• 28 Jan, 2024
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To mark the 39^th SAARC Chartered day, the SAARC Agriculture Centre brought together High Commissioner/Ambassadors and/or representatives, from SAARC Member States in Bangladesh along with high-ranking government officials, senior scientists, development partners, experts, media repersentatives, and other stakeholders in a collective reflection on the journey of regional cooperation in agriculture. The event took place on December 10, 2023 at the BARC complex in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Ms. Wahida Akter, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Bangladesh graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. HE Ambassador Abdul Motaleb Sarker, Director General (SAARC and BIMSTEC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs joined as the Special Guest. Dr. Sheikh Mohammad Bakhtiar, Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), chaired the event with distinction, embodying the commitment to regional collaboration. Dr. Md. Baktear Hossain, Director, SAARC Agriculture Centre and Member Director (Natural Resources Management Division), BARC welcomed the guests and addressed on the occasion.

Dr. Ganga Dutta Acharya, Senior Program Specialist (Priority Setting and Program Development), SAC delivered a compelling keynote speech on “Agri-food Systems Transformation for Better Nutrition: Pathways for South Asia in this auspicious occasion.

In an era where the security of our food systems is paramount, Dr. Acharya’s address transcended the realm of intellectual discourse, resonating as a call to action applauded by distinguished guests. This article serves as a gateway into the essence of a compelling narrative that explores the root causes, challenges, and innovative solutions shaping the intricate fabric of South Asia’s agrifood systems.

Dr. Acharya, a stalwart with a wealth of knowledge on the South Asian perspective, shared profound insights in his compelling keynote speech. This article, more than a compilation of words, is a call to unity, understanding, and collective action for a future where food security is not just an aspiration but an enduring reality for all.

Dr Acharya highlighted the complex tapestry of Agricultural and Food Systems (AFS), intricately woven with actors, institutions, and activities from production to consumption. It was a holistic exploration of the journey from farm to fork, shedding light on the interconnectedness shaping the food environments we navigate.

Dr. Acharya illustrated the global call for agrifood systems transformation emerged as a response to these challenges. The call aimed to ensure food and nutritional security, eliminate hunger, reverse environmental degradation, and restore ecosystems. Dr. Acharya emphasized the intrinsic link between these transformations and the governance and steering of these intricate systems.

He critically examined prevailing issues in the discourse around agrifood systems transformation. The over-simplification of complex issues, prioritizing profits over people and the planet, and focusing on symptoms rather than root causes were dissected as hindrances to genuine transformation.

The keynote offered pathways for transformation, advocating a shift from profit-oriented monoculture to diversified production systems, localized market development, promotion of the agro-ecological practices, and producer’s control over the systems. Dr. Acharya underscored the urgency of addressing inequalities as the root cause, steering policies toward holistic, inclusive, and sustainable models.

To explore the full spectrum of Dr. Ganga Acharya’s insights, 🔗 Read the Full Article here. Engage in a meaningful conversation by reaching out to him via email at ganga_da@yahoo.com. Your thoughts and inquiries are not just welcomed but encouraged as we collectively pave the way towards a more secure and sustainable agrifood future. Let the discourse begin, and together, let’s contribute to a nourished and resilient South Asia.