Md. Abul Bashar:The SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) on Monday (03 August 2026) highlighted the urgent need for regional cooperation, innovation and policy support to reduce post-harvest losses of fruits across South Asia, as experts and policymakers gathered virtually for a three-day regional consultation meeting.
The program titled “Reduction of Post-Harvest Losses of Fruits in SAARC Member States,” brought together representatives from SAARC countries to discuss the current status and challenges of post-harvest losses in the region. Participants shared experiences, explored available technologies and identified practical solutions to strengthen fruit value chains and enhance food security across South Asia.
In his welcome address, SAC Director Dr. Md Harunur Rashid highlighted the economic and nutritional implications of post-harvest losses, stressing that reducing waste is essential for improving farmers’ incomes, ensuring food security and achieving sustainable agricultural development. He called for stronger collaboration among SAARC member states to address common challenges through knowledge sharing and technology adoption.
Presenting the meeting overview, Dr. Sikander Khan Tanveer, Senior Program Specialist (Crops) at SAC, outlined the consultation’s objectives and emphasized the importance of developing a regional framework to minimize losses from harvesting to marketing.
Delivering the keynote presentation, Dr. Imtiyaz Ahmad Zargar, Senior Scientist at the Division of Food Science and Technology of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir, India, highlighted the current post-harvest loss scenario in SAARC Member States. He noted that significant quantities of fruits are lost due to inadequate storage, transportation and processing facilities. He advocated for modern post-harvest technologies, capacity building and improved supply chain management to reduce losses and enhance market opportunities for farmers.
Speaking as the special guest, Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (ARD & SDF) of the SAARC Secretariat, reaffirmed the Secretariat’s commitment to promoting regional cooperation in agriculture and food systems.
The Chief Guest A.K.M. Shahidul Karim, Additional Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the importance of collective regional efforts to address food loss and strengthen agricultural resilience. He also highlighted that reducing post-harvest losses is crucial for enhancing food security, increasing farmers’ incomes and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the South Asian region.
The consultation will continue until August 5, focusing on policy recommendations, innovative technologies and future collaborative initiatives among SAARC Member States. Discussions will also explore circular farming, intelligent farming systems and the transition from linear, resource-intensive agricultural practices to knowledge-based circular agriculture for enhanced sustainability and food security.