Plant Protection: SAARC Experts Discuss Biosecurity
A three-day regional workshop on “Agricultural Biosecurity for Plant Health in South Asia” commenced on Tuesday, 19 August, under the initiative of the SAARC Agriculture Centre. Conducted virtually, the workshop brings together experts, policymakers, and researchers from SAARC member countries to discuss challenges in safeguarding plant health and countering cross-border biological threats.
Abdul Motaleb Sarkar, Additional Foreign Secretary (SAARC & BIMSTEC) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, joined as the chief guest at the inaugural session. He said, “To ensure food security and safeguard regional trade, South Asian countries must work collaboratively.”
Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid, Director of the SAARC Agriculture Centre, welcomed the participants and chaired the technical session. He emphasized, “Biosecurity is critical to protect crops from pests and diseases crossing borders. An integrated regional strategy is the only way to make agriculture sustainable and safe.”
Dr. Nazmun Nahar Karim, Executive Chairman (Routine Duty) of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council, attended as a special guest and underscored the importance of establishing strong linkages between research and policymaking. Tanvir Ahmed Tarafdar, Director (ARD & SDF) of the SAARC Secretariat, Nepal, highlighted the need for unified plant quarantine standards to ensure safe trade.
Dr. V. Celia Challam, Chief Scientist of the Plant Quarantine Division at ICAR-NBPGR, India, presented the keynote paper, noting, “Due to climate change and open borders, the risks of new pests and diseases such as wheat blast, fruit armyworm, and locusts are increasing.”
Dr. Sikandar Khan Tanvir, Senior Program Specialist (Crops) at the SAARC Agriculture Centre, outlined the workshop’s objectives and agenda. He stated, “This workshop will serve as a consultative platform for SAARC member countries to identify challenges, opportunities, and collaborative initiatives.”
Experts emphasized strengthening regional networks, establishing early warning and surveillance systems, raising awareness among farmers about integrated pest management (IPM), and promoting the use of digital technologies.
Over the three-day workshop, recommendations will be formulated on establishing the SAARC Plant Health Biosafety Network, implementing real-time information-sharing mechanisms, and enhancing research and development collaboration.
