Technology taking drudgery out of farming

Sun Xueyuan had trouble summoning the strength to farm even 1 hectare of land 30 years ago. Now, thanks to agricultural technology and better cultivation practices, he can easily handle 20 hectares.

Tending fields is often backbreaking work, especially in places where farmers depend on weather conditions and their own two hands to ensure good harvests. This describes the daily life of Sun, 65, from Yiyang, Hunan province, for decades.

Preparing rice seeds before planting is the most time-consuming task during spring sowing season. Traditionally, farmers must first soak the seeds and cover them with straw, and then insulate the seeds to keep them warm. But they also have to wake up each night to check that the seeds are not overheated.