Lhasa's Dagze district plans to expand its network of AI-powered smart growing containers from seven to 20 by the end of this year, as local authorities step up efforts to develop smart agriculture in the high-altitude region.
The first seven smart growing containers have already entered trial operation, producing leafy vegetables, edible mushrooms, and medicinal crops in fully controlled environments. Officials said the project is designed to improve year-round production while reducing the impact of the plateau's harsh climate on agriculture.
Sitting at an average elevation of more than 3,700 meters, Dagze has a frost-free period of only 120 to 150 days each year. Large day-night temperature swings, strong ultraviolet radiation, and cold winters have limited local vegetable production.
"Through technological innovation, we are minimizing the impact of climate and seasons on farming," said Lobsang Tenzin, head of the Dagze Modern Agriculture Industrial Park, where these containers are located.
Powered by artificial intelligence and automated management systems, these growing containers require only one worker for daily operation and can produce crops continuously throughout the year. According to the project company, a single container can harvest up to 1,000 kilograms of premium oyster mushrooms every 10 days or more than 225 kilograms of leafy vegetables, such as pea shoots, with productivity several times higher than conventional open-field farming.
The smart growing containers integrate environmental control, precision irrigation and fertilization, and real-time crop monitoring. Artificial intelligence automatically adjusts temperature, humidity, lighting, and nutrient levels, allowing some mushrooms and leafy vegetables to be harvested in as little as one week, according to the project company.
Local authorities said the district would continue expanding the project this year while adding supporting sorting, packaging, and cold-chain facilities as part of its efforts to modernize agriculture on the Tibetan Plateau.
