Agrilife24.com:SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) observed the 41st anniversary of the Charter of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which was adopted during the first SAARC Summit held on December 8, 1985. To mark the occasion, SAC organized a colourful and engaging program at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) complex in Dhaka, placing special emphasis on regional cooperation for a resilient agricultural future.
This year’s celebration placed around a keynote address on “Regional Cooperation for Climate-Smart Livestock Food System in South Asia in the Context of One Health.”
S.M. Mahbubul Alam, Director General (SAARC & BIMSTEC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Bangladesh, graced the event as the Chief Guest.
In his address, the Chief Guest said that SAARC has long served as an important platform for strengthening mutual cooperation among South Asian nations. Highlighting regional climate vulnerabilities, he noted that rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and climate-induced disasters continue to pose serious threats to agricultural systems across South Asia. “These impacts are exposing our collective efforts to ensure safe, nutritious and accessible food for all leaving no one behind,” he added. He called for deeper regional coordination to tackle emerging challenges in livestock, food security and public health within a One Health framework.
The keynote speech was delivered by Dr. Muhammad Iqbul Anjum, Director (Animal Production), Animal Sciences Division, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC). He emphasized the need for shared research, data harmonization and cross-border collaboration to build climate-smart livestock systems capable of withstanding increasing environmental stresses. He noted that One Health must remain a guiding principle in addressing zoonotic risks and ensuring food safety in the region.
The program was chaired by Dr. Md. Abdus Salam, the Executive Chairman of BARC, who stressed the importance of regional solidarity and scientific cooperation in achieving sustainable agricultural growth.
Prior to the keynote speech, SAC Director Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid delivered his welcome remarks and presented an overview of the Centre’s activities along with its future priorities. He highlighted the role of SAC in facilitating collaborative research, promoting agricultural innovation and supporting evidence-based policymaking across the member states.
The event was attended by representatives of the High Commissions and Embassies of SAARC countries, senior government officials, heads of institutions, scientists from NARS organizations, and representatives from development partners and NGOs. Two new SAC publications titled “Sustainable Family Farming in the Livestock Sector for Attaining UNDFF and the SDGs in South Asia” and “Productivity Enhancement of Oilseed Crops in SAARC Member States” were also unveiled during the program.
