SAC, IFPRI join hands to strengthen agri research in South Asia

The SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), Dhaka, and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Washington, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster cooperation in agricultural research, policy analysis, and capacity building across South Asia, aiming to address the region's enduring challenges in food security and sustainable farming.

The MoU was signed by Md Golam Sarwar, Secretary General of SAARC, and Dr Johan Swinnen, Director General of IFPRI, in New York, USA on Wednesday on the sidelines of the UNGA .

Dr Md Harunur Rashid, Director of SAC, and Dr Shahidur Rashid, IFPRI's Director for South Asia, also spoke at the event, according to an IFPRI press release.

Golam Sarwar said the MoU underscores the commitment of both institutions to tackling the pressing challenges confronting agriculture and food systems in the region.

"Partnerships such as this are vital to translate ideas into action and ensure that farmers and communities benefit. This collaboration also offers scope to expand South-South and Triangular cooperation, enabling South Asia's experiences to contribute to the Global South," he noted.

Dr Swinnen highlighted that, despite advances in productivity and hunger reduction, South Asia continues to face vulnerabilities, including climate risks, malnutrition, and the affordability of healthy diets.

"The MoU comes at a critical time, aiming to support and scale up key policy and technology solutions across the region," he said.

The agreement sets out cooperation in resilient markets, sustainable production, nutrition-sensitive food systems, food safety, trade, and institutional capacity building. Both organisations will engage in joint research, training, workshops, and regional programmes, while also producing collaborative publications.

A Joint Advisory Committee, co-chaired by SAC and IFPRI, will be established to guide activities and identify priority research themes. The MoU will remain valid for three years, with an option for renewal subject to the consensus of SAARC member states.

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