China has established the world's largest agrometeorological observation network, integrating space, sky and ground monitoring with cutting-edge technologies to drive the development of smart agriculture, according to the China Meteorological Administration.
As the country enters the peak season for spring plowing and sowing, the network is providing critical support for agricultural production.
In Henan Province, north China, the country's major grain-producing region, meteorological scientists are using data from 48 phenological observation stations to monitor wheat growth in real time. By analyzing key indicators such as leaf chlorophyll content, the system enables clear and accurate assessments of crop health. Combined with Fengyun meteorological satellites and drone-mounted remote sensing, the network automatically tracks crop height and growing conditions.
Henan has now achieved full meteorological monitoring coverage across its core grain-producing areas. Nationwide, the network includes 1,380 agrometeorological stations covering all major grain-producing regions, the largest system of its kind in the world.
The network is also integrated with data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, facilitating resource sharing and collaborative analysis.
Powered by technologies such as artificial intelligence, laser sensing and remote sensing, China is now the world's only country capable of automatically collecting data on crop development stages, with accuracy reaching 90 percent. The system can also issue early warnings for rice-related physiological disasters up to 48 hours in advance.
The system's applications extend beyond yield forecasting and disaster assessment, providing critical data support for farmland quality monitoring and seed industry innovation.
China builds world's largest agrometeorological observation network
