The No 1 Central Document of the Communist Party of China Central Committee for 2025 emphasized that developing "new quality productive forces" in agriculture suitable to local conditions is a pivotal component of rural vitalization.

The central authorities will support the development of smart agriculture and a digital countryside, while helping increase the application of technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data in agriculture.

Jinan Start-up Area for Growth Drivers Transformation, located in the northern part of Jinan in the Yellow River Basin, stands as a model for agricultural technology innovation.

The region established a grain loss reduction demonstration area in 2023 for testing and applying new agricultural technologies.

The area covers nearly 10,000 mu (around 667 hectares) and has equipped over 500 internet of things devices, creating a comprehensive digital monitoring system that tracks everything from temperature and humidity to crop growth.

By utilizing full-process scientific management, the area had increased grain yield per mu by 15 percent year-on-year, cut overall losses by 5 percent year-on-year, and increased income of 300 yuan ($41.37 yuan) per mu by the autumn harvest season in 2024.

In addition to improving staple crop yields, Jinan start-up area also helped integrate new quality productive forces into specialty agriculture.

The watermelon industry in Taiping subdistrict flourished as the local area adopted advanced techniques, including integrated water and fertilizer management, green pest control, and the establishment of a comprehensive quality traceability system.

In recent years, Taiping subdistrict has been developing the watermelon industry by introducing new varieties, adopting advanced technologies, and establishing standardized production bases. The current watermelon planting area spans 35,000 mu, with an annual production of 140,000 metric tons.