Deputies discuss bolstering Shanghai's agriculture sector

Developing high-tech agriculture and the seed industry should be the focus of rural development in Shanghai, deputies suggested at the ongoing annual session of the municipal people's congress.

Deputy Shen Zhong, who is also the Party chef of the Chenjia township in Chongming Island, said that the problems faced by Shanghai's agriculture scene - labor shortage and low economic output – can be solved by developing smart agriculture solutions.

"I suggest that the new infrastructure of 5G bases should cover rural areas so that smart farming machinery, such as drone and unmanned harvesters, can be applied," he said.

Deputy Wang Dedi, who works at the municipal agriculture commission, said Shanghai should invest in agricultural technology, especially in the seed sector.

"Turning the limited agricultural land in Shanghai into a testing field for seed technology will contribute to the high-quality development of Shanghai's agriculture and the national food safety," Wang said.

Deputy Zhang Xiaodi said he hopes the government can provide more incentives such as financial support for people who invest in the agricultural sector.

"We need talent and good companies to push the development of our agriculture," he said.