Bishkek – The 11th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting of agriculture ministers concluded in Kyrgyzstan with a joint statement emphasizing food security, sustainable development, and regional cooperation.

 

Ministers stressed the need for bilateral and multilateral collaboration in agriculture, trade, science, and technology. Key priorities included improving business environments, boosting investment in production and processing, and advancing mechanization.

 

The final statement endorsed a proposal by Iran to strengthen trade in agricultural products and related industries and to attract investment in joint scientific projects. Expanding ties between agricultural universities, research bodies, and plant and animal health organizations was also supported.

 

Other agreed measures included promoting smart agriculture, seed production, soil improvement, low-water irrigation, rain-fed farming, and joint working groups on water management and technical training.

 

Ministers also backed a shared early-warning and control system for transboundary animal diseases and plant pests, along with cooperation on veterinary, phytosanitary, and genetic resource exchange.

 

A memorandum of understanding was signed at the close of the meeting, calling for specialized working groups and joint technical exchanges.