Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Sept 9, 2025 (BSS) - The SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) today inaugurated a book corner at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF),Pakistan to strengthen regional cooperation and knowledge-sharing in agriculture across South Asia.

The ceremony held at the UAF main library, was inaugurated by the Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, who praised the initiative as a significant step towards expanding access to agricultural research and information, said a press release here. 

He said the SAC Book Corner would support researchers and students in addressing the pressing challenges of climate change and global food security.

Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, director of SAARC (ARD and SDF), SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu in Nepal; Muhammad Adeel Pervaiz, director (South Asia and SAARC) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan and Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid, director of SAC, were joined virtually along with other representatives from the SAC, Bangladesh and the SAARC Secretariat, Nepal.

Tanvir Ahmad Torophder said that agriculture is the backbone of the South Asian Economy but is presently facing increasing climate-related issues, which must be addressed through knowledge-based solutions.

Muhammad Adeel Pervaiz described the library as "a source of light", stressing that the SAC Book Corner will open new doors of knowledge for students, faculty and researchers.

In his remarks, Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid noted that SAC has published more than 200 research books and volumes to date, which are regularly distributed among agricultural universities and institutions in the region. 

The Centre actively promotes regional research, policy interventions and capacity-building initiatives to tackle shared agricultural challenges, he added.

The programme began with a wonderful inauguration of SAC book corner ceremony at the main library, followed by an orientation to the SAC Book Corner's print and digital resources. Later, participants joined an online meeting with representatives from Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan. 

Deans of different faculties, Professors of different departments and students of the UAF were also present in the event. 

All the distinguished guest speakers appreciated the hard work of Dr. Sikander Khan Tanveer, senior program specialist (Crops) of SAC and as well as Umar Farooq, librarian of UAF, and his team for the establishment of this SAC Book Corner.

The SAC Book Corner is expected to serve as a valuable resource hub, enhancing regional collaboration and providing access to climate-smart agricultural knowledge for Pakistan and the wider South Asian region.