China's largest agricultural drone producer expects to double its sales next year as the government seeks to create larger farms that require more technology.
XAG predicts domestic sales will rise to 50K this year, Justin, co-founder of the Guangzhou-based company, said in an interview in Beijing.
Drones are used for sowing, fertilizing and spraying pesticides. Direct speech: “More and more farmers are turning their small plot of land into large farms,” said Gong. “That makes drones more popular.”
China's political leaders are encouraging small farmers to unite and become part of large collective farms in an effort to improve food production.
Drones were originally created for use in military operations, and not for commercial purposes.
This happened after about 288 million farmers moved to cities in search of higher-paying jobs, which led to the emergence of several empty villages, said Agriculture Minister Han Changfu last month.
Direct speech: “We are witnessing a significant reduction in the rural population, especially when the younger generation leaves the countryside for cities. We must find a solution for farmers to produce better food for our urbanization needs, ”said XAG Gong.
XAG also produces a self-driving SUV, which is about 20% cheaper than unmanned aerial vehicles, and seeks to expand its business in villages where small farmers can easily learn to use these vehicles. A land vehicle can be used in orchards and fields in the north of the country, said Peng Bin, the company's CEO.
According to Gong, Chinese government subsidies to farmers buying company products should also increase XAG sales. Subsidies cover about a third of the cost of unmanned aerial vehicles and vehicles.
- We previously reported that an army worm capitulates after an attack by drones.
- John Deere and Volocopter have created large drones for agriculture.
- American cows will be accompanied by drones.
- We also wrote that Rostselmash boasted a unique “almost unmanned” combine harvester.
- Guests of the Omsk agricultural exhibition will see an ultrasound machine for livestock and unmanned field equipment.