SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) unveiled two important publications at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 on Saturday (March 14), highlighting key regional priorities in agricultural development and sustainable food systems in South Asia. The books, titled ‘Fostering Agricultural Trade through Harmonized Food Safety Standards in South Asia’ and ‘Promoting Agroecological Approaches for the Sustainable Transformation of Agri-food Systems in South Asia’, were officially launched during a ceremony held at the fair premises.

The book unveiling ceremony was honoured by Dr. P. Chandra Shekara, Director General of the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP), who attended the event as the chief guest. The event was presided over by Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid, Director of the SAARC Agriculture Centre.

The programme began with a welcome speech delivered by Dr. Md. Younus Ali, Senior Program Specialist (Livestock) at SAC. In his address, Dr. Younus Ali emphasized the importance of regional knowledge sharing and collaborative research to address common agricultural challenges in South Asia. He noted that stronger cooperation among researchers and policymakers can help improve food safety systems and support sustainable agricultural development across the SAARC region.

Speaking as the Chief Guest, Dr. P. Chandra Shekara highlighted the growing need for harmonized food safety standards to facilitate agricultural trade within South Asia. He informed that improving regulatory cooperation and strengthening institutional capacity would help build trust in regional food markets and support rural livelihoods.

Presiding over the ceremony, Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid said that South Asia’s agriculture is facing increasing pressures from climate change, land degradation and market uncertainties. He said agroecological approaches and science-based policy guidance are essential for building resilient agri-food systems and ensuring long-term food security for the SAARC region.

The publications were edited by a team of researchers and experts including Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid, Dr.  Md. Younus Ali, Dr. Raza Ullah Khan, Dr. Md. Abdur Razzaque, Palash Chandra Goswami and Md. Abul Bashar.

At the end, the votes of thanks were delivered by Dr. Sikander Khan Tanveer, Senior Program Specialist (Crops), and Dr. Md. Shariful Islam, Senior Program Specialist (Fisheries). The event was moderated by Dr. AHM Taslima Akhter, Senior Technical Officer at SAC.