The Saarc Agriculture Centre (SAC) in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) Bangladesh and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), South Asia, held a regional coordination meeting in Dhaka on Tuesday to strengthen agricultural cooperation in South Asia.
Nazrul Islam Khan, Political Adviser to the Prime Minister and Adviser to the Ministry of Agriculture, Bangladesh, attended as chief guest and underscored the central role of agriculture in the region’s economy.
He emphasized the need for modernization, including the use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, and highlighted climate change as a pressing challenge requiring increased investment. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to farmers and called for sustained regional cooperation for the greater welfare of the region.
Ambassador AKM Shahidul Karim, Additional Foreign Secretary (Saarc & Bimstec), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh, attended as special guest and stressed the importance of deeper collaboration, practical and technology-driven approaches, and the sharing of technical expertise.
He noted that agriculture remains the backbone of South Asia and called for a transition from food-deficit concerns to a more sustainable agricultural future—moving from challenges to solutions and from solutions to concrete action.
Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (ARD & SDF), Saarc Secretariat, Nepal, highlighted the progress made by Saarc member states in agriculture and stressed the need for stronger public-private partnerships to achieve actionable outcomes, with a clear focus on delivering practical and measurable results across the region.
Dr Shahidur Rashid, Director, IFPRI South Asia, India, described agriculture as a sector facing multiple challenges and said collaboration with SAC is cost-effective in addressing shared regional issues. He reaffirmed IFPRI’s continued support for SAC and the people of South Asia.
Dr Rudaba Khondker, Country Director, GAIN Bangladesh, emphasized the need for collective action to advance South Asia’s food systems. She highlighted the importance of collaboration among partners to drive meaningful change, alongside ensuring affordable and sustainable food systems for all. She also stressed the mainstreaming of nutrition in food systems and innovative financing approaches.
In his welcome speech, Dr Md Younus Ali, Senior Programme Specialist (Livestock), emphasized the importance of regional collaboration to strengthen agriculture, livestock and food systems across Saarc member states. He also highlighted the significance of the programme in fostering partnerships and advancing shared agricultural priorities in the region.
In his remarks as chair, Dr Harunur Rashid, Director of SAC, outlined the centre’s strategic priorities, stressing the need for stronger regional collaboration to address shared agricultural challenges. He emphasized innovation, climate resilience and investment partnerships to accelerate sustainable agricultural development across Saarc member states.
Following the inaugural session, two working sessions were held, attended by investors, development partners, collaborators, scholars and researchers from various Saarc member states.
