In the misty mountains of Yunnan Province, a drone buzzes to life, carrying a hefty 40-kilogram bunch of bananas 🍌. At the controls is 40-year-old Li Xianquan, who swapped his truck driver’s seat for a drone remote, becoming one of China's new tech-savvy \"flying farmers\".
As the low-altitude economy takes off in 2024, innovations like flying cars and eVTOL aircraft are grabbing headlines. But for Li and many like him, drones aren't just cool tech—they're game-changers transforming daily life in the countryside.
\"Without drones, farming these steep slopes would be nearly impossible,\" says a banana grower in Yuxi, where the land is as rugged as it is beautiful. Over 94% of Yunnan's terrain is sloped, making traditional farming a challenge.
Bananas grown on these mountains are sweeter, but getting them down without bruising was a nightmare. Now, with Li's drone expertise, fruits reach markets pristine and fresh, giving local farmers a competitive edge.
Li’s story isn't unique. Across China, hobbyists and tech enthusiasts are turning their passion for drones into thriving careers. With over 1.875 million registered drones by mid-2024 and only 225,000 licensed pilots, the demand for skilled operators is soaring! 🚀
From delivering life-saving medicine to inspecting power grids and even transporting fresh seafood, drones are expanding their horizons. Training schools like Shanghai Funtastic Drone Training School report a surge in enrollments, despite costs up to 15,800 yuan.
\"It's worth every yuan,\" says Zeng Yan, an admission officer, noting the promising salaries between 5,000 to 10,000 yuan per month, plus perks. A mini-program on WeChat connects pilots to jobs nationwide, making it easier than ever to hop into this high-flying profession.
In places like Zigui County, the \"hometown of Chinese navel oranges,\" young people are returning home, drones in hand. These \"new farmers\" are blending tradition with tech, revitalizing rural communities and bringing fresh opportunities.
Wang Jiaxin, once a hairdresser in Shenzhen, now uses drones to transport oranges over steep terrains. \"A drone can do in one minute what used to take us half an hour,\" he says. Plus, it's cheaper and way cooler! 😎
With phones ringing off the hook during harvest season, it's clear that drone pilots like Wang and Li aren't just flying gadgets—they're uplifting entire communities.
So next time you bite into a sweet banana or juicy orange from China, remember there might be a drone and a dedicated pilot who made it possible. The sky isn't the limit—it's just the beginning! 🌟
Reference(s):
Drone pilots emerge as next sought-after profession in China
cgtn.com
