International conference on global water security in TL from

Ensuring water security against the backdrop of increasing demands for water and food production would be on the agenda of an international conference to be held here from October 3 to 6.

'The Global Water Security Conference for Agriculture and Natural Resource' would be organised by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) in collaboration with the Indian Society of Agricultural Engineers (ISAE).

"The demand for water for agriculture and natural resources is expected to increase 20 per cent to meet the 70 per cent increase in food production needed to feed 9.6 billion people in 2050," conference co-chair Indrajeet Chaubey, told reporters here today.

The event would bring together a variety of stakeholders, including researchers, farmers and policymakers, said Chaubey, associate dean and director of international program in agriculture, Purdue University.

"India faces many water challenges. However, India is making significant progress to address these challenges and is eager to share this work on an international platform," said Indra Mani, conference co-chair and department head, agricultural engineering, Indian Agricultural Research Institute.

ASABE and ISAE are educational and technical organisations working for advancement of engineering and technology in agricultural, food, and biological systems.

Observing that MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) is a strong point of Hyderabad, Telagana government's Tourism Secretary B Venkatesam said the event is being brought to the city as such events add to the tourism income and also to the host city's profile.

State Tourism Minister A Chandulal was present on the occasion.