completely redesigned the model's architecture to balance efficiency with precision, addressing longstanding challenges in agricultural tech adoption.
Named after Shennong, the mythical Chinese "Divine Farmer" who pioneered ancient agricultural practices, the AI system builds on two years of development. Earlier versions established core agricultural knowledge databases, while the new iteration introduces an agent platform with 36 specialized tools for tasks ranging from crop monitoring to livestock management.
Field tests already underway in Beijing's outskirts, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and Heilongjiang Province demonstrate the technology's adaptability. Farmers using the system receive real-time guidance on plant protection measures and cultivation techniques tailored to local conditions.
The model's training regimen is equally impressive: 10 million agricultural knowledge graphs, 50 million modern farming data points, and 20,000 specialized texts form its knowledge base. This foundation enables the AI to support decision-making across the entire agricultural supply chain.
As 780 global experts convene at WAFI 2025 to address food security challenges, the Shennong 3.0 launch positions China at the forefront of agricultural innovation. The development aligns with growing international demand for sustainable farming solutions, offering a template for technology-driven food production systems.
