The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) organised a scientific seminar in Jeddah under the theme “Utilization of Water Haphazardly in Agriculture”, with emphasis on leading practices in Saudi Arabia.

The seminar was held in co-operation with the King Abdulaziz University (KAAU) at the Westin Hotel.

The ICBA was set up by Islamic Development Bank (IDB) in 1999 in Dubai in co-operation with UAE ministry of environment and water to fight poverty, alleviate hunger and improve the lives of people in developing countries.

IDB vice president Dr Amado Babeker Seysi, Dr Abdullah Omar Bafayl, deputy dean higher education and scientific research KAAU, Fawzi Sultan chairman of the ICBA board and a number of university faculty members, students, IDB group officials and delegates attended the 33rd annual meeting of the board of governors of IDB.

The seminar focused on the various sectors regarding usage for salty, unusable and treated water in the non traditional manner in agriculture. 

Professors from King Abdulaziz University presented a number of successful case studies on this subject that had been implemented in Saudi Arabia. 

The seminar also focused on programs and projects presented by the experts from the center which included over (50) leading projects that had been done in approximately (20) member countries as part of IDB’s endeavor in supporting economic growth and social development and achieving foodstuff and water security for those countries. 

The ICBA and KAAU also signed a co-operation agreement aiming at boosting the relationship between the two entities whereby they will be launching scientific research programs and individual empowerment initiatives. 

Dr Osama bin Sadeq Al Tayeb, dean of King Abdulaziz University and Dr Shawki Al Barghouti, ICBA general manager signed the agreement in the presence of Fawzi Sultan. 

Since its inception the ICBA has gained the respect and trust of the international community with its co-operation in a number of initiatives in conjunction with funding establishments and specialised global and regional associations. 

The ICBA has achieved success in the field of biosaline agricultural research and human resource development.-TradeArabia News Service