In Suining, Sichuan Province, a group of young innovators is rewriting the rules of traditional farming. Where nutrient-poor shale soil once limited crops to hardy daikons and potatoes, glossy tomatoes and juicy watermelons now thrive – thanks to a tech-savvy initiative led by China’s Generation Z.
Over the past year, more than 30 agricultural college graduates have transformed 40 acres of challenging terrain into a model smart farm. Their secret? A combination of soil science and IoT technology that’s boosting yields up to 300% compared to traditional methods.
“The key was understanding the soil’s DNA,” explained Bao Wen, 24, the project’s lead agricultural digital technician. “We developed a custom microbial cocktail that restores organic matter without chemical fertilizers.”
The team’s greenhouse now serves as both production hub and classroom, with weekly workshops teaching data-driven farming techniques to local residents. Middle-aged farmers learn to monitor soil pH through smartphone apps while tending rows of sensor-equipped plants.
This year, the project has attracted attention from provincial agricultural authorities and overseas investors alike. Plans are underway to replicate the model in three neighboring counties, potentially impacting over 5,000 rural households by late 2026.
