The 17th Meeting of the Governing Board (GB) of the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) commenced today at the Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka, bringing together senior policymakers, agricultural experts, and representatives from SAARC member states to strengthen regional cooperation in agricultural research and development.
The opening session was attended by Dr. Nazmun Nahar Karim, Executive Chairman, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC); Mr. Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (ARD & SDF), SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu (representing H.E. Ambassador Md. Golam Sarwar, Secretary General of SAARC); Mr. Abdul Motaleb Sarker, Former Secretary (SAARC & BIMSTEC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh; Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid, Director, SAARC Agriculture Centre; along with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Bangladesh, High Commissions of Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Pakistan, embassy officials from India and Nepal, Director Generals and directors from Bangladesh’s National Agricultural Research System (NARS), and delegates from international and national agricultural organizations.
In his welcome address, Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid reaffirmed SAC’s commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing food security, and fostering regional knowledge exchange. He highlighted the Centre’s vital role in advancing innovation and resilience in agriculture amid climate change and emerging challenges.
Virtual Remarks
The inaugural session also featured a virtual address by Mr. Ali Amir, Chairperson of the 16th Governing Board and Director, Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, Maldives. He emphasized regional solidarity in addressing shared agricultural challenges and praised SAC’s efforts in promoting sustainability and innovation across South Asia.
Speeches and Insights
Mr. Abdul Motaleb Sarker noted that SAC’s progress reflects a strong regional commitment to research collaboration and knowledge exchange, which are key to achieving sustainable food systems in South Asia.
Mr. Tanvir Ahmad Torophder highlighted agriculture’s central role in the region’s economy and the need for cooperation to overcome challenges such as climate change, urbanization, and food insecurity. He commended SAC for initiating programs that promote sustainable development and agricultural knowledge sharing among SAARC countries.
Leadership Transition and Technical Session
During the technical session, the Chairpersonship of the Governing Board was formally transferred from the Maldives to Nepal. Ms. Sabnam Shivakoti, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Nepal, assumed the role of Chair and presided over the meeting.
Governing Board members from Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka attended the meeting in person, while representatives from India, Bhutan, the Maldives, and Pakistan joined virtually.
The two-day meeting serves as a key platform for SAARC member countries to review progress, exchange insights, and adopt strategies to advance agricultural development and strengthen regional cooperation in South Asia.
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