As a recent heavy snowfall affected greenhouse facilities in central China's Henan Province, farmers in Shangqiu City turned to plant-protection drones, using the powerful downdraft generated by these aircraft to clear snow from greenhouse roofs. This innovative approach allowed the farmers to deal with accumulated snow quickly and efficiently, reducing labor-intensive manual clearing.
To balance between a maximum efficiency and avoiding damaging the facilities, local drone operators figured out their secret manual.
"The key lies in precise control of the altitude and angle. Flying too close risks damaging the greenhouse covering, while flying afar weakens the airflow. Through repeated practice, we found that directing airflow just above the side ridge of the greenhouse produces the best result, allowing wind to push snow smoothly down the roof surface," said drone operator Zhang Qing.
The method works best when snow has not yet compacted and is around 10 centimeters thick, and is particularly effective for large clusters of modern greenhouses with solid structures.
"The approach offers obvious advantages -- speed and cleanliness. Drones are used first to remove most of the loose snow, while workers then move in to handle corners, thicker accumulations, or weaker greenhouses vulnerable to external shocks, using support poles from inside," said Zhang Xinzhi, a senior agronomist with the Liangyuan District Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs in Shangqiu.
With snowfall continuing, experts noted that snow removal is only a part of safeguarding agricultural production. Measures to maintain warmth and prevent diseases are equally important.
"Amid current heavy snowfall and temperature drops, we must first inspect greenhouse foundations and supporting pipes, reinforcing them promptly when issues are identified, and adopt multiple warming measures to keep temperatures warm and ensure healthy growth of vegetables," said Zhang.
Farmers in Henan use drones to protect greenhouse against heavy snowfall
Serbia's Agriculture Minister Dragan Glamocic hailed the surge in exports to China following the launch of a landmark free trade agreement (FTA) in recent years, calling the pact a strategic relationship of mutual vision and voicing optimism for deeper bilateral cooperation.
The FTA between China and Serbia, signed in October 2023 and implemented on July 1, 2024, eliminates tariffs on roughly 90 percent of bilateral trade. More than 60 percent of goods became duty-free immediately upon its entry into force, marking a decisive step in deepening economic ties.
He said the agreement has reshaped Serbia’s trade profile, fueling a 69-percent jump in agricultural exports while accelerating imports of Chinese technologies and farm mechanization.
"The relationship between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Serbia, I would describe as a long-term, strategic relationship of mutual political and clear economic vision.The Free Trade Agreement between our countries was signed in 2023. It was introduced in 2024. As a result, our trade exchange has greatly improved, especially in the field of agriculture. We can say from that moment our exports to China grew for 69 percent. We have also made easier the import of certain things, such as mechanization and digital technologies, from the People's Republic of China to Serbia," said Glamocic.
"Our traditional products, such as wine, our domestic brandy, our honey, dried plums, frozen raspberries, similarly, imports of modern technologies from China are increasing, mechanization also, which really improves our agriculture business in Serbia. So I am an optimist that it will get better and better every day," he added.
The minister spoke highly of Serbia's partnership with China and voiced hope for broader cooperation in the future.
"What I would expect from China is that we sometimes try to speed up these procedures as much as possible. It is especially an honor for us when such a small country has such a status in the People's Republic of China. We were the first country to sign this type of strategic document in Europe, and we have reached the highest possible level among the two countries," he said.
Serbian agriculture minister reports record export growth to China
