A regional coordination meeting on South Asian agriculture on Tuesday called for stronger partnerships, wider technology adoption and increased investment to address climate challenges and ensure sustainable food systems across the region.
The meeting, titled "Coordination Meeting with Development Partners and Investors", was organised by 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.
Prime Minister's Agricultural Adviser Nazrul Islam Khan highlighted the central role of agriculture in South Asia's economy, stressing the need for modernisation through advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence.
He warned that climate change remains a major threat and requires greater investment to safeguard the sector.
Reaffirming the government's commitment to farmers, he underscored the importance of sustained regional cooperation to ensure food security and overall welfare.
AKM Shahidul Karim, additional foreign secretary (SAARC & BIMSTEC), emphasised deeper collaboration and technology-driven solutions, noting that agriculture remains the backbone of the region. He urged a shift from food deficit concerns towards sustainable, action-oriented agricultural systems.
Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, director (ARD & SDF) at the SAARC Secretariat, said member states have made notable progress in agriculture but stressed the need for stronger public-private partnerships to achieve measurable outcomes.
Dr Shahidur Rashid, director of IFPRI South Asia, described agriculture as a sector facing multiple challenges, adding that regional collaboration through platforms like SAC offers a cost-effective way to address common issues. He reiterated IFPRI's continued support for South Asia.
Rudaba Khondker, country director of GAIN Bangladesh, called for collective efforts to transform food systems.
She emphasised the need to ensure affordable and sustainable food for all, integrate nutrition into food systems and introduce innovative financing mechanisms.
Chairing the session, SAC Director Harunur Rashid outlined the centre's strategic priorities, highlighting innovation, climate resilience and investment partnerships to accelerate sustainable agricultural development.
The inaugural session was followed by two working sessions involving investors, development partners, researchers and collaborators from various SAARC member states, focusing on practical pathways to strengthen regional cooperation.
The meeting brought together policymakers, researchers, investors and development partners from across the SAARC region.
tonmoy.wardad@gmail.com
