Date: August 25, 2025

Location: Changji, Xinjiang

Source: Science and Technology Daily

On August 25, the China–Central Asia International Symposium on Scientific and Technological Innovation and Cooperation in Saline-Alkali Land was held in Changji, Xinjiang. The event was hosted by the CAAS Western Agricultural Research Center and co-organized by the National Saline-Alkali Land Comprehensive Utilization Technology Innovation Center, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Reclamation Sciences, and the CAAS Cotton Research Institute. The symposium aimed to promote the efficient use of saline-alkali land resources, improve regional ecological environments and sustainability, and ensure food security and social stability.

Keynotes and Outcomes

Zhou Haiying, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Changji Prefecture Committee, highlighted local achievements in modern agriculture, smart farming, saline-alkali land management, and water-saving irrigation. With 16 national innovation teams and over 60 major projects, Changji has strengthened cooperation with Central Asian countries in saline-tolerant cotton breeding, soil improvement, and water-nutrient regulation.

Sun Tan, Vice President of CAAS, noted that China has about 33 million hectares of saline-alkali land, with Xinjiang accounting for 36.8% of the total. He emphasized the Western Center’s role in saline land improvement, salt-tolerant crop breeding, smart irrigation, and ecological agriculture. Efforts include:

1. Focusing on cross-disciplinary innovation teams for saline-alkali land governance, breeding, and soil-water management;

2. Deepening integration with local governments and international partners via joint labs, demonstration zones, and talent exchange programs;

3. Accelerating the application of scientific results, including salt-tolerant wheat and water-saving technologies;

4. Expanding “westward cooperation” through joint labs, scholar exchanges, and agricultural science demonstration parks.

During the symposium, the Western Center signed Memoranda of Understanding with the Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Institutes of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, covering cooperation in saline-alkali land management, livestock, and food safety. The event also featured the appointment of Honorary Professors to the CAAS Central Asia Agricultural Research Center.