DHAKA, July 8, 2024 (BSS) - SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), in collaboration with Welthungerhilfe, today commenced a three-day seminar titled 'Expert Consultation Meeting on Accelerating Transformation Process for Sustainable and Nutrition Sensitive Food Systems in South Asia'.
 
The event is being held from July 8-10, at a hotel in the city, a SAC press release said.

This regional expert consultation meeting aims to tackle the pressing challenges confronting South Asian countries in transitioning agri-food systems towards sustainability and nutrition sensitivity. 

The seminar is seeking to devise policy recommendations and craft a comprehensive regional roadmap aimed at fostering healthier, sustainable, and inclusive food systems. 

About 50 participants, including national focal point experts, government officials, nutrition specialists, policymakers, and relevant development partners are participating the seminar, marking a significant collaborative effort towards reshaping agri-food systems in South Asia.

 Through shared expertise and concerted efforts, the seminar aims to strategize for enhanced food security, improved nutrition outcomes, and heightened sustainability practices.

The inaugural session of the seminar was attended by Dr Sheikh Mohammad Bakhtiar, Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), as the chief guest, while Ambassador Abdul Motaleb Sarker, Director General (SAARC and BIMSTEC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and German Embassy's Political, Press and Cultural Attach, Silke Schmeer, as special guests.

Jamal Uddin Ahmed, Director, ARD, SAARC Secretariat, was present as the guest of honor.

Pankaj Kumar, Country Director, Welthungerhilfe Bangladesh; delivered welcome, setting the tone for constructive deliberations ahead. 

The inaugural session featured presentations by Anshuman Das from Welthungerhilfe India, on "Food System Summits and Transformation Pathways," and Dr Ganga Dutta Acharya from SAC, who spoke on "Food Systems Transformation for Better Nutrition in South Asia: From Policy to Practice." 

Dr Md Harunur Rashid, Director of SAARC, presided over the inaugural session.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Dr Bakhtiar Hossain emphasised that food security has emerged as a paramount global concern, especially in the wake of COVID-19.
 
He highlighted the significant efforts of the Bangladesh government in this regard, leading to Bangladesh achieving the third position in global rice production. Bangladesh has also made strides in the production of rice, meat, milk, and other agricultural products, with a particular focus on nutrition-sensitive cropping practices, he added.