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.
The “Coordination Meeting with Development Partners and Investors” focused on strengthening partnerships and promoting collaborative efforts to address key challenges in the agriculture sector across SAARC member states, according to a press release.
The event brought together policymakers, researchers, investors and development partners to enhance agricultural cooperation in the region.
Nazrul Islam Khan, political adviser to the prime minister and adviser to the Ministry of Agriculture, attended the event as chief guest. He underscored agriculture’s central role in the regional economy, stressing the need for modernisation through advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence.
He also identified climate change as a major challenge requiring increased investment and reaffirmed government support for farmers while calling for sustained regional cooperation for broader welfare.
Ambassador AKM Shahidul Karim, additional foreign secretary (SAARC & BIMSTEC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended as special guest.
He emphasised deeper collaboration, technology-driven approaches, and enhanced sharing of technical expertise.
He noted that agriculture remains the backbone of South Asia and urged a shift from food deficit concerns towards sustainable solutions and actionable outcomes.
Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, director (ARD & SDF) at the SAARC Secretariat in Nepal, highlighted progress achieved by SAARC countries in agriculture and stressed the importance of stronger public-private partnerships to ensure measurable results across the region.
Shahidur Rashid, director of IFPRI South Asia, described agriculture as a sector facing multiple challenges and stressed the value of cost-effective regional collaboration. He reaffirmed IFPRI’s continued support for SAC and food security initiatives in South Asia.
Rudaba Khondker, country director of GAIN Bangladesh, called for collective action to advance South Asia’s food systems, emphasising affordability, sustainability, improved nutrition, and innovative financing mechanisms.
In his welcome address, Md Younus Ali, senior program specialist (Livestock), highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in strengthening agriculture, livestock, and food systems across SAARC countries.
Presiding over the session, Harunur Rashid, director of SAC, outlined the centre’s strategic priorities, emphasising innovation, climate resilience, and investment partnerships to accelerate sustainable agricultural development in the region.
The inaugural session was followed by two working sessions involving investors, development partners, academics, and researchers from various SAARC member states, focusing on practical strategies for regional agricultural advancement.
