Xiaolan town, located in northern Zhongshan, has embraced technologies such as 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT) to revolutionize its aquaculture industry. The town, renowned for its production of Cuirouhuan fish, also known as crispy grass carp, has gained widespread recognition for its innovative approach to fish farming.
Huang Jiahua, a local entrepreneur in his 30s, initiated the digital transformation in 2021 by introducing a smart fishery platform based on cloud technology to his Cuirouhuan aquaculture cooperative. The platform enables real-time monitoring of pond temperatures, water quality, and remote control of automated feeders and aerators through an interactive smart screen.
In the traditional model, fish farming relied on manual labor and experiential knowledge. Huang’s cooperative, however, has witnessed a significant shift, reducing labor costs by approximately 20% and cutting expenses on leased warehouses for feed storage. The investment of over 1.1 million yuan ($150,522) in the smart platform is expected to yield annual savings of about 300,000 yuan, making the investment recoverable within three to four years.
The smart fishery platform has not only streamlined operations but has also contributed to the sustainability of the fish farming industry. Xiaolan town aims to establish a Cuirouhuan industry park spanning approximately 1,000 mu (66.7 hectares), integrating fish farming, distribution, processing, tourism, culinary culture, and agricultural research.
While the technology has proven beneficial in mitigating risks, such as adverse weather conditions, challenges persist. Zhang Weijun, president of the Cuirouhuan farming association in Xiaolan town, highlights the need for improved insurance schemes to minimize losses for farmers in the face of meteorological disasters. The industry faces the demand for more diversified fish farming technologies and corresponding insurance products, especially after an unusual heat wave in May led to significant losses for fish farmers in the region.
Source: China Daily
