A three-day regional workshop on “Agricultural Biosecurity for Plant Health Protection in South Asia,” organized by the SAARC Agriculture Centre, began today.
The workshop, being held virtually, brings together experts, policymakers, and researchers from SAARC member countries. Discussions are focusing on safeguarding plant health, addressing transboundary biological threats and pests, and enhancing regional cooperation.
The opening session was attended by Abdul Motaleb Sarkar, Additional Secretary (SAARC and BIMSTEC) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as the chief guest. He emphasized the need for South Asian nations to work collectively to ensure food security and protect regional trade.
Welcoming the participants, Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid, Director of the SAARC Agriculture Centre, stressed the importance of biosecurity in protecting crops from cross-border pests and diseases. He highlighted the necessity of a coordinated regional strategy to ensure sustainable and safe agriculture, while also chairing the technical session.
Special guest Dr. Nazmun Nahar Karim, Acting Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council, underlined the importance of fostering closer links between research and policymaking. Another guest, Tanvir Ahmed Torofdar, Director (ARD and SDF) of the SAARC Secretariat in Nepal, called for harmonized plant quarantine standards to ensure safe regional trade.
The keynote paper was presented by Dr. V. Selia Chalam, Principal Scientist at the Plant Quarantine Division of ICAR-NBPGR, India. He warned that climate change and open borders are heightening the risks of emerging threats such as wheat blast, fall armyworm, and locust infestations.
Outlining the objectives and agenda, Dr. Sikandar Khan Tanveer, Senior Program Specialist (Crops) at the SAARC Agriculture Centre, said the workshop aims to provide a consultative platform for member countries to identify challenges, opportunities, and joint actions.
Participating experts emphasized the importance of strengthening regional networks, establishing early warning and surveillance systems, raising awareness among farmers on integrated pest management (IPM), and utilizing digital technologies in plant health protection.
Over the three days, the workshop will formulate recommendations on creating a SAARC Plant Health Biosecurity Network, establishing real-time information-sharing mechanisms, and enhancing cooperation in research and development.
