by Wang Xiaotong

JINGTAI, Jun 19 (China Economic Net) - Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) representatives recently visited the Cold and Arid Agricultural Science and Technology Courtyard in Jingtai, Gansu. The two sides agreed to carry out joint research on new germplasms of saline-alkali land crops and dryland agricultural technologies to enhance the capacity for regional agricultural sustainable development.

During the visit, Chinese and Pakistani agricultural experts exchanged experience in saline-alkali land management and dryland agriculture. A China-Pakistan dryland agricultural science and technology cooperation platform will be established through China’s S&T innovation mechanisms such as “Haizhi Workstation” in the near future.

Chinese and Pakistani experts exchange experience in saline-alkali land management and dryland agriculture in the Cold and Arid Agricultural Science and Technology Courtyard in Jingtai, Gansu. [Photo/Baiyin]

In 2024, Jingtai County was identified as the only national pilot county for comprehensive management and utilization of saline-alkali cultivated land in Gansu. At present, subsurface pipe drainage for salt removal, soil improvement with microbial agents, integrated water and fertilizer management, etc. are being applied on the 23,000-mu demonstration land. Sharing similarities in geography, environment, ecology and climate, the agricultural cooperation between northwestern Chinese province Gansu and Pakistan has been mushrooming in recent years in new variety selection and breeding of dryland crops in cold areas, planting technology, plant nutrition and agricultural machinery.