Storyline: SCO agricultural ministers seek stronger ties at Kunming meeting [Voice_over] This is a modern flower cultivation base in Kunming, southwest China — the country’s largest hub for fresh-cut flower production. From daily care to sorting and logistics, smart technologies are applied throughout the entire process — impressing guests from across the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. And this is just one of the key themes at the 10th SCO Agricultural Ministers’ Meeting: using technology to drive agricultural growth. The event also held extensive discussions on rural development and poverty reduction. [Sound_bite] Sohail Khan, Deputy Secretary General, Shanghai Cooperation Organization: "In context of food security, I think it’s going to be a very essential part to be played by SCO agriculture sector, because we have many many things in common, many many things which is not common. So We need to sit down and work together on the technologies that are going to be climate resilient." [Voice_over] Agriculture is a key pillar of the SCO economies, with each country offering its own strengths and challenges. Over the past 15 years since the ministerial meeting mechanism was established, cooperation has deepened in areas such as talent development, trade, and investment. According to official data, in 2024, China’s agricultural trade with SCO member states reached 18.6 billion US dollars — a 3.8-fold increase compared to 2010. Chinese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Han Jun said that China is ready to work with all member states to further unlock the potential of agricultural cooperation via diverse approaches. [Sound_bite] Han Jun, Chinese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs: "We will make efforts to promote the voluntary exchange of germplasm resources and to strengthen research, development, and adoption of advanced technologies — from water-saving farming and biological breeding to smart agriculture, livestock and aquaculture health, and deep processing of agricultural products." [Voice_over] The meeting concluded with the adoption of a joint statement, with participants expressing hope to enhance mutual learning. [Sound_bite] Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India: "India has also launched digital agriculture mission, where we have lots of possibilities and lots of new things we can do. We want to make further cooperation with all the member nations, in the field of research, in the field of technology, in the field of germplasm." [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]