This March, farmers have been working hard in the wheat fields across Tongzhou district, Nantong, using smart technology to manage their crops.

In the fields of Yucun village, Shizong town, two self-propelled sprayers have been deployed. Guided by China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), they move at a steady speed along set paths, spraying to kill weeds, prevent disease, and control pests — all in one pass.

"In the past, 40 people with backpack sprayers would take a full day to do this job", said Zhu Jianglin, a local farmer, "Now two machines can finish it in less than a day".

Zhu explained that BDS guides the machines with high-level accuracy. "The machines can apply the right amount evenly across every inch of land," he said.

While smart machines ramp up efficiency, experts offer on-the-ground advice.

Chen Tianming, a senior agronomist, advises farmers to watch for sheath blight, stalk rot, and aphids. He also warns that some fields are growing too fast due to the recent rains and heavy use of fertilizers.

Two self-propelled sprayers are at work in the fields of Yucun village, Shizong town, Tongzhou district. [Photo/WeChat account: wxtzfb]