PigGPT: AI-Powered Digital Platform Supports Small Pig Farmers with Insights and Tech

Chongqing - The "Rongchang Initiative," a 10-year plan to reduce antimicrobial use on farms and promote sustainable agriculture, has been included in the 79th UN General Assembly's High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), as announced on October 14.

Launched in April in Chongqing's Rongchang District, the initiative benefits from advanced research platforms like the National Center of Technology Innovation for Pigs and the National Center of Big Data for Pigs. The district also focuses on cutting-edge research in pig germplasm resources, green breeding, and epidemic prevention.

The aseptic pig in Rongchang District, Chongqing. (Photo/Rongchang District)

Wan Rong, District Mayor of Rongchang District People's Government,  highlighted key technological breakthroughs, including the development of SPF (Specific Pathogen Free) pigs for African swine fever vaccines and medical beauty products. These aseptic pigs are also used in preclinical evaluations of children's vaccines. SPF pigs are raised in pathogen-free environments with strict veterinary care and monitoring.

Furthermore, the use of titanium dioxide as an antiseptic agent has achieved international recognition for its ability to kill viruses such as African swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease.

In the digital economy sphere, Rongchang District unveiled its pioneering pig industry brain this year, which integrates over 50 million data resources. It features 37 algorithmic models and 490,000 pieces of industrial knowledge. The system supports more than 160,000 market players and has birthed PigGPT. 

PigGPT, powered by AI, big data, and quantum computing, provides digital services for small and medium-sized pig farmers across the country, offering industry insights, price indexes, breeding technologies, and more.

"Home to over 60% of Chongqing's veterinary medicine companies, Rongchang is a national feed and veterinary medicine production hub, exporting to more than 40 countries. The district's total animal husbandry output now stands at 20 billion yuan (about USD 2.8 bb)," said Wan.

Gao Hongbo, Secretary of the Communist Party of China Rongchang District Committee, emphasized that Rongchang also ventured into new industries such as auto parts, electronic information, and biomedicine. Over the past five years, industrial investment in Rongchang has grown by more than 10% annually.

The factory of Chongqing Pharscin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Photo/Rongchang District)

To support its thriving private economy, which contributes 80% of GDP and 93% of employment, Rongchang has established six capital pools to assist private enterprises with loans, securing over 6 billion yuan in support. Gao noted, "73% of science and technology innovation in Rongchang comes from the private economy."

Rongchang is located in western Chongqing, situated at the border of Sichuan province and Chongqing municipality. Rongchang's strategic position within the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle has also propelled its rapid development. The district is driving eight major Sichuan-Chongqing collaborative projects, including the Chongqing Electronic Circuit Industrial Park and the National Center of Technology Innovation for Pigs, attracting cumulative investments of 9.17 billion yuan.

Rongchang is also rich in cultural heritage, featuring national "intangible cultural heritage" items such as Rongchang pottery, ramie, and folding fans. Antao Town was designated a 4A-level scenic area this year, enhancing its cultural tourism appeal. During the National Day holiday, Rongchang welcomed 1.8 million tourists.

The Antao Town in Rongchang District, Chongqing. (Photo/Tian Peng)