From the prospect of space seeds improving yields to satellite-guided fertilization of soil, farmers across the country are turning to advanced technology to ensure smooth planting this spring.

In recent years, northeast Heilongjiang province has focused on scientific and technological innovation, to improve its agricultural intelligence and methods. Farmers have also taken advantage of new digital technologies to boost grain output and help guarantee national food security.

In early March, at No 290 Company of Beidahuang Group, a large State-owned enterprise, technicians began testing agricultural machinery in preparation for spring planting.

When Xu Jianguo, 59, saw two new rice planters he was optimistic about another bumper harvest this year.

"The planters are equipped with the Beidou Navigation Satellite System, which makes planting more uniform and enables more efficient utilization of limited land," he said.

"The precision fertilization system on the planter can accurately apply fertilizers at multiple depths near the roots of rice seedlings during the rice transplanting stage. At various growth stages there will be sufficient nutrients available to promote vigorous growth of the seedlings."