Three young South African farmers are back home after an epic adventure at the Agricultural Modernisation Seminar in China. They were among the attendees from six developing countries who recently gathered for the seminar sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, to learn advanced techniques in modernising agriculture.
Held at the Hubei Vocational College of Bio-Technology, the seminar welcomed participants from South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkey, the Solomon Islands, Cuba, and Azerbaijan.
The event offered delegates hands-on insights into Chinese innovations, including artificial intelligence (AI) applications and self-driving agricultural machinery, designed to boost productivity and sustainability.
The South African delegation comprised Joel Seaja, regional chairperson of the Youth in Agriculture and Rural Development (Yard) in the West Rand region; Sibongile Mgulwa, Yard provincial treasurer; and Siyasanga Bangani, a member of the West Rand region.
The group toured various sites in the provinces of Hubei and Beijing, where they witnessed cutting-edge practices in mechanised farming and AI-driven solutions for agriculture.
Intelligent greenhouses
Seaja was particularly impressed by China’s Intelligent Greenhouse technology, where AI and robotics perform around 90% of the tasks, from seeding to harvest, with minimal human intervention.
“What surprised me the most was the variety of crops, including different types of cabbage and even corn growing in the greenhouses. This level of high-grade technology raises the bar for other countries. The greenhouse is connected to a packhouse, significantly reducing the labour needed,” Seaja observed.
He added, “While South Africa may not be ready to adopt such advanced technology, I hope we’re heading in that direction for the future.”
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Beyond the advanced machinery, the delegates were captivated by the cultural depth of China, enjoying the historical beauty of landmarks like the Yellow Crane Tower. “Every day was an adventure,” Seaja reflected. “From the infrastructure to the cleanliness and rich history, it was eye-opening.”
China’s technological vision for agriculture
Siyasanga Bangani echoed similar sentiments, noting China’s firm commitment to technology-led farming.
“China is making it clear that their agriculture is increasingly technology-based, with machines taking over tasks from planting to harvesting,” she said. “The concept of ‘smart agriculture’ is shaping the future of farming here, where machines are anticipated to handle every step of production.”
Bangani emphasised the role of hybrid seed technologies in China, which maximise crop yields. “China’s hybrid seed approach increases production significantly, giving us much to learn as we look to improve our own agricultural systems.”
Throughout the seminar, delegates attended interactive lectures from Chinese professors and industry experts. “The professors were engaging, ensuring we not only understood the concepts but also participated actively,” Bangani added.
“China’s commitment to constant agricultural improvement, including in areas like hybrid seeds and AI-based processes, sets a powerful example.”
Exploring Chinese cuisine and tea culture
The cultural aspects of the visit were also enriching for the attendees. The South African delegation explored China’s culinary heritage, visited a tea plantation, and learned about the symbolic significance of China’s national flag.
“The large star represents the communist government, and the four smaller stars stand for the workers, peasants, middle class, and soldiers,” Bangani explained. “It was a touching reminder of the unity China values.”
As the seminar drew to a close, delegates received certificates of attendance, taking home not only new knowledge but also a commitment to applying these insights to benefit their own countries.
“We pray for wisdom to make the best use of what we’ve learned here in China to help our beautiful South Africa,” Seaja said.
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