As the Lunar New Year approaches, the mountainous region of Fengjie in Chongqing is witnessing a remarkable surge in orange sales. However, the challenging terrain and poor transportation infrastructure have long created bottlenecks for local farmers who struggle to maintain freshness while ensuring efficient distribution. This year, logistics company J&T Express has introduced an innovative solution: China's first drone delivery system for oranges in Fengjie.
1. Challenges of Traditional Transportation
The rugged landscape of Fengjie, with its steep mountains and deep valleys, has traditionally made orange transportation costly and inefficient. Farmers often needed to hire multiple workers for manual collection and transportation, significantly increasing labor costs. As consumer demand grew, these logistical challenges threatened to limit the region's agricultural potential.
2. The Drone Advantage
J&T Express's drone delivery system addresses these challenges with impressive technical specifications. The drones can carry payloads up to 50kg, cruise at 72km/h, and withstand winds up to level 7. Local farmer Ye Hongjun reports that a single drone can now transport up to 20,000 jin (approximately 10,000kg) of oranges daily, reducing labor costs by nearly 40%. This technological leap has not only saved farmers money but also increased their yields and incomes.
3. Efficient Operational Model
To maximize efficiency, J&T has established over 100 collection points across major orange-producing areas like Yongle Town and Baidi Town. Farmers simply need to bring their harvest to these designated spots where drones collect and transport the fruit. A dedicated orange task force coordinates with local farmers and resolves any transportation issues promptly. According to Li Dongmin, head of J&T's Fengjie branch, this system has increased orange collection volumes by more than 40% compared to previous years.
4. Optimizing the Supply Chain
Beyond drone delivery, J&T has implemented comprehensive improvements across the entire supply chain. The company established transfer stations near highway exits to reduce transit times and created dedicated "green channels" for oranges. With winter weather approaching, J&T has deployed intelligent scheduling systems to monitor real-time traffic and weather conditions, ensuring timely deliveries despite potential snowstorms and cold waves.
5. Future Development
Looking ahead, J&T Express plans to expand its drone applications beyond agriculture to factory logistics and international markets. The company aims to develop a mature drone operation system that could revolutionize logistics industry standards. Through continued innovation and collaboration with government agencies, J&T hopes to make drone technology more accessible, helping more farmers overcome transportation challenges and deliver fresh produce to consumers nationwide.
J&T Express's drone delivery pilot in Fengjie represents not just a logistics innovation, but a transformation of traditional agricultural models. By combining cutting-edge technology with rural needs, the company has opened new possibilities for farmers to participate in modern supply chains. As drone technology advances, such innovations promise to bring efficiency and convenience to even the most remote regions.