SAARC Regional Workshop on Sustainable Family Farming in Livestock Kicks Off in Kathmandu

Kathmandu: The SAARC regional workshop on “Sustainable Family Farming in Livestock Sector for Attaining UNDFF and the SDGs in South Asia” began on 11 August 2025 in Kathmandu, Nepal. The three-day event is jointly organized by the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development of Nepal, the Asian Farmers Association (Philippines), and Heifer International Nepal.

The workshop aims to develop strategies and action plans to strengthen family farming in livestock and pastoralism. Delegates from six SAARC member states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, are participating, along with representatives from farmer organizations in India, Mongolia, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan.

Dr. Govinda Prasad Sharma, Secretary (Agriculture Development) of Nepal’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, attended as the Chief Guest. Guests of honor included Tanvir Ahmad Torophder from the SAARC Secretariat and Dr. Ram Nandan Tiwari, Director General of Nepal’s Department of Livestock Services. The program was coordinated by Dr. Md. Younus Ali of the SAARC Agriculture Centre.

Around 65 participants, including national and international experts, professionals, and academics, joined the event. The workshop is expected to conclude with policy recommendations and action plans to promote sustainable family farming in the livestock sector across the region.