Dhaka:Experts and policymakers have highlighted the urgent need for enhanced regional cooperation to secure food and nutrition security in South Asia amidst escalating climate change threats, natural disasters, and cross-border agricultural challenges.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, these calls were made during the inaugural session of the 18th meeting of the Governing Board of the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) in Dhaka. The meeting aimed to advance agricultural development, food and nutrition security, and climate resilience across South Asia.
The event, held in a hybrid format, saw in-person participation from governing board members representing Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, while representatives from India and Pakistan joined virtually. Sabnam Shivakoti, Nepal's representative and chairperson of the SAC Governing Board, presided over the session, emphasizing the importance of food, feed, and fiber products for the livelihoods and food security of South Asia's population.
Agriculture Secretary Md Selim Khan, attending as chief guest, underscored the critical need to ensure food and nutrition security in light of mounting climate-related challenges. He called for the development of dynamic agricultural systems, sustainable management practices, and strengthened regional partnerships to tackle shared agricultural issues, including cross-border plant and animal diseases.
Special guests Dr Md Abdus Salam, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council, and Tanvir Ahmed Torafdar, a director at the SAARC Secretariat, also highlighted pressing agricultural challenges, the loss of biodiversity, and the necessity of regional cooperation in developing low-carbon agricultural systems.
SAC Director Dr Md Golam Mahabub reaffirmed the centre's commitment to enhancing agricultural cooperation through joint research, knowledge-sharing, and the exchange of technologies among SAARC member states to build resilient food systems capable of withstanding climate change risks.