Agriculture expo highlights SCO cooperation, innovation

Eyeing higher level of international cooperation and innovative explorations, the 31st China Yangling Agricultural High-Tech Fair will be held from Oct 25 to 29 in the Yangling Demonstration Zone in Shaanxi province, said its organizers during a news conference in Beijing on Monday.

The latest edition of the fair will feature a round table on modern agricultural development within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, with nine deputy ministerial-level officials from SCO member states expected to participate, said Liu Zhongshan, deputy director of Yangling's management committee.

Liu added that this is the first time that all 26 SCO countries — including 10 member states, 14 dialogue partners, and 2 observer nations — will participate in the fair. Additionally, 23 countries including France, the Netherlands and Japan will also join the exhibition in six cultural exchange and promotional events.

The fair will also bring together nine academicians from China's top scientific institutions and several prominent guests to discuss the development paths and models for advancing agricultural productivity. More than 40 sideline exhibits will showcase cutting-edge agricultural technologies and achievements from around the world, focusing on fostering new capabilities in agriculture.

Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, augmented reality, and virtual reality will continue to enhance the event experience. Virtual exhibitions, online meetings, cloud-based transactions and livestream sales are expected to provide comprehensive services and an immersive experience for participants.

During the event, key organizations such as the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the rural center of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs are set to unveil about 100 major technological breakthroughs and 1,000 notable innovations in agriculture, and a slew of "debut" product launches will also take place, said the event's organizer during the press conference.