SAARC Agriculture Centre Unveils Two Books on Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture
Two books highlighting key aspects of agricultural trade, food safety standards, and sustainable agricultural systems in South Asia have been published. The books are titled “Strengthening Agricultural Trade through Harmonized Food Safety Standards in South Asia” and “Promoting Agroecological Approaches for Sustainable Transformation of Agrifood Systems in South Asia.”
The books were edited by Dr. Harunur Rashid, Dr. Md. Yunus Ali, Dr. Raja Ullah Khan, Dr. Md. Abdur Razzak, Palash Chandra Goswami, and Md. Abul Bashar.
The books were officially unveiled on Saturday, 14 March, at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 by Director General of the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific, Dr. P. Chandra Shekara, during an event organized by the SAARC Agriculture Centre at the book fair premises.
The event was chaired by SAARC Agriculture Centre Director Dr. Harunur Rashid. Delivering the welcome address, Senior Program Specialist (Livestock) of the SAARC Agriculture Centre Dr. Md. Yunus Ali said that regional knowledge exchange and joint research are extremely important to address common challenges in South Asia’s agricultural sector. He noted that stronger collaboration between researchers and policymakers would help reinforce food security systems and accelerate sustainable agricultural development.
In his remarks as chief guest, Dr. P. Chandra Shekara said that harmonized food safety standards are essential for expanding agricultural trade among South Asian countries. He added that policy coordination and stronger institutional capacity would enhance confidence in the regional food market and further strengthen rural economies.
In his presidential speech, Dr. Harunur Rashid said climate change, land degradation, and market uncertainties have placed South Asian agriculture under new challenges. He emphasized that agroecological approaches and research-based policies are crucial to addressing these challenges and building sustainable and resilient agrifood systems.
At the end of the event, a vote of thanks was delivered by Senior Program Specialist (Crops) of the SAARC Agriculture Centre Dr. Sikandar Khan Tanveer and Senior Program Specialist (Fisheries) Dr. Shariful Islam. The program was conducted by Senior Technical Officer of the SAARC Agriculture Centre Dr. AHM Taslima Akhtar.
DBTech/AB/MUM/OR
