Kathmandu: The 17th Meeting of the Governing Board (GB) of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Agriculture Centre (SAC) commenced at the Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka on October 13.
The event gathered senior policymakers, agricultural experts, and delegates from SAARC member states to enhance regional cooperation in agricultural research and development.
The event witnessed participation from high-level dignitaries, including Dr. Nazmun Nahar Karim, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC); Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (ARD & SDF) from the SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu, representing the SAARC Secretary General Ambassador Md. Golam Sarwar; Abdul Motaleb Sarker, former Secretary (SAARC & BIMSTEC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh; Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid, Director of the SAARC Agriculture Centre; and representatives from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Also in attendance were High Commissioners from Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Pakistan; embassy representatives from India and Nepal; and senior officials from the National Agricultural Research System (NARS) of Bangladesh, as well as international and national agricultural organizations.
In his welcome address, Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid reiterated SAC’s unwavering commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing food security, and fostering regional knowledge exchange. He emphasized SAC’s critical role in driving agricultural innovation and resilience in the face of climate change and emerging global challenges.
The inaugural session also included a virtual address by Ali Amir, Chairperson of the 16th SAC Governing Board and Director at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, Maldives. He highlighted the pressing need for regional solidarity in tackling shared agricultural challenges and commended SAC’s efforts in promoting sustainable farming practices. Amir stressed the importance of enhancing agricultural research, technology transfer, and regional cooperation to ensure a food-secure future for South Asia.
Former Foreign Ministry Secretary of SAARC and BIMSTEC, Abdul Motaleb Sarker, remarked, “It is truly inspiring to see SAC’s progress in strengthening regional ties through research and knowledge exchange. South Asia’s agricultural future depends on our willingness to share expertise and act together. I am confident that the outcomes of this meeting will pave the way for greater harmony, innovation, and sustainable food systems in our region.”
Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director of the Agriculture, Rural Development and SAARC Development Fund, representing the SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu, stated, “Agriculture is the backbone of South Asia. The region faces challenges related to urbanization, nutrition, food security, and resilience. In the context of climate change, SAC plays a vital role. A series of programs have been initiated to promote sustainable development and harmonize agricultural knowledge dissemination across SAARC member states.”
“This 17th Governing Board Meeting is a symbol of unity and shared purpose among the SAARC countries. Agriculture remains at the heart of our regional economy, and through SAC’s initiatives, we are building stronger partnerships for sustainable growth. The SAARC Secretariat remains committed to supporting policies that enhance productivity, innovation, and cross-border collaboration,” added Director Torophder. ” Regional cooperation is key to overcoming the challenges of climate change, food insecurity, and resource constraints. We appreciate SAC’s continued efforts in promoting collective action for agricultural advancement in South Asia.”
During the technical session, the Chairpersonship of the Governing Board was officially transferred from the Maldives to Nepal. Sabnam Shivakoti, Joint Secretary at Nepal’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, assumed the role and presided over the meeting.
Physical participation in the meeting included Governing Board members from Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, while delegates from India, Bhutan, the Maldives, and Pakistan joined virtually.
The two-day meeting provides a strategic platform for SAARC nations to review progress, exchange knowledge, and develop coordinated strategies to advance agricultural development across South Asia.
