Global population has increased rapidly from 2.5 billion in 1950 to 7.8 billion in 2020. To feed the growing population, efficient use of natural resources including water, is required. Foreseeing such requirement, the global leadership called for efforts to address the agricultural production,

The inception of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) and the Indian national Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (INCID) was the brain-child of such visionary persons. The aim was to take a systemic and planed approach towards improving irrigational infrastructure, technologies, agricultural development and knowledge dissemination. Substantial achievements were made with the passage of time. However, newer complexities have emerged in terms of climate change, global warming and depleting natural resources. Such a scenario calls for greater global participation and concerted efforts.

The ICID Congress is the prime triennial event hosted by the ICID, bringing together the global researchers and professionals to deliberate upon the contemporary and upcoming global problems faced by the irrigation sector. The Congress serves as a platform to review various contentious issues concerning the future of irrigation water. The flagship event witnesses the participation and guidance from the global industry experts and other stakeholders. INCID and State of Andhra Pradesh are hosting the 25^th edition of the prestigious ICID Congress and the 74^th meeting of the International Executive Council (IEC) at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India in November, 2023. The ICID congress is being held in India after a gap of 57 years; the 6th Congress was held in India in 1966. This mega event is expected to engage 1200+ global researchers and professionals and would offer an excellent exposure to the global audience on various critical areas and upcoming challenges in irrigation sector.

The ICID Congress also provides an opportunity to India to exhibit its technical advances in the irrigation sector. The global audience will also have the occasion to experience Indian hospitality and also to have a glimpse of the rich cultural heritage of India and the State of Andhra Pradesh.

The launch of the Congress Website, Logo and the First Bulletin today has kickstarted preparations for the event. I extend my good wishes to the officials from INCID, Ministry of Jai Shakti, State Government of Andhra Pradesh, ICID and Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur to make this event a great success.

PANKAJ KUMAR
SECRETARY
Ministry of Jal Shakti Department of Water Resources River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation