College of Agriculture
National Pingtung University of Science and Technology
Dragon King Farm in Ligang Township of Pingtung has a planting area of more than 20 hectares and is the largest dragon fruit farm in Taiwan. Under the guidance of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Pingtung County Government, it uses artificial intelligence internet of things (AIoT) technology and tiny sensors to monitor and manage drip irrigation, soil, and lighting. The orchard uses drones for image analysis for pest control and fertilization. It not only saves manpower but also accurately control the harvest period, estimate the output, increase the output value, and produce high-quality dragon fruit.
College of Agriculture encourages cross-field cooperation, uses smart technology to promote industrial upgrading, and promotes the sustainable development of the circular economy. The cooperation between the College of Agriculture and Dragon King Farm is in line with the development plan of the school. On December 8, 2020, Dean Ho-Hsien Chen invited 25 supervisors and professors from the College of Agriculture and Engineering to visit the farm to observe the cultivation of dragon fruit with intelligent technology and farm management technology. Students from NPUST are also planning to go to the farm for internships in the next semester. Dragon King Farm will also cooperate with professors of the Department of Plant Industry and Department of Plant Medicine, hoping to improve the production technology and quality of dragon fruit, and to further develop overseas markets.
