Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Sept 22, 2025 (BSS) - SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) today launched a four-day regional training programme on “Exploitation of Cutting-edge Technologies for Yield Enhancement of Crops and Genetic Purity of Seed,” virtually. 

The initiative brings together leading agricultural scientists, experts and policymakers from across SAARC member states to discuss advanced technologies and strategies for boosting crop yields and ensuring sustainable food security, said a press release received here.

The training aims to strengthen regional collaboration, exchange knowledge and promote the adoption of innovative practices to ensure food security and sustainability across SAARC member states.

The programme was inaugurated with an overview of the training objectives by Dr Sikander Khan, Senior Program Specialist (Crops), SAC. 

A keynote paper on “Cutting-edge Agro-technologies: Concept, Importance & Availability in South Asia” was presented by Dr Velu Govindan, Principal Scientist, Wheat Breeding, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Mexico.

Speaking as Special Guest, Tanvir Ahmad Torophdar, Director (ARD & SDF), SAARC Secretariat, Nepal, said that with the world’s population growing rapidly, the use of cutting-edge agricultural technologies is no longer an option but a necessity. 

He highlighted the importance of genetic purity of seeds, sustainable water use and modern technology adoption to secure the region’s future.

Chief Guest Dr Md Mahmudur Rahman, Additional Secretary (PPC), Ministry of Agriculture, Bangladesh, stressed the challenges of soil degradation and climate-related disasters. 

He noted that Bangladesh has been advancing in using modern crop breeding technologies and modern seed quality technologies through the efforts of BRRI, BARI, BINA and other agricultural Research Organization. 

He further emphasized that agricultural success must be sustainable, citing innovative initiatives such as precision agriculture and farmer-oriented research.