Core Insights - The Ministry of Water Resources held a conference on agricultural water-saving efficiency in Dezhou, highlighting Shandong's significant progress in irrigation practices [1] Summary by Sections Agricultural Water-Saving Initiatives - Shandong has established a water-saving irrigation area of 63.24 million acres, accounting for nearly 70% of the total irrigation area [1] - The province has invested a total of 14.6 billion yuan since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan, implementing modernization projects in 74 large and medium-sized irrigation districts [1] Technological Advancements - The construction of a digital twin irrigation district has led to the establishment of a water resources data center and a provincial irrigation management system, integrating over 2.2 million data points related to water conditions, usage statistics, and water extraction permits [1] - Irrigation efficiency has improved by over 10% across the province [1] Policy and Market Developments - Shandong is actively exploring agricultural water pricing policies and practices such as water rights trading, with Dezhou completing 4,864 transactions involving 982 million cubic meters of water and a transaction value of 2.23 million yuan [1] - The province utilizes approximately 1% of the national water resources to irrigate about 5% of the national arable land, contributing to around 8% of the country's grain production, thereby playing a vital role in ensuring national food security [1]

Core Insights - The article discusses the transformation of water management in the Eshi-Hang irrigation area from traditional methods to a more intelligent and efficient system, emphasizing the importance of water resources for agriculture and urban life [1][2][3]. Group 1: Irrigation and Water Management - The Eshi-Hang irrigation area, established after the founding of New China, is the largest irrigation area in the country, designed to irrigate 10.98 million acres and benefiting 17 counties across two provinces [1]. - The irrigation system consists of six large reservoirs, 2.5 million kilometers of fixed channels, and over 1200 small reservoirs, ensuring a comprehensive water supply for agricultural and residential needs [2]. - In recent years, the irrigation area has provided an average of 730 million cubic meters of urban and rural water supply annually, ensuring safe drinking water for over 14 million people [2]. Group 2: Agricultural Impact - The irrigation area has faced challenges such as seasonal droughts, but effective monitoring and water management have allowed for the irrigation of 2.18 billion cubic meters of water this year, supporting the production of rice on 9.26 million acres [2]. - The Eshi-Hang irrigation area not only supports food production but also contributes to ecological health through initiatives like ecological water replenishment, enhancing biodiversity in local wetlands [3]. Group 3: Technological Advancements - The introduction of a "digital twin" system for the Eshi-Hang irrigation area utilizes AI and cloud computing to optimize water resource management, significantly reducing the time required for planning and improving real-time decision-making capabilities [5]. - The digital system has established a comprehensive sensing and data management framework, allowing for more accurate water forecasting and efficient resource allocation [5]. Group 4: Socioeconomic Benefits - The Eshi-Hang irrigation area plays a crucial role in ensuring water security and food safety, while also promoting economic diversity through activities like aquaculture and water tourism [3]. - The ongoing development of the irrigation area reflects a commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity, rural aesthetics, and the prosperity of farmers [6].