On Aug 23, Li Lifeng, director of the Land and Water Resources Division of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, and his delegation visited the Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning (IARRP) of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) to discuss issues related to agricultural land and water resource utilization. The discussion was chaired by Deputy Director Zhang Jizong, with Director Wu Wenbin in attendance.

Wu warmly welcomed Li and his delegation and provided a detailed introduction to the research progress and strategic planning of our institute in the efficient utilization of agricultural land. The IARRP focuses on four key research areas: agricultural soil and fertilizer, agricultural ecology and microbiology, agricultural remote sensing and precision agriculture, and agricultural layout and zoning. The objective is to promote technological innovation in land cultivation, facilitate sustainable land use, and ensure the production of high-quality crops. Researcher Li Yuyi presented a report on the current status and demand for the comprehensive management and utilization of saline-alkali land in China. He emphasized the importance of safety and sustainability as prerequisites for the use of saline-alkali land. He highlighted the need to combine engineering measures with agricultural, chemical, and biological measures for long-lasting and effective results. Researchers Zhang Xiaoxia and Gu Jingang respectively introduced the construction of the National Collection of Agricultural Microbial Resource and the National Agricultural Microbial Data Center, emphasizing the indispensable role of microorganisms in the ecological protection of cultivated land.

Li praised the research achievements of the institute, acknowledging its early start, significant progress, and wide-ranging expertise in the protection of cultivated land and the efficient use of water and fertilizers. He provided an overview of the current situation and challenges of global agricultural land degradation and water scarcity, as well as the work scope and direction of FAO's Land and Water Resources Division. Li pointed out the alignment of research directions between the two sides in the protection and utilization of cultivated land and water resources. He expressed his hope for strengthened cooperation and exchange in the future to jointly address global issues concerning land management and efficient water resource utilization through technological advancements.

During the visit, the delegation visited the National Collection of Agricultural Microbial Resource and the exhibition hall of the IARRP.