Agricultural drones are surging in popularity across China's farms. A drone spraying a field with pesticides or fertilizers can cover 1,215 hectares in one day compared with just 4 hectares by hand.

According to data from the China Agricultural Machinery Circulation Association, from fewer than 1,000 bought in 2017, sales of agricultural drones surged to more than 15,000 by 2020. 

Drone manufacturers hope this technology will help create a new generation of more productive, more profitable farms.

Catherine Drew explores the world of agri-tech, where robotics and drones are being used to spray chemicals, aid seeding and fertilization, and generally do the jobs that many workers can't do in the fields of farming and agriculture.

This report is part of our series on how technology can help alleviate poverty. You can find more of CGTN's coverage of the issue at www.cgtn.com/innovationactionchange

Cover image: Catherine Drew/CGTN Europe/