13 June 2025, China: In China’s Sichuan province, rice fields are turning into testing grounds where tradition meets modern technology. In Chongzhou, around 50 kilometers from Chengdu, a major experiment is underway to test whether Artificial Intelligence (AI) can match or even surpass the centuries-old wisdom of farmers.
This year, six human farmer teams are competing with four AI-assisted teams across 1,000 mu (around 66.7 hectares) of fertile land. The competition started in mid-May and will continue till the end of September. The aim is simple but ambitious: can machines make better farming decisions than experienced farmers?
How AI is Being Used in Farming
The AI systems being tested use an advanced “sky-ground-space” network. This includes multispectral cameras, solar-powered monitoring poles, and sensors that gather real-time data about the crop’s health, soil condition, pests, and weather. All this information is processed by AI algorithms to recommend actions like when to irrigate, apply fertilizer, or control pests.
According to some participants, AI can quickly provide essential knowledge and guidance, especially for less experienced farmers. Once data is collected, the AI offers suggestions on how to manage the fields. The transplanting phase took place from May 15 to May 30, and in July, mid-season evaluations will be done, with final yield and quality assessments scheduled for September.
Lessons Learned from Last Year
This is not the first time such a competition is taking place. Last year, a similar contest was held where AI-guided teams competed with human farmers. While AI performed better than some new farmers, it couldn’t beat the experienced ones. The AI-guided team achieved an average yield of 516 kilograms per mu, which was about 88% of the expected standard yield. However, in overall rankings, AI still lagged behind many skilled farmers.
One of the challenges faced by AI was its difficulty in adapting to unpredictable field conditions, something that human farmers manage instinctively based on years of experience.
AI Still Learning From Fields
Scientists behind the AI system have been working hard to improve its accuracy. Over the past year, they have collected a more complete dataset, including every stage of rice growth, weather conditions, soil moisture levels, and pest behavior. This has made AI’s recommendations more accurate, especially for tasks like fertilization and weeding.
However, some limitations remain. While AI can process thousands of data points, its ability to fully understand the field’s real-time environmental changes is still developing. For example, satellite images used for monitoring sometimes fail to capture precise field conditions.
Not a Battle, But a Partnership
The goal of this experiment isn’t to replace farmers with machines but to support them. Many small farmers still rely heavily on traditional methods. AI could help by offering them real-time information and better decision-making tools. It can help bridge the gap between modern technology and smallholder farmers who often struggle with limited resources and an aging workforce.
In some areas, new AI-powered machines like self-driving rice transplanters have shown 20% better efficiency by optimizing planting patterns. Farmers are also receiving early pest alerts on their phones, helping them act before infestations spread.
One experienced farmer shared that while AI’s early warnings helped him detect stem borers earlier, he still relied on his own organic pesticide methods rather than following the chemical recommendations given by the AI.
The Future: Human Experience + AI Intelligence
The experiment in China shows that the best results may come when human experience and AI technology work together. While AI brings powerful data analysis and timely suggestions, the wisdom, instincts, and local knowledge of farmers remain irreplaceable. This partnership may be the real future of farming — blending tradition with technology for better yields, healthier crops, and sustainable agriculture.
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