Chile and China are collaborating on digital agriculture to combat drought

Chile and China are facing severe droughts that are impacting their fruit production, exacerbated by climate change. To address this situation, the University of Talca and China Agricultural University (CAU) have launched a joint project led by Samuel Ortega, utilizing drones and artificial intelligence to digitize agriculture. These drones monitor water consumption in crops in both countries, enabling optimization of water use and achieving reductions of up to 50%.

In China, the study includes vineyards and corn, while in Chile, vineyards and European hazelnuts are being analyzed. This collaboration allows the development of mathematical models to estimate water consumption, strengthening scientific ties. In Chile, the project is led by CITRA, and in China, by the College of Water Resources & Civil Engineering.

The technology developed could be implemented in the central-south zone of Chile, where fruit production is concentrated. Furthermore, doctoral and master's students, as well as schoolchildren, are participating, training future professionals. Ortega highlights that this collaboration has strengthened academic networks between the two countries.

Source: simfruit.cl Photo: cnnespanol.cnn.com