DHAKA – Nazrul Islam Khan, Political and Agriculture Adviser to the Prime Minister, stated on Tuesday that strengthening the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is essential to fortifying the agricultural sector across South Asia.
Addressing the “Development Partners and Investors Coordination Meeting” as the Chief Guest, the Adviser emphasized that agriculture remains the backbone of the region’s economy and its sustainable development depends heavily on modernization.
Emphasis on Technology and Investment
The Adviser highlighted the necessity of integrating advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to transform the farming landscape. He also identified climate change as a critical threat and called for increased investment in climate-resilient agriculture.
”The present government, in line with the BNP’s election manifesto, is committed to strengthening ties with all nations, including our South Asian neighbors. As part of this commitment, various steps are being taken to revitalize SAARC activities,” the Adviser remarked.
Strategic Regional Cooperation
The event was organized jointly by the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) Bangladesh, and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) South Asia.
Several high-level officials and experts shared their insights during the session:
Ambassador A.K.M. Shahidul Karim (Additional Foreign Secretary): Stressed the need for practical, technology-driven cooperation to ensure food security.
Tanveer Ahmed Torafdar (Director, SAARC Secretariat): Noted that while SAARC nations have made progress, strengthening public-private partnerships is vital for long-term results.
Dr. Shahidur Rashid (Director, IFPRI South Asia): Reaffirmed the commitment to working alongside the SAARC Agriculture Centre to tackle multifaceted challenges.
Dr. Rudaba Khondker (Country Director, GAIN Bangladesh): Called for collective action to make South Asian food systems more efficient and affordable for all.
Vision for Innovation
The meeting was presided over by Dr. Md. Harun-ur-Rashid, Director of the SAARC Agriculture Centre. He outlined the center’s strategic priorities, emphasizing that regional cooperation is the only way to tackle shared agricultural hurdles. He urged stakeholders to focus on innovation, climate resilience, and investment partnerships.
The session concluded with an open discussion where investors, development partners, and researchers proposed new frameworks for regional agricultural priorities and investment opportunities. – Report By MD Abdur Rahman Dhaka
