The International Salinity Conference 3.0, WE-CARE 2025, began today at ICAR-CCARI, Old Goa. The event was inaugurated by Dr. A.K. Nayak, Deputy Director General (NRM), ICAR, New Delhi.

 

Dr. Nayak said soil and water salinity pose a growing threat to farm productivity, ecosystems, and food security, especially in arid and coastal regions. He noted that over a billion hectares worldwide, including 6.7 million in India, are affected and called for science-based innovations to make agriculture more sustainable.

 

 

He commended ICAR institutes at Karnal and Goa for bringing together experts from SAARC, AARDO, JIRCAS, ICBA, and other countries to discuss restoring saline ecosystems and shaping future policy recommendations. About 150 delegates from India as well as SAARC and AARDO member countries including Japan, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Dubai, Oman, Kenya, Ghana, Zambia, Gambia, Eswatini, and Lebanon are participating in the conference.