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It is my pleasure and great honour to announce that the 25^th ICID International Congresson Irrigation and Drainage under the theme: “Tackling Water Scarcity in Agriculture ” together with the 74^th International Executive Council Meeting willbe held inVisakhapatnam,AndhraPradesh,Indiafrom 1st to 8th of November2023

On behalf of ICID, I would like to extend my warm invitation to ICID members and all other water scientist sands take holders through out the world to join meand attend this flagship global event in India. ICID and the Organizers, are committed to make this even tanen riching experience in irrigation and drainage disciplines. India is the founder member of ICID and isthe ICID home since 1950. Moreover India has since been actively associated with ICIDactivitiesatnational andinternationallevel.

India has a very impressiv erecordin hosting successful conference sand this onewith no exception will be a memorable event. The Indian National Committee (INCID) hosted the1st IEC at Simla in 1950, the 1st Congress and 2nd IEC at New Delhi in 1951; the 4th IEC inBangalore in 1953, the 6th Congress and 17th IEC in New Delhi in 1966, the 33th IEC in NewDelhi in 1982, the 60th IEC and 5th Asian Regional Conference in New Delhi in 2009, the 8th International Drainage Workshop in NewDelhi in 2000 and the 9th International MicroIrrigation Congress in Aurangabadin 2019.

India has a vast experience to offer in the fields of irrigation, drainage and watermanagement. ICID and Iare thankful tothe Chief Minister of AndhraPradesh Sri YSJaganmohanReddygaru, onw hose in itiative the event is taking place in India in 2023.

Visakhapatnam, is a beautiful coastal city of Andhra Pradesh and is home to around 2.3 million people. One of the neatest, nicest and tidiest cities of India. The city is the ninth largest contributor to India's overall GDP ($43.5 billion), oldest shipyard with natural harbourand is headquarter for the Indian Navy’s Eastern Command. The South Coast Railway gives access to adiverserange of lands capes surrounding the easily accessible city.

I am confident that the government of Andhra Pradesh and the ICID Indian NationalCommittee (INCID) will not leave any stone unturned for the success of the 74^th IEC Meeting and 25^th ICID Congress combined with Global Conference and Exhibition. The delegate scanbe ensured of great hospitality and a rich learning experience. The hosts will be organizingvery interesting programmes for the accompanying persons as well as study tours for theparticipants including places of historic and cultural heritage. India has a rich history and has plenty to offer to its visitors including its famous cuisine, fabric, spices, per fumes and more.

Finally, I would like to extend acordial invitation to all the prospective delegates for the 25^th ICID Congress and 74^th IEC meeting combined with the Global Conference and Exhibition in Visakhapatnam, AndhraPradesh, India. Iam looking forward to meeting you there.

Prof. Dr Ragab Ragab
President | International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage