Photo : SAARC

DHAKA, Dec 8, 2025 (BSS) - The SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) today observed the 41st anniversary of its Charter Day which was adopted during the first SAARC Summit held on December 8, 1985. 

To mark the occasion, SAC organized a colourful programme at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) complex here, with special emphasis on regional cooperation for a resilient agricultural future, said a press release.

This year’s celebration placed a keynote address on ‘Regional Cooperation for Climate-Smart Livestock Food System in South Asia in the context of One Health.’

S.M. Mahbubul Alam, Director General (SAARC & BIMSTEC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs graced the event as the chief guest.

In his address, Mahbubul Alam said that SAARC has served as an important platform for strengthening mutual cooperation among South Asian nations for long time. Highlighting the regional climate vulnerabilities, he noted that rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and climate-induced disasters continue to pose serious threats to agricultural systems across South Asia. 

These impacts are exposing our collective efforts to ensure safe, nutritious and accessible food for all leaving no one behind, he said and called for deeper regional coordination to tackle emerging challenges in livestock, food security and public health within a One Health framework.

The keynote speech was delivered by Dr. Muhammad Iqbul Anjum, Director (Animal Production), Animal Sciences Division of Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC). 

He emphasized the need for shared research, data harmonization and cross-border collaboration to build climate-smart livestock systems capable of withstanding increasing environmental stresses. 

He noted that One Health must remain a guiding principle in addressing zoonotic risks and ensuring food safety in the region.

The programme was chaired by Dr. Md. Abdus Salam, Executive Chairman of BARC, who stressed the importance of regional solidarity and scientific cooperation in achieving sustainable agricultural growth.

Prior to the keynote speech, SAC Director Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid delivered his welcome remarks and presented an overview of the centre’s activities along with its future priorities. 

He highlighted the role of SAC in facilitating collaborative research, promoting agricultural innovation and supporting evidence-based policymaking across the member states. 

The event was attended by representatives of the High Commissions and Embassies of SAARC countries, senior government officials, heads of institutions, scientists and representatives from development partners and NGOs. Two new SAC publications titled ‘Sustainable Family Farming in the Livestock Sector for Attaining UNDFF and the SDGs in South Asia’ and ‘Productivity Enhancement of Oilseed Crops in SAARC Member States’ were also unveiled during the programme.