Md. Abul Bashar:A three-day regional training on hybrid seed production of vegetables for SAARC member states began in Bhutan today (5 Octobor 2026), aiming to strengthen technical capacity and regional cooperation in quality seed production.

The training, organised by the Department of Agriculture under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Bhutan in collaboration with the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), Dhaka, is being held from October 5 to 7 at the National Centre for Organic Agriculture in Yusipang in hybrid mode.

Bhutan’s Agriculture and Livestock Minister Lyonpo Younten Phuntsho attended the inaugural session as the chief guest, while Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, director of the SAARC Secretariat, attended as the special guest.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Bhutan Maleka Parveen, Neha Yadav, first secretary at the Embassy of India in Bhutan, and the director general of the Department of Multilateral Affairs under Bhutan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade were also present.

Officials from the SAARC Secretariat, SAC and Bhutan’s Department of Agriculture, along with resource persons and participants from SAARC member states, attended the programme. Around 30 researchers from Bhutan joined in person, while participants from Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka joined virtually.

In his inaugural address, Minister Younten Phuntsho highlighted the importance of plant breeding, hybrid vigour and quality seed systems in improving agricultural productivity, food and nutrition security and resilience to climate variability, pests and diseases.

He stressed that investment in seed technology, research and human capacity should translate into practical benefits for farmers through improved varieties, accessible technologies and reliable seed systems.

The training includes technical lectures, practical exercises, laboratory and field demonstrations and group learning. Sessions will focus particularly on hybrid seed production of tomato and chilli, covering parent plant management, emasculation, pollination, genetic purity, seed handling, storage and quality control.

Organisers said strengthening regional capacity in hybrid seed production could improve access to quality seed, reduce dependence on imported hybrid seed and strengthen domestic seed systems across South Asia.

The initiative ultimately seeks to help farmers improve productivity, produce more uniform and marketable vegetables and strengthen farm profitability and livelihoods