Md. Abul Bashar (Meraz):A three-day SAARC regional workshop aimed at advancing women’s economic empowerment through agri-livestock entrepreneurship and stronger market linkages began in Colombo, Sri Lanka, today (Monday), bringing together around 45 participants, including policymakers, professionals, government officials, technical experts and representatives of regional and international development organizations.
The inaugural program of the Regional Workshop on “Women Empowerment through Agri-Livestock Entrepreneurship Development and Market Linkage in South Asia”, being held on today (24th August 2026) jointly organized by the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH), Sri Lanka, the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Bangladesh and Sustainable Agriculture Foundation (SAF), Bangladesh.
Representatives from SAARC Member States like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka and leading development organizations, including CABI, Climate Action Network South Asia (CANSA), Welthungerhilfe (WHH), Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), WAVE Foundation and Heifer International, are participating in the programme, creating a regional platform for sharing experiences, good practices and policy perspectives on women-led agri-livestock enterprises.
D P Wickramasinghe, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, Sri Lanka, graced the inaugural session as chief guest, while Dr S Piyasiri, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, chaired the session. Dr B S S Perera, Director General, DAPH, delivered the welcome address.
Dr. Md. Younus Ali, Senior Program Specialist (Livestock), SAC, presented an overview of the regional workshop, while Dr G C S Kurugala, Director, Human Resource Development, DAPH, delivered the keynote presentation on sustainable agro-livestock entrepreneurship development and market linkage in South Asia.
The inaugural session was also addressed by Shahiya Ali Manik, Director (SA), SAARC Secretariat, Farhad Jamil, Executive Director, SAF; Dr Ashek Mahfuz, Portfolio Lead, GAIN; Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (ARD & SDF), SAARC Secretariat, who joined virtually.
Women play a vital role in South Asia’s agriculture and livestock sectors, yet many continue to face barriers in accessing finance, technology, skills, organized markets and business development services. The workshop seeks to identify promising agri-livestock enterprises, promote women-led entrepreneurship, strengthen market access and develop practical pathways for improving the livelihoods and economic empowerment of smallholder women farmers.
Technical discussions during the workshop focus on entrepreneurship and market linkage, climate-resilient production, safe food and nutrition, family farming, resilient livelihoods, capacity development, and research and policy gaps affecting women and youth in agriculture. Country experiences and successful models are also being shared to identify opportunities for wider regional application.
A major expected outcome is the development of regional strategies and an action-oriented framework for strengthening women-led agri-livestock enterprises and market connectivity across South Asia. The workshop will conclude on 26 August with a field visit showcasing good practices in women’s empowerment, agri-livestock entrepreneurship and market linkage in Sri Lanka.
