17th SAC board meeting begins in Dhaka

The 17th Meeting of the Governing Board (GB) of the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) began on Monday, aiming to bolster regional cooperation in agricultural research and development.

The two-day meeting brought together senior policymakers, agricultural experts, and representatives from SAARC member countries.

Md Harunur Rashid, Director of the SAARC Agriculture Centre, in his welcome speech, highlighted the Centre’s continued commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing food security and facilitating regional knowledge exchange.

He also emphasised SAC’s pivotal role in advancing agricultural innovation and resilience in the face of climate change and emerging challenges.

The inaugural session also featured a virtual address by Ali Amir, Chairperson of the SAC 16th Governing Board and Director at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, Maldives.

Amir underscored the importance of regional solidarity in tackling shared agricultural challenges and steering South Asia toward a more food-secure future.

He praised SAC’s efforts in fostering collaboration and promoting sustainable farming practices across the region. He emphasized the need to strengthen agricultural research, cooperation, technology transfer and regional collaboration.

Abdul Motaleb Sarker, Former Secretary (SAARC & BIMSTEC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh said, “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 (ARD & SDF), SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu, said, “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."

He said, "This 17th Governing Board Meeting is a symbol of unity and shared purpose among the SAARC member 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.

"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," he added.

In technical session, the Chairpersonship of the Governing Board was formally transferred from the outgoing Chair, Maldives to Nepal.

Sabnam Shivakoti, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Nepal assumed the role of Chair and presided over the meeting.

The 17th Governing board member from Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka were present physically and from India, Bhutan, Maldives and Pakistan joined virtually.

Nazmun Nahar Karim, the Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (ARD & SDF) from the SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu (representing H.E. Ambassador Md. Golam Sarwar, Secretary General of SAARC), Abdul Motaleb Sarker, former Secretary (SAARC & BIMSTEC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh, Harunur Rashid, Director of the SAARC Agriculture Centre, representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Bangladesh, High Commissioners of Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Pakistan, embassy delegates from India and Nepal, Director Generals, directors from the National Agricultural Research System (NARS) of Bangladesh, representatives from international and national agricultural organisations were present at the event.

The two-day meeting serves as a key platform for member countries to review progress, share knowledge and adopt strategies to advance agricultural development in the south Asia region.