Chinese scientists cooperate with world partners to promote dryland agriculture

BEIJING -- About 300 agricultural scientists and representatives from around the world convened in Beijing from Tuesday to Wednesday to attend the International Conference on Dryland Agriculture. The purpose of the conference was to promote science and technology in building a resilient dryland ecosystem and ensuring food security.

The conference, held by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, aims to enhance the global research and innovation in dryland agriculture.

Wu Kongming, president of the CAAS, said the sustainable development of dryland agriculture is crucial for ensuring global food and nutritional security, protecting the ecological environment, eradicating poverty, and improving people's livelihoods.

The CAAS and relevant scientific research institutions have developed planting models and technical equipment suitable for dryland, improving the efficiency of precipitation utilization in arid areas of northern China by seven percentage points, according to Wu.

Statistics show that dryland accounts for more than 80 percent of the world's arable land, covering more than 100 countries. Dryland agriculture provides 60 percent of the world's crops and supports 50 percent of livestock production.

Wu mentioned that currently global agriculture faces many challenges, such as climate change, intensified natural disasters, degradation of soil and water resources, rigid growth in food demand and a huge population suffering from hunger and malnutrition.

He said the CAAS has established cooperative relationships with over 100 countries and regions, as well as international organizations, and will work closely with its domestic and foreign counterparts to promote the sustainable development of dryland agriculture.