Future Opportunities & Challenges in Biosaline Agriculture

Overview

In view of global trends towards a rise in soil and water salinity, it is becoming clear that a variety of approaches and technologies based on biosaline agriculture such as the cultivation of salt-tolerant and halophytic crops should be integrated into agricultural practices. These approaches and technologies offer new opportunities for rehabilitating and managing salt-affected soil and water resources, and thus increasing agricultural production and food security. However, there are also challenges in developing and adopting solutions based on biosaline agriculture.

Currently, scientific studies are being conducted by research and academic institutions in different countries to find ways to make a better use of salt-tolerant and halophytic crops, as well as saline soil and water resources, for agricultural and other purposes. Joint research initiatives are also being pursued and undertaken as it is important to combine resources and learn from best practices to achieve better results.

Organized in collaboration with the American University in Cairo (AUC), this seminar will look at the current state of research and innovation, as well as future opportunities and challenges in biosaline agriculture. It will also serve as an opportunity to exchange the latest knowledge and experience in this field.

Objective

The seminar will feature presentations from ICBA and AUC, focusing on the latest research and innovation in using salt-tolerant and halophytic crops, as well as saline soil and water resources in biosaline agriculture. In particular, the seminar will cover such topics as:

1. Rehabilitation and management of salt-affected soil and water resources through salt-tolerant and halophytic crops;
2. Cultivation of salt-tolerant and halophytic crops for food and feed;
3. Innovative approaches and agro-technologies in biosaline agriculture.

The seminar will also showcase some case studies from different regions.