The Chinese province of Guangxi has become the epicenter of agricultural technological transformation thanks to an ambitious project that combines gigabit optical networks and LED lighting across vast expanses of pitahaya cultivation. This commitment to digitalization has turned the region into a model of efficiency and sustainable development, significantly improving the quality of life of local farming communities.
The implementation of Huawei’s FTTR solution has enabled the connection of cultivation fields with high-speed optical networks, facilitating the automation of key processes such as irrigation and fertilization. Thanks to next-generation sensors that monitor soil moisture and nutrients in real time, farmers can make precise decisions that optimize resource use. This modernization has reduced fertilization costs by nearly $2,400 per hectare per year, demonstrating how technology can reduce labor demands and increase profitability.
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One of the greatest advances has been the large-scale introduction of LED lighting, a technique that ensures continuous flowering by providing additional light during periods of low solar radiation. The combination of red and blue light, carefully managed to stimulate both plant development and flowering, has made it possible to extend the production cycle to ten months a year. This strategy has increased productivity by more than 30%, allowing abundant harvests even during off-seasons.
Beyond the fields, broadband connectivity has ushered in a new era of direct marketing. Farmers can livestream from their farms through e-commerce platforms, connecting with consumers from across the country and even abroad. Additionally, QR codes on packaging offer complete traceability, ensuring transparency and quality, which strengthens consumer confidence and increases the product’s value in the global market.
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The economic impact of this transformation is significant: in 2020, pitahaya production in Guangxi reached 20,000 tons, generating revenues of $20.5 million. Of this amount, $3.15 million directly benefited more than 40,000 low-income farmers. The project has revitalized rural communities, preventing youth migration to cities and promoting the adoption of digital skills in the agricultural sector. Guangxi thus establishes itself as a benchmark for technological innovation applied to rural development, demonstrating that the future of agriculture in China relies on the intelligent integration of technology and sustainability.