Md. Abul Bashar: A dedicated SAARC Agricultural Centre (SAC) Book Corner was inaugurated on Tuesday (22 July 2025) at the library of Gazipur Agricultural University (GAU), aiming to enhance access to South Asian agricultural research and promote greater academic collaboration across the region.
The Book Corner featuring nearly 200 scholarly publications, was jointly inaugurated by Professor Dr. GKM Mustafizur Rahman, Vice Chancellor of Gazipur Agricultural University and Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid, Director of the SAARC Agriculture Centre.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Professor Dr. M. Moynal Haque, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Gazipur Agricultural University, and Professor Dr. Md. Safiul Islam Afrad, Treasurer of the university. The event was chaired by Professor Dr. Md. Yunus Miah, Chief of the GAU Library.
The program was also attended by Dr. Md. Younus Ali, Senior Program Specialist (Livestock); Dr. Sikander Khan Tanveer, Senior Program Specialist (Crops); and Dr. Raza Ullah Khan, Senior Program Specialist (Natural Resource Management) from the SAARC Agriculture Centre, along with SAC representatives, university officials, faculty members and students.
Supported by the SAARC Agriculture Centre, the Book Corner includes publications covering a wide range of agricultural themes such as crops, horticulture, livestock, poultry, fisheries, natural resource management, climate-smart agriculture, and policy and adaptation strategies for drought- and salinity-affected areas.
Professor Dr. GKM Mustafizur Rahman, Vice Chancellor of Gazipur Agricultural University, said, “These books are rich with insights and evidence-based research. They will serve as an invaluable resource for our students, researchers, and faculty members dedicated to agricultural advancement.”
Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid, Director of the SAARC Agriculture Centre, said, “These publications reflect the strong collaboration between academia and researchers in addressing agricultural challenges across SAARC member countries, including Bangladesh. They are vital reference materials for researchers, postgraduate and PhD students, and academics working on region-specific agricultural development.”
He further added that the SAARC Agriculture Centre actively conducts regional research, policy dialogues, and capacity-building programs to strengthen agricultural systems across South Asia. The Centre regularly disseminates scientific knowledge and best practices through publications, workshops, and technical exchanges among member countries
It is noteworthy that the SAARC Agriculture Centre has so far published more than 250 agriculture-related research books, which are regularly distributed to agricultural universities and institutions across South Asia to promote regional cooperation and knowledge sharing.
