田野上“飞”出新图景——来自河南省的调查

Core Viewpoint - The low-altitude agricultural operations in China, particularly in Henan province, are transforming traditional farming practices through the use of drones, leading to increased efficiency and productivity in agricultural production [1][2]. Group 1: Industry Growth and Talent Demand - The demand for drone pilots in Henan has surged, with the number of trained pilots expected to exceed 8,000 this year, up from 3,600 last year, indicating a significant talent gap of over 100,000 pilots in the industry [2][3]. - Henan has established a multi-tiered training system for drone pilots, including partnerships with educational institutions to create practical training environments [2][3]. - A critical challenge remains the lack of composite talents who possess both drone operation skills and agricultural knowledge, with only 5% of certified pilots meeting this criterion [2][3]. Group 2: Technological Advancements - The drone industry in Henan has seen the establishment of a comprehensive ecosystem with 65 companies involved in core components, complete machine manufacturing, and flight control research and development [2][3]. - Innovations such as solid-state batteries have improved drone capabilities, allowing for 40 minutes of flight time, and advanced AI systems enable real-time analysis of crop health, significantly enhancing operational efficiency [3][4]. Group 3: Efficiency and Cost Management - Drones can cover 60 acres in just 10 minutes, vastly outperforming traditional methods that can only manage 20 acres in a day, translating to a significant increase in food security [5][6]. - The cost of drone-assisted agricultural services is approximately 8 yuan per acre, but a price war in 2022 led to unsustainable practices that jeopardized crop yields, highlighting the need for quality assurance in the industry [5][6]. Group 4: Regulatory and Infrastructure Development - The implementation of a "one drone, one code" management system has enhanced transparency and traceability in the drone industry, contributing to improved market order [8][9]. - Henan is developing a robust regulatory framework and infrastructure to support low-altitude operations, including establishing maintenance networks and insurance products tailored for drone operations [8][9]. Group 5: Future Prospects and Diversification - The low-altitude economy in Henan is expanding beyond agriculture to include logistics, power inspection, environmental monitoring, and emergency rescue, creating diverse growth opportunities [10][11]. - The establishment of the Zhengzhou Aviation Port Economic Comprehensive Experimental Zone is attracting high-quality enterprises, fostering a new hub for low-altitude economic development [10][11].