Yangling, in Shaanxi Province on the northwest of the Chinese mainland, has rapidly emerged as a linchpin for agricultural cooperation among SCO members and beyond. Since the launch of the Yangling Agricultural Hi-Tech Industrial Demonstration Zone—the Chinese mainland’s first national-level agri-tech zone—this research and innovation hub has fostered cutting-edge practices that bridge technology and sustainability.
Innovation Takes Root
From greenhouse automation to AI-assisted irrigation and precision soil management, Yangling’s demonstration farms showcase data-driven solutions to boost yields and build climate resilience. These innovations not only address food security but also spotlight how interdisciplinary teams—scientists, engineers, and policymakers—can work side by side to tackle complex challenges.
Tangible Impact: Voices from Africa
Zenzile Khetsha, Assistant Dean at the Central University of Technology in South Africa, was struck by Yangling’s hands-on approach. “China’s integration of AI, smart irrigation, and crop science is truly impressive,” she said. “Automated greenhouses and advanced water-saving systems offer a model we can adapt to optimize production and strengthen farming capacity back home.”
Similarly, Ahmad Salisu, a government official from Kano State, Nigeria, highlighted the importance of detailed soil mapping and research. “Fertile land alone isn’t enough,” he noted. “With smart irrigation and precision farming, we can unlock our country’s true agricultural potential by matching crops to the soils that suit them best.”
Bridging Borders through SCO
Yangling has already extended its reach with twelve overseas demonstration parks in SCO member countries, including Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Joint training programs, academic exchanges, and technology transfer are paving the way for a new era of collaborative agriculture.
Looking Ahead
As younger generations of entrepreneurs, researchers, and digital nomads seek sustainable food solutions, Yangling’s model offers a blueprint for global partnerships. By leveraging high-tech farming and inclusive knowledge sharing, the SCO network is poised to transform agriculture—one field, one technology, one community at a time.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
