Guangdong lychee farmers adopt AI for disease, pest detection

Gaozhou, a prominent lychee-producing region in Guangdong province, has pioneered the integration of artificial intelligence into agricultural practices, marking a significant advancement in precision farming. The implementation follows Guangdong’s provincial initiative to incorporate AI technologies into agricultural operations throughout 2026.

In the lush lychee orchards of Baiqiao village, Maoming, an optimized AI model now continuously monitors and analyzes multiple data streams including pest detection, disease prevention, and real-time weather conditions. This technological transformation has revolutionized traditional farming methods that previously relied on manual observation and experiential knowledge.

According to Xu Hong, head of the comprehensive department at Maoming’s Agricultural and Rural Affairs Center, the AI system enables unprecedented precision in cultivation management. “The model facilitates AI-driven guidance and data-informed decision-making throughout the lychee production cycle,” Xu explained, highlighting the system’s capability to process complex agricultural data instantly.

The technological intervention has yielded remarkable results: disease and pest diagnosis now occurs within seconds instead of relying on time-consuming manual assessment, with accuracy rates soaring to 95 percent. Furthermore, production efficiency has witnessed a substantial 30 percent improvement, demonstrating the tangible benefits of smart agriculture implementation.

The successful technological adoption contributed to Maoming’s exceptional 2025 harvest, which yielded over 620,000 metric tons of fresh lychees alongside export volumes reaching 8,183 tons. The lychee industry continues to serve as a cornerstone for regional economic development and rural revitalization throughout Guangdong province.