Shule County in Kashgar, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is located at the western edge of the Tarim Basin and is covered with extensive saline-alkali land that is not fertile enough for agricultural activities.
However, a 5G-enabled smart aquaculture project solved the problem. It served as a key rural revitalization assistance initiative launched by China Mobile Communications Group Co., Ltd., whose subsidiary based in Xinjiang built a 5G-powered smart fishery by introducing 5G and AI regulation technologies in light of local conditions.
A view of the 5G-powered smart fishery at Shule County in Kashgar. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
Australian silver perch is extremely sensitive to water temperature and its growth can be adversely affected by even a deviation of 1 degree Celsius. China Mobile’s Xinjiang branch has independently developed a customized algorithm that can accurately calculate the optimal regulation ranges of pH value and ammonia nitrogen content under different salinity conditions and automatically adjust water quality. Thanks to the algorithm, the saltwater fish is able to survive and thrive in a saline-alkali environment.
While transforming barren saline-alkali land into fish ponds, the project also gave rise to a distinctive fish-and-crop symbiosis model. The team designed a recycling system that is able to turn aquaculture wastewater into nutrient-rich water, which is used to irrigate 150 mu (10 hectares) of Chinese medicinal herb gardens, achieving water resource recycling and land improvement.
Currently, the annual output of Australian silver perch has reached 200 metric tons. The first phase of the project has created jobs for over 300 local residents with per capita monthly salary exceeding 5,000 yuan. The project has facilitated a remarkable shift from traditional weather-reliant livelihoods to technology-driven agricultural development for local communities. The once saline-alkali land is evolving into an exemplary model of green development featuring sound ecological environment, thriving industries and higher incomes for people.
(Executive editor: Zuo Shihan)
