Dhaka: The SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) today emphasized the urgent need for regional cooperation, innovation, and policy support to tackle the issue of post-harvest losses of fruits across South Asia. This call to action came as experts and policymakers gathered virtually for a three-day regional consultation meeting.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the programme, titled 'Reduction of Post-Harvest Losses of Fruits in SAARC Member States,' united representatives from SAARC countries to examine the current status and challenges of post-harvest losses in the region. Participants exchanged experiences, explored available technologies, and identified practical solutions to strengthen fruit value chains and enhance food security across South Asia.
In his welcome address, SAC Director Dr Md Harunur Rashid underscored the economic and nutritional implications of post-harvest losses. He stressed that reducing waste is essential for improving farmers' incomes, ensuring food security, and achieving sustainable agricultural development. Dr Rashid called for stronger collaboration among SAARC member states to address common challenges through knowledge sharing and technology adoption.
Dr Sikander Khan Tanveer, Senior Programme Specialist (Crops) at SAC, presented the meeting overview and outlined the consultation's objectives. He emphasized the importance of developing a regional framework to minimize losses from harvesting to marketing.
Dr Imtiyaz Ahmad Zargar, Senior Scientist at the Division of Food Science and Technology of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, India, delivered the keynote presentation. He highlighted the current post-harvest loss scenario in SAARC member states and noted that significant quantities of fruits are lost due to inadequate storage, transportation, and processing facilities. Dr Zargar advocated for modern post-harvest technologies, capacity building, and improved supply chain management to reduce losses and enhance market opportunities for farmers.
Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (ARD and SDF) of the SAARC Secretariat, spoke as the special guest and reaffirmed the Secretariat's commitment to promoting regional cooperation in agriculture and food systems. Meanwhile, AKM Shahidul Karim, Additional Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the importance of collective regional efforts to address food loss and strengthen agricultural resilience. He highlighted that reducing post-harvest losses is crucial for enhancing food security, increasing farmers' incomes, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the South Asian region.
The consultation will continue until August 5, focusing on policy recommendations, innovative technologies, and future collaborative initiatives among SAARC member states.