China's second AI rice farming competition is underway in Sichuan Province, where human farmers and AI-assisted teams are competing across 66.7 hectares of land. AI teams rely on a network of sensors and satellite data to guide real-time decision-making on planting and pest control

The initiative, running through September, tests whether machine learning can outperform traditional farming practices in yield, efficiency, and quality. Organisers emphasise that the competition is not a battle between humans and machines, but a step toward integrating AI into agriculture.

Last year's challenge saw mixed results for AI, which outperformed two human teams but lagged behind experienced farmers. While its early-stage data analysis showed promise, gaps in adaptability and environmental perception limited its effectiveness.

Developers at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences have since improved the system's algorithms, aiming to achieve over 80 percent alignment with farmers' actions in this year's edition.

As China seeks sustainable solutions for ageing farming populations and fragmented urban land, smart farming systems are emerging as vital tools to bridge knowledge gaps and enhance productivity.

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