SAARC Agriculture Centre

𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢-𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬

A three-day International Online Training Programme on “Redefining Women's Roles in Agri-food Systems of the Asia-Pacific Region” was launched on 15 June 2026 by CIRDAP in collaboration with SAARC.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. P. Chandra Shekara and Mr. Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, bringing together 167 participants from 20 countries, including policymakers, researchers, academicians and development practitioners.

The training serves as a valuable platform for sharing experiences and exploring pathways to strengthen women's participation, leadership and entrepreneurship in agri-food systems. Discussions focus on gender-responsive policies, equitable access to resources and markets, climate resilience, digital agriculture and inclusive value chains.

Together, participants are working towards a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable future for agriculture across the Asia-Pacific region.

Pleased to share that the January–March 2026 edition of SAARC AgriNews (Vol. 20, Issue I), the quarterly newsletter of SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), has been published.

This issue highlights key regional initiatives and achievements, including the visit of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh to the SAC stall at Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026, publication of new books on agroforestry, agricultural trade and agroecology, a regional webinar on climate change and fisheries in South Asia, establishment of the SAC Book Corner at NATA and several other regional activities promoting agricultural development, food security and knowledge sharing across South Asia.

Read the full newsletter here:https://www.sac.org.bd/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Newsletter.pdf

𝐒𝐀𝐂 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐁𝐀𝐔 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐈𝐍𝐀 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐔𝐩 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐀𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐏𝐡𝐃 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡

Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid, Director of the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), visited Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh, on wednesday (10 June 2026) to follow up on and monitor the research activities of a SAARC Fellow under the SAARC Agriculture PhD Scholarship Programme in the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding.

During the visit, the Director held a meeting with Dr. Jobedaatun Naher, Head of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, BAU and other faculty members to discuss the progress of the fellow’s research and explore opportunities for strengthening regional agricultural research collaboration.

The SAC delegation also visited the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA), where discussions were held with scientists and officials regarding ongoing research activities and potential areas of cooperation in agricultural innovation and technology development.
The visit was accompanied by Dr. Md. Younus Ali, Senior Program Specialist (Livestock), SAC and Dr. Sikander Khan Tanveer, Senior Program Specialist (Crops), SAC.

The event brought together renowned experts, researchers, policymakers, academician, private practitioner, students and professionals from across the region to discuss strategies for ensuring safe, sustainable and resilient poultry production.

‘One Health’ approach key to safe, sustainable poultry production: Experts Experts at an international webinar on Monday stressed the importance of safe poultry production in a bid to ensure food security, public health and environmental sustainability, saying the “One Health” approach provides a practical framework for addressing emerging challenges facing the sector....

𝐒𝐀𝐂 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡

SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) successfully organized an international webinar titled “Safe Poultry Production in the Context of One Health Approach” on Monday (8 June 2026). The webinar brought together renowned experts, researchers, policymakers, academician, private practitioner, students and professionals from across the region to discuss strategies for ensuring safe, sustainable and resilient poultry production while addressing emerging challenges related to human and animal health and environmental sustainability through the One Health approach.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid, Director of SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), highlighted the growing importance of safe poultry production in ensuring food security, public health and environmental sustainability. He emphasized that the One Health approach provides a practical framework for addressing emerging challenges in the poultry sector.

Dr. Shyam Sundar Paul, Head of the Division of Poultry Nutrition at ICAR–Directorate of Poultry Research, India, delivered a keynote presentation on scientific poultry management and nutrition. He stressed that improved biosecurity, balanced nutrition and responsible farming practices are essential for enhancing productivity while safeguarding animal and human health.

Ms. Xiau Yi Tan, Senior Scientist at the National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, shared insights on food safety and disease prevention in poultry production systems. She underscored the need for stronger collaboration among veterinarians, public health experts and farmers to minimize risks throughout the food chain.

The session was moderated by Dr. Md. Younus Ali, Senior Program Specialist (Livestock), SAC, who facilitated discussions and interactions among participants. The webinar attracted participants from SAARC member states and beyond, reflecting growing regional interest in promoting safe, resilient and sustainable poultry production through the One Health approach.

Date: 08 June 2026 I Dhaka, Bangladesh

Press Release/SAC

We are pleased to invite you to participate in the webinar entitled “Safe Poultry Production in the Context of One Health Approach”, scheduled to be held on 8 June 2026 at 11:00 AM (Bangladesh Standard Time, GMT+6).

Speakers:
• Dr. Shyam Sundar Paul, Head, Division of Poultry Nutrition, ICAR–Directorate of Poultry Research, India
• Ms. Xiau Yi Tan, Senior Scientist, National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, Singapore

Moderator:
• Dr. Md. Younus Ali, Senior Program Specialist (Livestock), SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC)

Microsoft Teams Meeting Details:
Meeting Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/47975779268988?p=ZUE6ft2Gnr9WB7ND1R

Meeting ID: 47975779268988
Passcode: HZ7Bj749

Participants are kindly requested to join the meeting at least five minutes before the scheduled start time to ensure the smooth commencement of the session. The program schedule is attached for your kind reference.

Important Note: Please ensure that the Microsoft Teams application is installed and accessible on your computer or mobile device before joining the webinar.

We look forward to your valuable participation in this important discussion. Thank you for your kind cooperation.

𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) is pleased to invite researchers, academicians, poultry professionals, veterinarians, students and development practitioners to join an insightful webinar on: “𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡”

Speaker:
Dr. Shyam Sundar Paul, Head, Division of Poultry Nutrition, ICAR–Directorate of Poultry Research, India

Ms Xiau Yi Tan
Senior Scientist, National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, Singapore

Moderator: Dr. Md. Younus Ali, Senior Program Specialist (Livestock) SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), Bangladesh

Date: 08 June 2026 (Monday)
Time: 11:00 AM | Bangladesh Standard Time (GMT+6)

The webinar will focus on safe poultry production practices, animal and human health linkage, food safety and the importance of the One Health approach in sustainable livestock development.

Registration Link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/EqHgDsr77j?origin=lprLink

N.B. The webinar link will be shared after registration.

Productive discussions were held today, 24 May 2026, between the Director of SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) and representatives from Asian Farmers Association (AFA), Heifer International and Adorshopariseba focusing on collaborative initiatives for the development of agriculture across the SAARC region.

The meeting highlighted the importance of strengthening regional cooperation in sustainable agriculture, farmer empowerment, climate-smart farming, food security, youth engagement and innovative agricultural technologies. The participating organisations expressed their commitment to working together for the welfare of farmers and the advancement of resilient agricultural systems in SAARC Member states.