19th edition - saarc agriculture centre report/annual report 2014.pdf · sericulture commission to...
TRANSCRIPT
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Salient Features of 2014 Programs The SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) activities in 2014 are ensured to its success and is growing more interest in the agricultural research and innovation for development and technology dissemination as well as sustainable development goal in agriculture of the SAARC member countries. It has been developed linkages among agricultural scientists, technologists, researchers, extension service providers and policy makers of the South Asian Region through the establishment of regional networking for technology dissemination and providing input for regional cooperation in agriculture to face the common goals and challenges meet by the SAARC member countries. It provides a brief account on the happening of the Centre during the period from January to December 2014
SAC made a journey during 2014 as a regional platform for facilitating agriculture research for development. Besides the regular activities of the Centre, the few initiatives on thrust areas of agriculture like climate change impact, mite management of coconut, high yielding dairy buffalo breed development, use of geo-information technology for mapping of land degradation, regional, five adaptive trials on oilseed, cluster bean, rice varieties tolerant to abiotic stresses, pulses and vegetables. Also capacity development on fish processing quality control and hazard analysis, advances in poultry nutrition and feed technology and SAARC Pesticide information networking. Among the six objectives of the Centre, need based regional country studies were initiated and completed in 2014.
The important programs and salient features of activities for the year 2014 are stated below
� The 8th Governing Board Meeting of SAC � SAARC Charter Day celebration on 8 December 2014 � Regional Country study and adaptive research/trial � Capacity development � Information/technology dissemination � Seminars/Guest Lectures on agricultural research and innovation � Visit of the important personnel � New arrivals/Publications on regular and need based programs and sharing
among SAARC member countries
Increasing the technical capacity of the member countries in agriculture, SAC, organized two regional training (i) advances in poultry nutrition and feed technology (ii) fish processing quality control and hazard analysis and critical control. The
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trainings were very successful in ensuring the participation of the members and skill development of the participants.
To continue the dissemination of information on successful agricultural technologies, SAC collating, synthesis, compiled, editing and printed several manuscripts for wider distribution to the South Asian Regions for facilitating agriculture researchers, students and policy makers. To mention a few, SAARC Journal of Agriculture, SAARC AgriNews, Food grain situations in SAARC countries are important. The Centre collected 75 videos CDs from the region and distributed 950 video CDs on agro-technologies to interested agencies and individuals. In regular intervals, information on successful agro-technologies is broadcast in the television for wider dissemination.
The centre continues to diversify its program primarily to ensure inclusion of factors influencing agriculture production and also to promote holistic agriculture development policies. To attend the diversified program, SAC is gradually increasing its human resource capacity by inducting new professionals and promoting the existing professionals.
As one of the first SAARC regional centre, SAC has always remained concentrated with the member countries and the regional agriculture issues. As agricultural issues are becoming globalized and influenced by external factors, research and development focuses need to expand. In an effort to share our experiences with others and to take benefits of other organizations engaged in agriculture research and development related programs in the region, SAC tries to link with relevant institutions. For instance, SAC developed a Memorandum of Understanding with International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines to be partner in research and capacity development. SAC is initiating MoU with International Sericulture Commission to develop sericulture industry in the region. A close link is being developed with Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institute (APAARI). Within the region, similar collaborations are also foreseen with International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Nepal, and ICRISAT. The Centre is working with CIRDAP for agriculture and rural development as well as national institutes of the SAARC member countries with their financial involvement.
With the success and experience gained from 2014 activities, the 8th Meeting of the SAC-Governing Board bestowed the centre with challenges to become professional and come at par with any international institution. In the spirit of enhancing SAC‟s relevance and eminence, the meeting advocated the need to collaborate with regional and international institutions in conducting regional agricultural research and
development, while taking the member country on board.
The Centre is now working on the very important program on adaptive trials/research on oilseed, cluster bean, rice varieties tolerant to abiotic stresses, pulses and vegetables and trying to develop networking among scientists. This on-going adaptive trials/research are fulfilling the wider objectives of the Centre.
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Agriculture Management Programs of SAC
Synthesis Report on Adaptation to Climate Change Impact on Crop
Production in SAARC Member Countries
A two-days Regional Expert Consultation Meeting on
“Adaptation to Climate Change Impact on Crop
Production in SAARC Member Countries” was
held at Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council
(BARC), Dhaka, Bangladesh organized by SAARC
Agriculture Centre (SAC) in association with BARC
to identify impact of climate change on crop
production in member countries of SAARC and
suggest adaptation measures to protect crops from
damage due to climate change. During consultation
meeting, eleven (11) technical papers and one
synopsis paper was presented. All the resource
persons from SAARC member countries and others
participants of the consultation meeting discussed in the four groups on the
following thematic areas:
a) Research related issues
b) Development and Extension issues
c) Policies
d) Future prospects
At the end of the Consultation Meeting, recommendations were adopted in each
above thematic area. A synthesis report was prepared considering the presented
papers in the consultation and finally a book has been published in 2014 including
synthesis paper and all country papers
Synthesis Report
Climate change impacts in South Asia
South Asian countries are highly vulnerable to the climate change impacts due to
its size, physiographic location, population and resource endowment. Geography
coupled with high levels of poverty and population density has rendered South
Asia especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change (World Bank, 2008).
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Climate Change Adaptations in South Asia
Bangladesh
Climate change adaptation technologies in agriculture sector
Adaptations to climate change for agricultural sectors includes the resilient
variety, cropping pattern, irrigation techniques, sustainable land management,
early warning, research, subsidies, supply of inputs etc. The country is trying to
develop coping mechanism against natural hazards like floods, droughts, tidal-
surges etc.
Technology Special characteristics Varieties
Management
Package
Development for
Rice
saline tolerant rice
varieties
BRRI dhan 40, 41, 47, 53, 54, 55, and 61
submergence tolerant
varieties
BRRI dhan 51 and 52
medium heat tolerant BRRI dhan 24, 42 and 43 and dhan 57
short duration BRRI dhan 33 (110-120 days), BRRI dhan
39 (120 days), BINA dhan 7 (110-120 days)
tolerate 50cm high tidal
non-saline water
BRRI dhan 44
late sowing after flood BRRI dhan 22, 23 and 46
cold tolerant rice variety BRRI dhan 36
flood rehabilitation
situation and salt
tolerance
BINAsail and BINAdhan-8
flood prone area BINAdhan 11 and BINAdhan- 12
Management
Package
Development for
other crops
heat tolerant varieties BARI Gom 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24
Saline and Drought
prone areas
Wheat-BARI gom-25, Mustard-BARI
Sharisha -11, BARI Sharisha -16
Drought tolerant Wheat-BARI gom-26, Gram-BARI Chola 5,
Barley- BARI Barley 6, Sugarcane-Iswardi-
20
Saline tolerant Mustard-BARI Sharisha-10, Potato- Saikat,
Hog-plum- BARI Amra 1 and 2, Sugarcane-
Iswardi-38, 39 & 40, Ground nut - BINAchinabadam-5 BINAchinabadam-6
Non-saline areas BARI sweet potato-6 and 7
Heat and drought
tolerant
BARI hybrid tomato-3 and 4
Flood tolerant Sugarcane-Iswardi-34
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Technology Special characteristics Varieties
Other adaptation
technologies
supplementary irrigation
by mini pond water
farmers get additional
yield of 0.89 ton
(17.80%) of rice per
hectare from cultivating
HYV
Mini Pond: Mini pond now disseminating
in farmers field of northern region of
Bangladesh by Disaster and Climate Risk
Management in Agriculture Project, CDMP-
II, Department of Agriculture Extension Part
Adjusting planting time BRRI dhan 56 (short duration, 100-105
days, It can produce 3.50 ton even in
less than 20% soil moisture.) BRRI
dhan 57 (short duration, 110-115 days,
It can produce 3.00 ton even in less than
20% soil moisture).
Early harvest (short duration) rice
varieties: BRRI dhan 33 (110-120
days), BRRI dhan 39 (120 days), BINA
dhan 7 (110-120 days).
Cultivation of less water
loving crops like, maize,
wheat, linseed, pulses,
oil crops
The crops like maize, wheat, linseed, pulses,
oil crops was recommended for the farming
community for cultivation in different
seasons.
Alternative Wet and Dry
(AWD) method in
Drought Prone areas
It saved about 22 to 25% water by which
farmers saved about 1,791.00 TK per
hectare. no. of Irrigation saved in AWD
technology demonstrated plot is 4 than the
traditional Plot.
Farm Yard Manure
The organic matter content of soil in the
drought prone areas is exceptionally low as
0.8-1.2%, which can be supplemented by
FYM
Green manure Introduction of green manure crops into the
existing T. aman rice cultivation system can
also improve the fertility status and water-
holding capacity of the soil.
Cropping pattern Farmers of drought prone areas are
following Potato-BRRI dhan 28/BRRI
dhan29-BINA dhan-7. DCRMA Project
introduced Potato/wheat-T aus (BRRI
dhan48) - BINAdhan-7
In Barind area, DCRMA project introduced
T Aman Rice (BINA dhan-7)-Wheat (BARI
gom-25) –Mung bean (BARI mung-6) and T
Aman (BINAdhan-7)-Mustard (BARI
shorisha-14) –Mungbean (BARI mung-6)
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Technology Special characteristics Varieties
Zero or minimum tillage
to cultivate potato with
water hyacinth and straw
mulch
This practice can produce several different
types of crops (e.g. potato, aroid, groundnut,
chickpea, onion, garlic) using minimum
tillage in saline areas.
Water saving technology
in Saline area
Raised bed technology is used for vegetables
and fruit trees that decrease the salinity level
and increase the production. Mulching also
helps to increase the soil moisture level and
decrease the salinity of soil.
Relay cropping grass pea
(khesari) in aman rice
crop
Farmers cultivate different local aman
variety (Dudkalam, etc.) which is grown
during the monsoon under rainfed
conditions.
Sarjan method
cultivation
Intrusion of tidal water and thus flooding
into the crop land and homestead has been a
regular phenomenon, in some upazilas of the
Pirojpur district. Dig trench, raising land and
by this way producing various crops and
trees in the raised land. High beds, 1-2 m
wide, alternated with low beds of similar
size (called Sorjan) are constructed.
Late Varieties of Aman
Rice: Suitable Option for
Adapting Intense
Monsoon Rainfall
Farmers transplanted seedlings of BR 22,
BR 23, BRRI Dhan 46, and found
satisfactory production over 5 tons/ha
(CNRS 2012a ).
Floating Garden
Local communities have been practicing an
indigenous method of vegetables farming on
floating mats locally called “baira” (floating
garden/hydroponics). Floating garden is a
special kind of traditional livelihood practice
which people are adopting over the years in
flood-prone southern districts.
Bhutan
Adaptation program and activities
The conversion of wet land is prohibited to any other form of land use which
safeguards the land for rice cultivation.
The shifting cultivation which was quite rampant in the Eastern part of the
country has been banned and such farmers are provided with incentives to convert
such land into orchards and dry land farming.
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The promotion of organic program is vigorously pursued to reduce dependency
on external inputs like chemical fertilizers and agrochemicals. In addition, use of
bio- pesticides is being promoted.
All persistent and very hazardous groups of pesticides are banned. The removal of
subsidy on all kinds of pesticides since 1995 has brought down the use of agro-
pesticides.
Sustainable Land Management program which provides support for participatory
land management are given very high priority. Sustainable land management
includes measures like hedgerow plantation using fodder species which serve dual
purposes as a source of feed as well as protection against erosion.
The Government has adopted the Zero grazing policy so that the utilization of
animal waste are used properly which can be used to increase the yield of the
agriculture crops.
Land terracing, contour-bounding and building check dams to control soil erosion
are also promoted.
Management of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in order to reduce the risk
of washing away of arable land and properties due to downstream flood has been
accorded highest priority.
Implementation of pollution control strategies by the National Environmental
Commission in the Industries to prevent the untoward effect on crops due to
release of unwanted gases.
India
Adaptation program and technologies
Considering the extent and diversity of the agro-ecological zones, the research
institutions and universities are fully engaged in generation of agro-technologies
for climate change adaptation. In parallel there are numerous farmer initiated
technology adaptation and developments. Some of the examples are presented
below:
Technology/programs Specific features
Flood tolerant varieties Rice varieties Swarna-sub1, MTU-1010, MTU-1001 and
MTU-1140
Village level seed bank Participatory village level seed production of short duration,
drought and flood tolerant varieties was demonstrated in several
NICRA villages with the support of KVKs in rice, soybean,
groundnut, green gram, finger millet, foxtail millet and pigeon
pea. Breeder seed / foundation seed was sourced from research
farms for multiplication in farmers fields and the quality seed so
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Technology/programs Specific features
produced was mostly used in the village and nearby villages.
Farmer to farmer sale as truthful seed was the means of spread.
Reclaiming cultivable
wastelands
As per the plan, each farmer actively participated by
contributing his labour in laying out the bunds while the project
facilitated levelling of the land. Farmers took up shaping of the
bunds with increased height for better in situ rainwater
conservation and to prevent erosion by runoff.
Crop diversification
Intercropping of Setaria (foxtail millet, SIA-3085 variety) with
pigeonpea (5:1 ratio) sown in July
Intercropping of soybean + pigeonpea (4:2), pearl millet +
pigeonpea (3:3), pigeonpea + green gram (1:2) and cotton +
green gram (1:1) performed significantly better than their sole
crops at Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
Similarly, demonstrations on crop diversification by inclusion of
HYVs of black gram, sesamum, gobhi sarson, gram, lentil, toria
and okra were conducted in Said-Sohal village in Kathua district
of Jammu and Kashmir.
Building resilience in soil Soil testing and fertility management
Adapted cultivars and
cropping systems
Improved, early duration drought, heat and flood tolerant
varieties are introduced for achieving op/mum yields despite
climatic stresses.
Rainwater harvesting and
recycling
Construction of farm ponds
Water saving technologies direct seeded rice, zero tillage and other soil-water conservation
practices
Livestock and fishery
interventions
Proper management of pond, fodder and livestock
Weather based agro
advisories
Develop and issue customized agro advisories and improve
weather literacy among farmers
Village Climate Risk
Management Committee
Community based group to coordinate climate risk management
Stress tolerant crop varieties Developed and released nearly 3,300 high-yielding
varieties/hybrids of field crops for different agro-ecologies
Nepal
Adaptation program and technologies
Adaptation includes policies, strategies, program, plans and activities that help
people and ecosystems reduce the vulnerability to the adverse impacts of climate
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change and minimize the costs of climate related disasters. It aims is to reduce the
climate-related vulnerability and empower the farm community to effectively
cope with current climatic variability and to adapt to the unexpected
consequences of climate change. To develop coherent adaptation program, main
factors causing vulnerability of climate change should be understood. Lesser
awareness of policy makers on the serious impact of climate change on
development as well as unavailability of legal and regulatory framework for
managing effect and risks of climate change in the short, medium and long term
are the important factors causing the level of vulnerability to climate change. In
view point of reducing the impacts of climate change and its variability, the
adaptation measures and strategies should be considered from local level to
national level.
Adaptation strategy Technology
Community
Indigenous
Knowledge on Crop
management with the
climate variability
- Farmers of Kaski district are constructing ponds for run-off water
collection and conservation during monsoon season and use the
collected water in dry season for vegetable farming as drip
irrigation,
- Construction of drainage channel in Bari (sloppy) lands to check
soil erosion from intense rainfall,
- Farmers delayed transplanting of millet till August in spite of June
transplanting in Kaski district,
- Cultivation of potato on heap of soil to reduce loss of soil
moisture,
- Farmers started to plant wheat in December instead of November
for proper germination due to condensation of dew in the year of
early withdrawal of monsoon. Generally, wheat is grown in
residual moisture after rice harvesting,
- Potatoes are now growing in rows that require less irrigation water
to cope with drought,
- Due to drought, irrigated Khet (paddy) lands in some of the hilly
districts are converted to rainfed and rice has been replaced by
millet and mustard. Farmers are also growing drought tolerant
crops in semi-irrigated lands,
- Mustard replaced wheat which requires less water,
- In the flooding area of Bardiya and Kailali district (far-western
development region), community farmers are growing
watermelon, sesame, black gram, peanut and sweet potato to cope
with stress condition,
- Leguminous crops are introducing in cropping system,
- Use of more number of seedlings per hills in the eastern Terai
(Jhapa and Morang districts) plains, which helps in reducing the
risk of drought damage.
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Adaptation strategy Technology
Short-term adaptation
measures
- Rehabilitation and networking of existing irrigation system and
promotion of rain water harvesting technology in order to prevent
crop failures caused by drought in drought prone areas thus
reduces drought risk and increased planting index,
- Strengthen existing community based early warning flood
prevention systems to reduce the crop losses from water
inundation and promotion of runoff harvesting as well as building
water storage systems during periods of intense rains,
- Use of more heat and drought tolerant crop/varieties in rainfed
areas where precipitation and increased temperature poses the risk
of crop failure,
- Develop and promote resource conservation agriculture
technology as minimum tillage and zero tillage practices for rice,
wheat, maize and legumes to reduce carbon and water loss from
soil, particularly in the Terai and hill region,
- Application of soil conservation practices particularly in the hilly
and mountain areas,
- Limiting practices of mono-cropping to reduce vulnerability of
farmers to weather-related events,
- Identification, documentation, demonstration and extension of
existing available climate resilient production technologies,
- Provision of good quality seeds to vulnerable groups and of
appropriate varieties by agro-ecological region,
- Revitalizing research and extension programs in the areas of
institution, human resources, methodologies and supporting
facilities for extension activities,
- Development of strong extension and communication system to
deliver the climate resilient technologies at community level,
- Promote available post-harvest practices to manage climate related
risks proactively.
- Promote crop diversification programs like multiple and mixed
cropping systems which gives better insurance averting the risk of
crop failure with diversified income source and natural resources
conservations;
- Broaden extension services and research programs to help farmers
introduce new adaptive technologies and farming practices related
to crop production
Medium-term
adaptation measures
(4-5 years)
- Implementing climate change adaptation strategies outlined in
different agriculture policies and frameworks to promote resilience
and sustainable development,
- Capacity building programs at government level aimed at
enhancing knowledge and understanding of the key challenges of
climate change in crop production,
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Adaptation strategy Technology
- Enhance knowledge, innovation and good practices and training
and general education for climate change adaptation for the rural
population considering the gender to help improve their
knowledge on adaptive farming practices,
- Formulation and implementation of the strategy of agricultural
research and development institutions to help them address
identified adaptation needs and priorities, while at the same time
considering the financial and human resources investments
necessary for this; possible creation of a special Climate Change
Adaptation Cell where ever required,
- Strengthening of present crop monitoring system in order to better
monitor crops and to provide early warning information to the
farmers,
- Development and implementation of early warning systems for
flood prevention in affected areas,
- Promotion of crop diversification with crops suitable to local
conditions within appropriate regions,
- Provision of support for daily, weekly and seasonal climate
outlooks by making available to the farm community,
- There is a need to radically depart from reliance on rain-fed food
production through heavy utilization of irrigation. There is
therefore the need for adequate provision of irrigation and
drainage infrastructures which could be regarded as crucial for
climate change adaptation,
- Development of plans for short-term measures to adapt to water
shortages and thus mitigate drought,
- Documentation and utilization of indigenous knowledge on
coping climate change impact and
- Development of strategy, plan and program for Climate Smart
Agriculture.
Long-term adaptation
measures (10-15
years)
- Increased investment aiming at strengthening research and
development institutions for developing climate resilient and
climate change adaptive agricultural technologies and its
communication at the community level,
- Develop new crop varieties and breeds resistant to heat, drought,
new pests and diseases,
- Promotion of studies to identify areas of opportunity in the
different agro-ecological regions of the country in terms of soil
and water conservation,
- Elaborating risk maps for the different agro-ecological regions of
the country,
- Continuous promotion of contingency planning at all level,
- Identification and promotion of risk sharing and transfer
mechanism at community level,
- Establish strategic partnership in an interdisciplinary and sectoral
approach at all the level
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Adaptation strategy Technology
- Strengthening local capacity to cope with the climate change
impact in agricultural production and deal with vulnerability and
uncertainty by developing regular monitoring, vulnerability
assessment and reporting mechanism,
- Strategies to promote public and private awareness and
participation in climate change adaptation in agriculture,
- Strengthen the related institution to develop climate-forecasting
and early warning systems for reducing hazards in the agriculture
and effective distribution of information to farmers,
- Introduction of weather-indexing crop insurance system by
integrating micro-finance programs,
- Programs to establish crop insurance covering losses due to
flooding and drought,
- Increased investments for rehabilitation and construction of
efficient irrigation schemes,
- Develop interactive communication for transfer of technologies to
farmers about climate change and its impacts on crop production,
- Developing continuous regional and international collaboration
and coordination in terms of information sharing on adaptive
farming practices and new farming technologies to help cope with
vulnerabilities,
- Diversifying the livelihood strategy to include income from other
farming and non-farming activities,
- Program and investment to establish seed bank at community level
for seed security and crop/variety diversity at the time seed
scarcity and
- Vulnerability study on the effect of future climate change on crop
production using different decision support tools.
Pakistan
Adaptation to climate change impact
Agriculture is central to human survival and is probably the human enterprise
most vulnerable to change in climate. Agriculture sector is the life line and the
single largest sector of Pakistan‟s economy and is greatly affected by short term
climate variability and could be harmed significantly by long-term climate
change. As the duration of crop growth cycle is related to temperature, an increase
in temperature will speed up crop growth and shorten the duration between
sowing and harvesting. This shortening could have an adverse effect on
productivity of food and fodder crops.
Similarly the hydrological cycle is also likely to be influenced by global warming,
necessitating the agriculture and livestock sectors, particularly in rain-fed areas, to
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adapt to these climatic changes. Since the agriculture sector is heavily dependent
on the water sector and water resources are inextricably linked with climate;
hence, the projected climate change has serious implications for Pakistan‟s water
resources and agriculture sector. The freshwater resources, in Pakistan, are based
on snow- and glacier-melt and monsoon rains, both being highly sensitive to
climate change.
To address the impact of climate change on water resources and to help in
enhancing water security, the Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with
relevant entities planned to take the following adaptation measures that are also
related to the agriculture sector:
Assess and address the needs for additional water storages and distribution
infrastructure;
Ensure early rehabilitation, remodelling and up gradation of the existing
irrigation infrastructure in the country to make it resilient to climate change
related extreme events;
Ensure water conservation, reduction in irrigation system losses and provide
incentives for adaptation of more efficient irrigation techniques;
Introduce local rain harvesting measures.
Ensure recycling of wastewater through proper treatment and reuse it in
agriculture, artificial wetlands and groundwater recharge etc;
Promote public awareness campaigns to underscore the importance of
conservation and sustainable use of water resources.
With this background, a number of initiatives have been taken to enhance the
resilience in existing cropping systems so that farming community, the end users,
in agriculture may be able to cope with the adverse effects of climate change.
Notable achievements are briefly described here.
Adaptation program Technologies
Bio-remediation and
Integrated Farming
Treatment of used water and contaminated soil through
bioremediation processes. Committed to conserve 23 MAF
waste water per annum to meet irrigation requirements,
eliminate environmental pollution posed by it, reclaim water,
land and improve agricultural productivity.
Integrated farming is second component exercising in the field
of livestock, fodder, poultry, fruits and vegetables, honey bee,
alternate energy resources (biogas plants) and sericulture
practices to create a model for various stake holders through
use of bio-remediated water thus putting step towards poverty
elimination.
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Adaptation program Technologies
Wheat Program at National
Agricultural Research Centre
development of new varieties
of crops which are high
yielding, resistant to heat
stress, drought tolerant, less
vulnerable to heavy spells of
rains, and less prone to
insects and pests.
mungbean-wheat rotation has advantages over the traditional
fallow-wheat rotation
Improving the crop
productivity per unit of land
and per unit of water
increasing the efficiency of various agricultural inputs, in
particular irrigation water is another adaptation strategy which
is also one of the interventions of National Climate Change
Policy.
Introduction of Plastic Film
Mulching Technology in
Sugarcane
Have the advantages of 15-25% higher germination, moisture
preservation for 80- 90 days, weed control up to 80%, keeping
salts below the roots and increase in fertilizer uptake
efficiency. This technology is now being tested at farmers‟
fields for evaluation of common plastic film mulching
(Chinese) and locally manufactured herbicidal film. Keeping in
view the results observed so far studies for improvement in
local manufacturing of herbicidal plastic film for control of
narrow leaf weeds are under consideration.
Introduction of Aerobic Rice
Production Technology
Aiming at conserving water and enhancing the paddy yield.
Under this technology the paddy crops do not need standing
water necessary for the crop but cultivated like wheat and
maize crops. It was claimed that by using the technology the
farmers in the country can not only enhance their production
but also conserve water in the rice cultivating areas.
Crop Management in Wheat
In rice-wheat area use of zero-tillage drill can help in timely
planting. It also reduces the cost of cultivation and saves
irrigation water. Similarly, relay cropping can be used in
cotton-wheat zone in which cotton field is irrigated without
cutting the cotton crop and then moist wheat seed is
broadcasted. Bed sowing is another good option in cotton zone
which results in early planting, water saving and better wheat
crop stand. In sugarcane zone government may ensure timely
purchase of sugarcane from growers by sugar mills so that
wheat could be planted in the area well in time and thus
increasing the crop production. At present, due to delay of
wheat planting in this zone, about 10-15% yield is reduced.
Availability of Plant Genetic
Resources
Research in various disciplines for boosting crop productivity
for ensuring food security in the country on sustainable basis
and keeping the eye on future needs.
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Sri Lanka
Adaptation to climate change impact
Farming systems and agronomic practices in most agricultural regions of Sri
Lanka have evolved in close harmony with the prevailing climatic conditions of
respective climatic regions of the island. Climate variability has always been a
threat to the food security in Sri Lanka especially in the Dry and Intermediate
zones where major portion of paddy and other field crops are cultivated.
Following list gives a comprehensive account of such adaptation strategies while
some of them still can play a vital role in reducing the vulnerability of agriculture
sector to the climate change in today‟s context.
Adaptation strategies Technologies
Current crop management
practices of farmers and
agriculture professionals on
mitigating climate variability
impacts
- Multiple cropping in rainfed upland cultivation (Chena
cultivation)
- Blending traditional agriculture with modern agricultural
technologies
- Use of short-age crop and varieties
- Use of quality seeds and planting materials
- Use of drought resistant traditional varieties
- Application of organic manure and mulching
- Integration of livestock in to agriculture
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches
- Integrated Plant Nutrient Systems (IPNS) approaches
- Adoption of agro-forestry concepts
- Home gardening
- Soil and water conservation measures in highlands
- Use of shallow ground water for supplementary
irrigation (Agro-wells)
- Shifting of annual cropping lands to perennial fruit crops
or plantation crops
- Vertical agriculture in urban environments
- Intensive agriculture in protected houses
- Use of micro irrigation in both annual and perennial
cropping systems
- Micro-financing with reduced interest rates by the
government‟s bank
- Supply of chemical fertilizers under a subsidy scheme
- Adherence to crop recommendations stipulated by
respective government agencies
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Opportunity for up-scaling
The impact of climate change can vary in terms of scale but largely have similar
effects in all countries. The vulnerability of all countries in the region to climate
change impacts is generally comparable. Within the global initiatives, all
countries are committed to the international conventions and have instituted
national frameworks as was deemed necessary. In view of the severity of climate
change impacts, adaptation strategies are evolved at local level by farmers and
communities, regional and national level. Many of the adaptation strategies and
technologies are very successful and have potentials for up-scaling; some of them
are listed below:
If adaptations are classified into three (autonomous, anticipatory, and reactive),
agricultural technologies can also be classified accordingly for easy appreciating
their purpose and benefits.
Types of
adaptation
Technologies/strategies for up-scaling
Autonomous - Adoption of agro-forestry concepts
- Home gardening
- Soil and water conservation measures in highlands
- Adjustment of cropping patterns and crops
- Community based management/support group
Anticipatory - Agricultural advisory services (India), Early warning systems – engaging
community
- Use of shallow ground water for supplementary irrigation (Agro-wells)
- Shifting of annual cropping lands to perennial fruit crops or plantation
crops
- Vertical agriculture in urban environments
- Intensive agriculture in protected houses
- Program and investment to establish seed bank at community level for
seed security and crop/variety diversity at the time seed scarcity and
- Develop new crop varieties and breeds resistant to heat, drought, new
pests and diseases,
- Introduction of weather-indexing crop insurance system by integrating
micro-finance programs,
Reactive - Bio-remediation and Integrated Farming
- Micro-financing with reduced interest rates by the government‟s bank
- Use of micro irrigation in both annual and perennial cropping systems
- Aerobic Rice Production Technology
- Plastic Film Mulching Technology
- Community based early warning flood prevention systems
18
In addition to the specific technologies that can be up-scaled, the information dissemination and capacity development program needs to be implemented to enhance the resilience of the community.
- Develop interactive communication for transfer of technologies to farmers about climate change and its impacts on crop production,
- Promote public awareness campaigns to underscore the importance of conservation and sustainable use of water resources.
- Develop local institutions (community-based) and capacitate them with skills, tools and resources to service climate change adaptation programs.
- Developing continuous regional and international collaboration and coordination in terms of information sharing on adaptive farming practices and new farming technologies to help cope with vulnerabilities.
- Sharing of germplasm of crop/livestock/fisheries and innovative technologies among SAARC Member Countries
- Application of GIS, remote sensing and cropping systems models (APSIM, DSSAT, Info Crop) as a tools to generate appropriate crop management strategies
- Capacity building of farmers for adopting innovative technologies
- Prioritize the adaptation measures for different farming systems (homestead production, cropping systems, livestock and fisheries, agroforestry) to promote climate smart agriculture
- Introduce curriculum of climate change: mitigation and adaptation in agricultural universities
Way forward-proposition of the SAARC experts
The SAARC regional expert consultation meeting on “Adaptation to Climate
Change Impact on Crop Production in SAARC member countries” organized at
Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council; Dhaka, Bangladesh during 23-24
November 2013 contemplated future directions under three broad categories and
committed to collaborate to collectively address the issue of climate change.
Policy - Regional seed bank for exchange of quality Seeds during disasters
- Ensuring availability of quality inputs, credit and placement of appropriate crop
insurance mechanisms in each member countries
- Strong representation of agriculture sector in international climate change
negotiations
- Encourage South-South cooperation in finding solutions for climate change
impacts on agriculture
- Establish a Central Climate Change Secretariat at the focal point Ministry of the
United Nations Frame for Climate Change (UNFCC) in each member country
having a strong linkage with relevant ministry to coordinate climate change
19
related activities in agriculture of each member country involving all the stake
holders engaged in research, development and policy formulation to address
climate change issues
- Review existing investments and subsidies in the context of adaptation
measures and promote the concept of Climate Smart Agriculture at local, regional
and national level
- Strengthen the seasonal climate forecasting capacity with a considerable lead time
with the help of SAARC member countries in information generation and
dissemination through ICT
- Strengthening and institutionalization of agricultural research and development
through increased investment for developing climate change adaptive and resilient
agricultural technologies
- Network among SAARC member countries to form climate change alliance in the
region
- Promote private sector participation and investment in climate change adaptation
and mitigation initiatives
- Encourage to maintain the gender concerns in climate change adaptation and
mitigation interventions
Research - Breeding for stress tolerant and short duration varieties to fit in the cropping
systems
- Development and promotion of location specific efficient technologies to reduce
GHG emission in each member countries of SAARC as per their demand and
need
- Risk analysis of emerging pests, diseases and weeds, and technological measures
to minimize risk
- Identification and promotion of the use of traditional knowledge and community
based practices like on-farm water management, water shed management, rain
water harvesting and improvement of soil management practices for adaptation
- Use of different climate modelling tools for evidence based policy advocacy to
enhance resilience of agriculture through technologies and natural resource
management.
- Application of GIS and Remote sensing technologies for enhanced capacity of
adaptation to climate change
Developm
ent and
Extension
- Regional collaboration and cooperation in agriculture for identification,
documentation and sharing of successful climate smart technologies among the
SAARC countries through involvement of different stakeholders and arrange
exposure visits for successful cases coordinated by SAC
- Capacity building for the research and extension personnel on climate smart
technologies
- Use of ICT (Mobile, Mass Media-Community Radio, website, Television
including satellite channels in extension, use Agromet Bulletins) for agro-
advisory weather forecasting system
- Promote self help or framers‟ groups at local level for dissemination of climate
related issues including adaptation measures and policies
- Diversification of the production systems to reduce climate risk and link
technologies across the Value Chain
- Promotion of integrated farming system approach, farm mechanization for small
holder agriculture, resource conservation agriculture (e.g. zero tillage, bed
planting) and prototype exchange among the SAARC countries
20
Adaptive Trials in SAARC member countries
Experts Consultation Meeting for Inception on Identification of Rice
Varieties Tolerant to Abiotic Stresses for adaptive trial in SAARC countries
A regional consultation meeting on “Identification of Rice Varieties Tolerant to
Abiotic Stresses in SAARC countries” which is grown successfully in adverse
climatic situation towards ensuring food security among the SAARC countries
was held in Bangladesh during 10-11 June 2014. The event was jointly organized
by the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), Bangladesh Agricultural Research
Council (BARC) and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Renowned
agricultural scientists and policy makers from SAARC countries (Bangladesh,
Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) participated in the event.
SAC undertook this demand driven program to identify high yielding rice
varieties sown under abiotic stress conditions in different environments of
SAARC countries and organized a consultative meeting to discuss as to how the
network could be initiated to encourage and stimulate national partners in
SAARC region to commit themselves to exchange and share rice varieties among
themselves and to enhance and expedite the process of varietal releases to their
farmers through multi-location uniform evaluation trials.
Goal
This study was undertaken to identify high yielding rice varieties sown under
abiotic stress conditions in different environments of SAARC countries in order
to stabilize rice production under abiotic stress environment.
Consultation Meeting
In the meeting, Dr. Uma Shankar
Singh, a renowned rice scientist
and South Asia Regional
Coordinator of Stress Tolerant
Rice for Africa and South Asia
project (STRASA) highlighted the
newly developed stress tolerant
rice varieties under STRASA
project. Dr. U. S. Singh confirmed
that a number of multiple-stress
tolerant rice varieties are in the process of being released soon while he
mentioned that the variety are in the pipeline which can overcome at least three
stress conditions like salinity, zinc deficiency and iron toxicity. Also he pointed
that another variety is being to develop which has salt proof nature as well as
21
biotic stress tolerant capacity. Most of the scientists from different SAARC
countries pointed that scientists should also be focused on developing more
farmer-friendly rice variety.
In the consultations, it was discussed that drought, submergence, salinity, cold
and heat are becoming an alarming threat to crop production due to climate
change, and these are increasing year after year. In Bangladesh, the entire coastal-
belt is going to be barren lands in boro season due to increased salinity. In
monsoon, submergence in low-lying areas is now a common phenomenon where
farmers are not getting good harvests due to flash-floods. Inadequate rainfall in
transplanting, growth, and fruiting stage of aman rice cultivation is hindering the
farm households to get good yield. Cold havoc for a certain period in winter
season is destroying the rice seedlings in seedbed. Also due to extreme
temperature, the rice panicles are becoming sterile while now-a-days farmers are
getting poor yield. Almost similar problems are faced by the other SAARC
countries while it is understood that a number of most suitable stress tolerant rice
varieties have been developed recently by the different SAARC countries. Most
of these newly developed stress tolerant rice varieties can overcome such adverse
situation. After discussions, a number of most suitable stress-tolerant rice varieties
have been identified by the SAARC delegates. Those varieties can be tested
among the SAARC countries in their locality.
Regarding salt tolerant rice variety,
the delegates identified the rice
variety as Binadhan-10 and BRRI
dhan61 in dry season in
Bangladesh; CR dhan406, 403, and
405 in India; KSK 287, 133, and
434 in Pakistan; and Bg 369, and
AT 354 in Sri Lanka which can
survive up to 10-12 dS/meter in
salinity condition. In relation to
submergence tolerant rice variety,
the scientists identified the rice variety as BRRI dhan51, 52, Binadhan11, and 12
in Bangladesh; Swarna Sub1, and IR64 Sub1 in India; Samba Mahsuri Sub1 in
Nepal; and Bg 96-741 in Sri Lanka are suitable in 15 days submergence
condition. To overcome drought condition, the participants selected the variety as
BRRI dhan56, 57, and BU dhan 1 in Bangladesh; Shahabagi, and Pyari in India;
Sukha dhan-2, and 3 in Nepal as the drought tolerant rice variety which can
overcome at least two weeks drought condition in aman season. Regarding cold
tolerant rice variety, the delegates identified the variety as No.11 (Japonica),
Yusiey, and Khap in Bhutan; Chandan in India; Khumal 8 and 10 in Nepal;
22
Fakhre-Malakand in Pakistan; BR18 in Bangladesh, which can survive coldness
in winter season. Regarding heat tolerance, the delegates identified the rice
variety only IR6 and KSK133 varieties are available in Pakistan while two heat
tolerant rice varieties are in process to release in India as expressed by the Indian
Delegate. No other SAARC countries have any heat tolerant rice variety yet,
while Bangladesh observed the highest temperature this year since 1950.
No. of varieties to be shared by member countries
Country Drought
Tolerant
Salinity
Tolerant
Cold
Tolerant
Heat
Tolerant
Submergence
Tolerant
Bangladesh 3 4 2 - 3
Bhutan - - 2 - -
India 2 4 2 2 2
Nepal 2 - 2 - 1
Pakistan - 3 1 2 -
Sri Lanka - 2 - - 1
No. of locations for adaptive trials
Countries Trials to be sown
Bangladesh Drought, Salinity, Cold, Heat, Submergence Stresses
Bhutan Drought Stress
India Drought, Salinity, Cold, Heat, Submergence Stresses
Nepal Drought, Cold, Heat, Submergence Stresses
Pakistan Drought, Salinity, Cold, Heat, Submergence Stresses
Sri Lanka Drought, Salinity, Cold, Heat, Submergence Stresses
Recommendations
Varieties tolerant to abiotic stresses to
be shared by member countries
Professionals from member countries
(Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal,
Pakistan and Sri Lanka), IRRI and
local participants from 11 Institutes
identified five areas of abiotic
stresses.
23
1) Drought stress, 2) Salinity stress, 3) Cold stress, 4) Heat stress, 5)
Submergence stress.
Focal point experts from member countries committed to share the varieties for
adaptive trials. Collaborative experiments in form of adaptive trial will be
conducted in each participating country. On the basis of performance, varieties
will be identified for different regions.
Introduction of cluster bean in SAARC Countries by adaptive
trial
Cluster bean (Guar) [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub] is a drought tolerant,
summer annual legume, well adapted to arid and semi arid areas of the region.
Although, Guar is considered to be a minor crop, it has a larger role among the
domesticated plants that supply the food and needs of human beings as it contains
a high content of nutritional quality protein. This study is undertaken to introduce
cluster bean crop in SAARC countries as a new industrial/ commercial crop in
SAARC countries.
Objectives
Introduction of cluster bean as a new industrial/ commercial crop in SAARC
countries.
Evaluation of cluster bean varieties in non-traditional areas.
Under the initiatives
On the basis of results on successful cultivation of this crop in SAARC countries, a project would be launched for;
Early maturing, drought tolerant, disease resistant and high yielding varieties and germplasm rich in „Galactomannan‟ would be identified and shared in a network approach;
Best practices would be identified;
Overall knowledge base within the countries would be shared; and
It is decided to collect 2-3 high yielding varieties of cluster bean from Pakistan and India, and send to the member countries for appraisal of successful cultivation in SAARC countries. Each participating country will conduct trials in main cropping season of 2015. There should be three (3) locations per country. Depending on the progress and further interest of member countries, it may be further expanded and carried forward as adaptive trial especially targeting small/ marginal farmers of the region.
SAC is responsible to coordinate/facilitate the activities related to the network. SAC has to collect and provide observations to be made, standard data sheets and other recording material from SAARC member countries.
24
Expert consultation meeting for inception on Regional Adaptive
Trials on Oilseeds in SAARC Countries
Besides cereals, oilseed is one of the valuable and desired crops in the SAARC region for achieving food and nutritional security. Considering the importance of oilseeds, SAC identified the urgent need of sharing the genetic resources amongst the SAARC member countries. As such, SAC in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Renewable Natural Resources – Research and Development Centre, Yusipang organized an expert consultative meeting for inception on “Regional adaptive trials on oilseeds in SAARC countries” during 28-29 May 2014 in Bhutan.
During meeting, it was decided to collect varieties/ promising lines of rapeseed/mustard, groundnut, soybeans, sesame and safflower from SAARC member countries for adaptive trials to be sown in member counties. The experts from member countries also designed detail modalities and took several decisions for effective implementation of the programme in the SAARC region. This study will be undertaken to identify high yielding oilseed crops varieties sown in different environments of SAARC Region.
Objectives of the oilseeds Adaptive Trial
• To identify high yielding, drought tolerant, disease and insect-pest resistant cultivars/germplasm of oilseed crops
• Promotion of oilseeds with complete package of practices within each country through adaptive trial
• Promising cultivars selected from the trials will be submitted to relevant national regulatory bodies of variety release by focal points of individual countries
• Sharing of successful technologies, knowledge and best practices among the region would help sustainable development of oilseeds.
Focal Point Experts from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka participated in the meeting. Professionals from various agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forest, Bhutan i.e. National Seed Centre (NSC), Agriculture Machineries (AMC), Council for RNR Research of Bhutan (CORRB), RNR-Research and Development Centres, Bajo, Yusipang and Wengkhar also participated in the meeting.
25
During technical sessions, country status on oilseed crops was presented by Focal
Point Experts. Each technical session was followed by discussion. Focal point
experts from member countries committed to share the varieties for adaptive
trials. Collaborative experiments in form of adaptive trial will be conducted in
each participating country. On the basis of performance, varieties will be
identified for different regions.
Recommendations
It is recommended that Adaptive trial on common oilseed crops in SAARC
member countries may be planned to identify the most suitable and wider
adaptive lines/varieties for different countries.
• Meeting agreed that SAC would coordinate adaptive trials on Rapeseed-
Mustard (16 varieties), Groundnut (11 varieties), Soybean (11 varieties),
Sesame (12 varieties), and Safflower (9 varieties). Participating countries will
include one local variety as check.
• SAC should develop a mechanism to facilitate exchange of germplasm within
SAARC member countries and other International Institutions through
common collaborative research program and MoU among the SAARC
member countries.
• Bilateral exchange of scientific technical expertise and farmers, SAC can
facilitate such exchange.
• Establish Regional Institute for Oilseeds Research and Development as the
oilseed group of crops are not being dealt by any international
institute/organization under CGIAR.
26
No. of varieties to be shared by member countries
Country Rapeseed/Mustard Groundnut Sesame Soybean Safflower
Afghanistan - - - - 1
Bangladesh 3 2 3 1 1
Bhutan 1 - - 1 -
India 5 4 5 6 4
Nepal 2 - - - 1
Pakistan 3 3 2 2 2
Sri Lanka 2 2 2 2 -
SAARC Vegetable Adaptive Trial Network (SVATNet)
SAARC Vegetable Adaptive Trial Network in SAARC region (SVATNeT) for
the following rationale:
1. To serve as an effective
instrument for exchange of
material, sharing of scientific
knowledge, human resource
development and pooling
synergies of research and
development efforts of
SAARC countries.
2. Identify better varieties in
different countries based on
results obtained from
SVATNeT trials and improve
vegetable productivity and
production in SAARC region.
In turn this would ensure
nutritional security in the
region and livelihood security
of farming communities.
3. Enhance visibility of public
sector in vegetable seeds
which is now dominated by
private sector.
SAARC Vegetable Adaptive
Trials Network
The 6th
TCARD meeting held during 10-
12th
October 2010 endorsed the proposal
of regional workshop to initiate regional
activity on vegetable. Subsequently SAC
included the activity in its 2011 program
and convened an inception workshop in
Dhaka during 16-17 November 2011. The
adaptive trial has been started in SAARC
member since 2012 with selected five
vegetables (Tomato, Brinjal, Okra,
Pumkin and Cucumber). In 2012, winter
season trial was done as well as a review
meeting was held in India
During 2013 and 2014, winter and
summer season trials were done and a
review meeting in 2013 was held in
Bhutan.
27
Some vegetable varieties included in the regional trial
As agreed the participating countries and institutions contributed 28 varieties
/lines of different vegetable for the trial (Table 1).
Vegetable varieties/lines received from SAARC Countries and AVRDC
Crops/
Country/
Organization
Variety/Line Crops/
Country/
Organization
Variety/Line
Brinjal/Eggplant Tomato
Bangladesh 1. BARI Begun 6 Bangladesh 1. BARI Tomato 14
2. BARI Begun 8 2. BARI Tomato 15
Pakistan 3. Dilnasheen Nepal 3. NCL 1
4. Nirala Pakistan 4. Riogrande
Sri Lanka 5. Padagoda 5. Nagina
6. SM 164 Sri Lanka 6. Thilina
AVRDC 7. V1050264 (TS 02598) 7. Tharindu
8. V1046096 (TS 02252) 8. Ravi
Cucumber AVRDC,
Taiwan
9. AVTO1130(CLN3126A-7)
Nepal 1. Kusle 10. AVTO1132(CLN3078 I)
Pakistan 2. Sialkot Selection Pumpkin
Sri Lanka 3. Champion Bangladesh 1. BARI Mistikumra
Okra Nepal 2. Jante
Nepal 1. Parvati Pakistan 3. NARC 2007
Pakistan 2. Sabaz Peri Sri Lanka 4. Ruhuna
Sri Lanka 3. Haritha
28
SAARC Pulse Adaptive Trial Network (SPATNet)
Pulses are important in terms of nutrition and subsistence farming. Many species
of food legumes are grown at diverse agro-ecological zones. Pulses play a vital
role in crop diversification, increasing cropping intensity, restoration of soil
fertility and breaking disease cycles. Tender pods and green seeds are eaten as
vegetables, and mature dried seeds cooked whole, split, broken or ground.
Sprouted seeds are consumed as salad, while some of the beans are used as
roasted like groundnuts. Certain by-products, and soybean cakes, are used in
livestock and poultry feed. Pulses are valuable export/ import commodity in world
trade. To make a comprehensive analysis of the scenario of pulse production and
its potentials SAC organized regional consultation meeting
Pulse area and production
In world, pulses (solely harvested for dry grains) are grown on 71,210,131
hectares with production of 59,465,125 tonnes and productivity of 835 kg ha-1
(FAO 2009). While the area of pulses are is decreasing, production is in
increasing trend although at a slow pace (Figure 1). The world population is in
increasing trend, however, the static pulse production showed the deficit of
pulses.
Change in pulse area and production in SAARC countries between 1999 and 2009
India is the largest producer (23% share in area) and consumer of grain legumes
in world. The regional studies show that, India occupies the major share in area
(90.4%) and production (89.7%), followed by Pakistan (7% area and production),
and the least in Bhutan (Figure 2). In Bangladesh, area and production has
declined by almost half. Pulse yield data for Afghanistan and Bhutan over
estimate the mean grain yield of the region. Overall, there has been a slight
increment in grain yield over time. Majority of pulses are grown as rainfed crops
in marginal land with minimum inputs. However, in India and Sri Lanka less than
20% pulse area is irrigated. Major pulses lentil and chickpea are grown in residual
29
soil moisture as relay crop or after the harvest of rice either as sole crops or as
mixtures with other grain legumes or oilseed crops.
A two-day consultation meeting for
inception on “Regional Initiation
on Improvement of Pulses and
Adaptive Trials in SAARC
Member Countries” was organized
at National Bureau of Plant Genetic
Resources, Pusa Campus, New
Delhi jointly organized by SAARC
Agriculture Centre and Indian
Council of Agricultural Research,
New Delhi, India. This meeting
was organized as follow-up of the
recommendations of the Regional
SAARC Workshop on pulses
organized by SAC held in
Kathmandu, Nepal.
Output of the meeting
Developed the modalities through inception meeting for pulse adaptive trial in
SAARC Member Countries
Lentil, Blackgram and Mungbean have been selected as pulse crops and also
elite varieties and germplasm of the crops were identified
Seeds were collected for first year from SAARC member countries for field
trial in the member states and SAC has given code number of the collected
varieties of the pulses seeds and handed over to the focal points for trial
Adaptive trials have been conducted in the year of 2014 in winter season in
SAARC member countries
For the second year, collecting and disseminating of seeds for adaptive trial in
the winter season in 2015
The member countries contributed a total of 29 varieties/lines of the three pulses
to develop an adaptive trial network. There were 10 mungbean, 11 lentil, 8
blackgram varieties. Accordingly trials has been established in research
institutions of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka
Pulse area (hectare) in SAARC countries
30
Consultation Meeting/Workshop in SAARC Member
Countries in 2014
Regional Experts Consultation Workshop on Mite Management of Coconut
in SAARC Member Countries
A two days Regional Expert Consultation workshop on Mite Management of
Coconut in SAARC member countries” was held at Bangladesh Agricultural
Research Council (BARC), Dhaka and Bangladesh Agricultural Research
Institute (BARI), Gazipur during 10-11 August 2014 jointly organized by
SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council
(BARC), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) and Krishi
Gobeshona Foundation (KGF) with the goal to identify effective integrated
management package for controlling mite pest of coconut in SAARC Member
Countries
During two days consultation meeting,
ten (10) technical papers and one
synopsis paper were presented. Forty
five resource persons from SAARC
member countries and others
participants of the consultation
discussed in the three groups (research,
extension and policy issues) on the
following issues:
About the incidences by coconut mite in SAARC member countries
Present practices in the South Asian Region to control mite in coconut and
To collect guidance on mite management from the scientists with core
coconut knowledge in South Asia
At the end of the Consultative workshop, recommendations were adopted
considering the above issues and a publication was published in 2014
Recommendations
At the end of the Consultative workshop, following recommendations were
adopted considering the above issues as follows:
Policy issues
Some of our neighbouring countries of this region have made remarkable
progress towards developing and popularizing sustainable management
technologies against not only for coconut mite but also for other pests and
diseases of coconut. So, a coordinated approach of the scientists of this region
31
can play a vital role to develop a sustainable and environment friendly means
to manage those pests.
A coordinated project to develop sustainable solution of the pest and disease
problems in coconut including mite can be undertaken under the SAARC
umbrella involving the member countries to boost up the overall productivity
of coconut crop in South Asia. SAC will take initiative for formulating this
project.
• Separate Coconut Development Board or similar organisation may be
established in those countries where coconut production is not up to the mark.
The Board will take the necessary steps for the overall development of
coconut industries.
• Separate Coconut Research Institute /Centre/unit may be established in the
countries where it has not yet done.
• Incentives, viz. bank loan, technical training, and supply of high yielding
propagation materials etc. for the small holder coconut growers and also bank
loan and other related facilities for the SME on coconut products may be
given for sustainable growth of coconut industries.
• Strengthening Research – Academic -Extension – Input supply agencies
linkage nationally and regionally (among the SAARC countries).
• Web-based network on coconut production and protection technologies
developed by the SAARC member countries and among the coconut
researchers, growers may be established.
• Need international exchange of technical expertise through research
networking and program for capacity building of coconut researchers,
extension worker and academicians may be undertaken.
• Private sector may assist in different aspect to develop the commercial venture
of the bio-pesticides or microbial, so that those products can be available at
the farm level.
• Steps may be taken to give legal permission to the authorities and solve
related issues for easy availability of different bio-pesticides and strict quality
control measures should be undertaken for the commercially available bio-
pesticides.
• Motivation work for the use of different product including coconut oil among
the consumers may strengthen
Research Related Issues
• Survey and mapping of extent of damage and population dynamics of coconut
mite along with other devastating pests and diseases may be undertaken.
32
• Development of bio-pesticide based technologies for coconut mite along with
other devastating pests and diseases may be undertaken.
• Collection and cataloguing of native natural enemies of mite.
• Identification/development of varieties resistant to coconut mite by utilizing
molecular tools or conventional breeding program and genetic manipulation
for intermediate variety (no long or no dwarf)
• Holistic approach for integrated packages development for all major insect
pests and diseases including coconut mite along with crop management aspect
may be undertaken.
• Study on the bio-ecology, mite-host relationship and transboundary pests and
disease of coconut may be done.
• Introduction/exchange of effective bio-control agents among the member
countries.
• Extensive research work especially in the public sector should be undertaken
for the development of effective and cheap bio-pesticide based IPM
technologies against major insect pests & diseases of coconut.
• Emphasis on biological control, host plant resistance should be given for
sustainable management.
• Research institutes should collaborate with other coconut R&D organization
in other member countries to investigate the epidemiology, etiology and
control measure of coconut mite. Specially improve early detection methods
and search for natural control agents
33
Extension issues
• Exchange of effective technology (s) among member countries
• Training for Trainers (TOT)
• Technology transfer through farmers training
• Demonstration
• Farmers Field School
• Motivational /Study tour
• Dissemination of encouraging results through mass media, electronic media,
print media
• Conduct adaptive research
• Seminars and workshop
• Visit members country
• Need area-wide farmer participatory demonstrations.
Regional Orientation Meeting on SAARC Pesticide Information
Network (SPINet)
Regional Orientation Meeting
on SPINet held in Agriculture
Education Unit, University of
Peradeniya, Sri Lanka during
23-27th June 2014. Professor
Buddhi Marambe, Department
of Crop Science, Faculty of
Agriculture, University of
Peradeniya, Sri Lanka as the
local coordinator welcomed all
the delegates from the SAARC
Member States and the guests in the inaugural session. Participants from
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka attended the
orientation meeting.
Technical sessions were divided into:
• General introduction of the web-based database application: SPINet System
and Structure
• Administering the backend of SPINet
• Administering the frontend of SPINet
• Database management
34
A planning session was also organized to draw the course of action to complete
the data input as completing the category of variables, appointing Data Manager,
correction of the Website, completing uploading country data, country Profiles,
link to the National Newsletter on Pesticide/IPM/Plant protection, link to National
“Pesticide Acts and Policies” status and prospects on pesticide residue monitoring
and management in SAARC Region – Consultative program and organize training
on pesticide residue analysis techniques management.
Regional Workshop on Good Agriculture practices of Fruits and
Vegetables in SAARC Member Countries
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Regional Office
for Asia and Pacific organized a three-day regional consultation workshop on
Implementation of Good Agricultural Practices in SAARC Member Countries:
SAARC GAP Scheme held in Dhaka, Bangladesh from 22-24 September 2014.
The workshop jointly organized by FAO and SAC.
Guest and Participants of the GAP workshop
The objectives of the workshop are developing a Regional Scheme on GAP for
SAARC member countries which include the standards as well as certification
criteria and supporting some pilot SAARC countries to implement the scheme and
certification system.
Focal point experts from SAARC Member Countries attended in this consultation
workshop. During the workshop, a good number of suggestions received from
experts that made to improve the scheme on GAP for SAARC Member Countries.
Now the GAP Scheme is implementing among SAARC Member Countries.
35
Regional Orientation Meeting and Exposure on “High Yielding
Dairy Buffalo Breed Development in SAARC Countries”
SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) in collaboration with Livestock and Dairy
Development Department (L&DD), Government of the Punjab, Pakistan
organized a three days orientation meeting and exposure on flourishing buffalo
farming in Pakistan by introducing of technological advancement of modern
buffalo farming during 16-18 December 2014. The participants from most of the
SAARC member countries attended this important exposure meeting. It
encompassed series of lectures delivered by the renowned professionals and field
trip to observe the successful buffalo farming at public and private sector
organizations. The orientation meeting and exposure included herd management,
breeding, feeding, reproduction and biotechnological aspects.
050
100150
1.44
105
4.9 33.70.37
Buffalo Population (Million)
0
50
100
Bh
uta
n
Ind
ia
Ne
pal
Pak
ista
n
Sri L
anka
4 1
5373 67
5
Milk Production (%)
Pakistan is one of the important sectors for Livelihood improvement and
employment generation. Nili Ravi is the best in the world due to its higher
productivity. The orientation meeting and exposure blended presentations,
interactive discussion, visit of buffalo research institutes and visit of promising
private buffalo farms. Ten Nili Ravi buffalo dairy farms and research institutes at
different areas of the Punjab were visited and discussions were also made with the
faculty members of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS),
36
Lahore and University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. It was a great
opportunity for the experts/ resource persons to refresh their knowledge with
newer concepts and innovations in recent techniques and technologies of Nili
Ravi buffalo farming. The exposure meeting facilitated sharing of Nili Ravi
progeny tested frozen semen with other SAARC countries. The visit would
explore new avenues for cooperation with the livestock department of Punjab,
Pakistan and SAARC member countries to work together in future.
Regional Consultation Meeting on Geo-spatial technology to
assess and monitor land degradation in SAARC Countries
SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) in collaboration with SAARC Forestry Centre
(SFC) and International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)
initiated a regional program on "application of geo-spatial technology to assess
and monitor land degradation in SAARC Countries" it was during 23-25
December, 2014 in Thiumphu, Bhutan.
The objectives of the initiative were:
Development of a methodology for land degradation assessment at local and
national scales, which can be scaled up (across the basin covering multiple
countries) and replicated by the national institutions/programs
Provide harmonized norms for land degradation mapping
It is planned to implement the program in three phases/stages
i. Stakeholder meeting (inception) on the proposal, pilot site selection and the
field data collection
ii. Field research and data collection – to be done in all participating countries,
and
iii. Compilation of data and generation of maps, and integration – regional
consultation meeting (final meeting), printing of reports and manual.
37
The degradation of forest in SAARC Region is associated to following drivers:
Agriculture expansion
Unsustainable Forest Produce Harvesting
Encroachment
Illegal Felling
Shifting Cultivation
Overgrazing
Forest Fire
Infrastructure Development
Natural Disaster
Some of the pertinent issues were raised at the technical session:
Strengthening coordination among institutions
Need for an affordable methodology for land degradation assessment &
development of national to local scale databases
Land degradation process related knowledge and expert knowhow is
available, but it has not gone adequately to the grass root level. Therefore,
countrywide awareness creation is vital
Lack of proper land use policies
Reduce pressure on lands through alternative income generation
In the Plenary Session, the meeting agreed to conduct action research in selected
pilot sites during the first semester of 2015 and assimilate the findings to generate
a common methodology for assessment and monitoring of land degradation in the
region.
Pilot site for mapping exercise
a. Bangladesh : Chittagong Hill Tracts, Sanju River Basin
b. Bhutan : Wangchu Basin/Amachu Basin
c. India : Purna valley, Maharashtra
d. Maldives : Gan Island
e. Nepal : Kamala River Basin
f. Pakistan : Chitral Valley, KPK
g. Sri Lanka : Uma-Oye Valley (a part of Maha valley)
Participants with Hon‟ble Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, Bhutan
and Senior Agriculture Officers, and resource persons.
38
Others
Foodgrain scenario of SAARC countries
The South Asian region accounts for 29 per cent of the world‟s population, of
which 35% are trapped in poverty with low per capita income. Further an average
of 23% has poor access to food and nutrition (SAARC Agriculture Vision 2020).
The region has the highest concentration of poverty and hungry in the world. All
the SAARC governments are aggressively promoting agriculture to be able to
feed the population.
Food production data are important for planning, SAC collates relevant data on
production, anticipated demand, likely shortfalls, surplus, minimum support price,
procurement levels of major crops and annually publishes “Food grain situation in
SAARC Countries”.
-200%
-150%
-100%
-50%
0%
50%
100%
150%
Afg
ha
nis
tan
Ba
ng
lad
esh
Bh
uta
n
Ind
ia
Ma
ldiv
es
Ne
pa
l
Pa
kist
an
Sri
La
nka
Ch
an
ge
in p
rod
uc
tio
n v
olu
me
(%)
Rice Wheat Coarse Grain Pulses Oilseed
Change in production volume of major crops in last seven years (2007 to 2014)
The change in production of major crops in the region (Figure 5) provides a
glimpse of how production is changing the region. For instance a significant
increase in wheat production across the region can be seen, probably due to the
development of high yielding temperature tolerant varieties. Similarly, increase in
rice and pulse production can be observed in some countries. An alarming
decrease in production of pulses and oilseed is observed.
40
Information Management and Networking
Under the aegis of Knowledge Management and Networking, SAARC
Agriculture Centre regularly published SAARC AgriNews (Quarterly); SAARC
Journal of Agriculture (Half yearly); Food Grain situation in SAARC countries
(Annually); SAARC Agriculture Outlook (Annually); SAC Annual Report
(Annually) and Statistical Data Book for Agricultural Research & Development in
SAARC countries (Biennially) etc.
New arrivals of 2014
The Centre is publishing Annual Report every year. The report
represents information about SAARC Agriculture Centre‟s
objectives, major functions and completed activities and
programmes. The Annual Report is published in July 2014
This book is providing useful and valuable direction for making
proper policies, programs, strategy on animal genetic resources
separately from all the member countries
This publication containing a set of recommendations, synthesis
reports and country papers to identify impact of climatic
parameters on crop production and recommend adaptation
measures in the region. The publication helps in adaptation
strategies at different scales in agriculture for assess the impact
of climate change on production of selected crops, study the
relationship between climatic parameters and crop production,
strategies applied for the mitigating climate change effect,
assess current knowledge including indigenous knowledge
available with the professionals and farming community on
crop management with the climatic variability; recommend
appropriate measure (s) on „what to do’ to protect crops from
possible damage due to the climatic parameters
41
This publication containing recommendation, synthesis reports
and country papers expected to promote intensive and
appropriate agricultural research for development on post
harvest and value addition of horticultural produce also linking
farmers to markets so as to reduce losses, diversity product
utilization, enhance income and employment generation of the
people in south Asia
This book is the study of the existing systems of agricultural
extension management system and subsequently organized a
regional consultative workshop as well a publication containing
a set of recommendations, synthesis reports and country papers
aiming at developing and revitalizing national agricultural
extension systems in the region. The publication helps in
developing strategies for efficient and well-organized
supervision system for a country should build on the societal
needs and socio-economic conditions of the people in South
Asia. The beneficiaries will be policy makers in the
Governments of SAARC countries, agriculture and social
scientists, extension service providers, NGO, donor agencies
and ultimately the farmers.
This book is based on the country status reports presented by
professionals from six member countries in a consultation
meeting organized by SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) in
collaboration with Bangladesh Agricultural research Institute
(BARI). The regional initiative also generated a variety of
recommendations, which can be implemented by member
countries. Summary and synthesis are also incorporated to
provide a comprehensive picture R&D progress and prospects
in the field of biotechnology in SAARC region to the readers.
This book is containing a set of recommendations, keynote
paper and country status reports to identify effective package of
management practices for controlling mite on coconut
developed, validated and adapted by the SAARC communities.
The publication helps to inquire about the incidence of coconut
mite in member countries of SAARC; to understand the
practices followed in the member countries to control mite in
coconut and to collect counsel on mite management from the
scientists with soul coconut knowledge
42
The compilation would be useful to policy makers, researchers,
extension service providers, input supply agencies and various
stakeholder of private and public sector involved in agriculture
and related fields for the greater benefit of small-scale farmers
to attain food security in the region. It is easy to understand the
important recommendations as follow up priority activities by
member states as well as SAC future initiatives through these
recommendations.
The compilation comprises of papers prepared by experts of
five SAARC countries with regard to coastal and marine
fisheries management in the coastline of Bay of Bengal,
Arabian Sea and part of Indian Ocean. The countries included
in the technical synthesis are Bangladesh India, Maldives,
Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Relevant literature was reviewed with
the help of officials/experts in the region. Each individual
coastal SAARC country's information was analyzed to generate
a regional synthesis.
The primary objective of this impact report is to study the
relevance of SAC products and services for users in the
SAARC member countries and undertake self assessment and
improve the design and delivery system of the future product
and services.
SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) has been publishing half
yearly peer reviewed journal “SAARC Journal of Agriculture”
since 2003. It is a half yearly publication from the centre and
serves as a platform for exchange of latest knowledge on
breakthrough topics that are of current concern. It publishes
original research articles as well as review articles in all areas
of agriculture, animal science and fisheries from SAARC
member countries. It is regular publication of SAC contains
scientific papers of original research and review articles in the
field of agriculture. In 2014, two issues have been published
43
This is a quarterly publication contains information on
successful technologies/success stories generated in the fields
of crops, fisheries, forestry, livestock, etc. in different SAARC
member countries. Its volume 7, issue 4 and volume 8, issue 1,
2 and 3 were published in 2014. SAARC AgriNews is a regular
publication of the Centre. It is a widely circulated quarterly
Newsletter, devoted for disseminating agricultural research and
development finding as well as information on applied
technology for scientists, technologists, extension service
providers, policy makers, students and farmers in South Asia.
The bulletin “Foodgrain situation in SAARC countries”
provides information on major food grains in the SAARC
member countries, including production, anticipated demand,
likely shortfalls, surplus etc. The information will be useful for
planning strategies for achieving food security nationally and
regionally. Bulletin number 17, Crop year 2012-13 was
published in December, 2014
Seminar/Guest Lecture
Ensuring Livestock Productivity by Self-Sustainable Primary Animal Health
Care and Disease Reporting Systems in Bangladesh
In terms of earth warming conditions, an outbreak of different animal diseases
transmissible to human has become threaten for our environment in South Asian
region. Globalization, land encroachment and climate change contribute high-
impact animal diseases, decrease the milk production are affecting food and
nutrition security and livestock production as well as trade. Considering this
important issue and making awareness among SAARC Countries, SAARC
Agriculture Centre (SAC) organized a seminar on “Ensuring livestock
productivity by self-sustainable primary animal health care and disease
reporting systems in Bangladesh” on 4 September 2014 at BARC, Dhaka. Dr.
Mat Yamage, Senior Technical Coordinator, ECTAD-FAO presented a paper on
this topic. Mr. Muhammed Sayedul Hoque, Honorable Minister, Ministry of
Fisheries and Livestock, Government of Bangladesh graced the occasion as Chief
Guest; Dr. Mike Robson, FAO Representative in Bangladesh as Special Guest in
the Seminar. Dr. Md. Kamal Uddin, Executive Chairman, BARC presided over
the seminar. Director General, Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI),
Scientists and Professionals from Department of Livestock Services (DLS) &
44
BLRI, Professionals from Livestock and Veterinary Department of Agricultural
Universities, Sher-E-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU), Bangladesh
Agricultural University (BAU) and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Agricultural University (BSMRAU) and non-government organizations
participated in the seminar.
Dr. Mat presented in his paper on statistical data, information and ideas about
sustainable management of livestock in SAARC countries in this seminar.
Discussion was also made about the varying production rates of milk and meat.
Some important diseases of livestock like Foot and Mouth Disease, Rinderpest,
Classical swine fever etc were also discussed by the participants. Honorable
Minister, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock emphasized on increasing the
production rate of milk and meat to fulfil the demand of their requirement in
Bangladesh.
Agricultural Extension in South Asia (AESA)
Strengthening Extension & Advisory Services in South Asia
The Centre for Research on Science Policy (CRISP), India and the South Asia
Institute for Advanced Studies (SIAS), Nepal organized a two-day meeting on
"Strengthening Extension and Advisory Services in South Asia" at Kathmandu,
Nepal. This was held on 14-15
January, 2014. Dr. Rasheed Sulaiman
V, Director CRISP and Kamal
Devkota, Research Fellow, SIAS
welcomed the participants to this
meeting. A total of 28 participants
from seven South Asian countries
(India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives,
Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) and
Dr. Muhammad Musa, Senior
45
Program Specialist (Crops), SAARC Agriculture Centre, Dhaka attended the
meeting. The meeting was organized under different sessions as introduction,
vision, mission, governance, functions and resource generation, issues and
challenges in extension and advisory provision, priorities and ways forward.
Greater coordination among SAARC member countries
A two-day South Asian Regional Policy Workshop on “Disasters, Climate
Change and Agriculture, Land & Food Security‟ was held in the sideline of 18th
SAARC Summit during 10-11, November 2014. The workshop was jointly
organized by Oxfam and its partners in Katmandu, Nepal. Parliamentarians, civil
society leaders, academia and government officials from four South Asian
countries-Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka-attended the
workshop. Dr. Md. Niazuddin Pasha, Senior Technical Officer represented the
SAC.
Speakers at the workshop urged
leaders of the South Asian
countries to reaffirm their
commitments and pledges at the
SAARC summit, for a
coordinated regional response to
meet the interdependent
challenges of climate change,
disasters and food insecurity.
They said a coordinated regional response is a must to meet the challenges of
climate change, disasters and food insecurity. Any delay in implementing the
SAARC agreements would fail millions of South Asian to survive through
hazardous impacts of climate change.
Oxfam Deputy Regional Director Lillian Mercado said there are enough treaties and agreements in place - it is now time to implement them. Executive Director of Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS) Dr Atiq Rahman referred to climate change as one of the greatest threats to human rights and termed it an issue of "climate justice". In the face of growing climate and disaster risk, political buy-in and appropriate budget allocations are essential for effective implementation of policies and legislation, change our behaviors. Let's not get to the point of no return". Deputy Speaker of the Bangladesh Parliament Advocate Fazle Rabbi Mia also made a commitment to raise awareness amongst fellow parliamentarians and other government officials to priorities regional cooperation on these issues.
The speakers recommended prioritizing information sharing on expected rains
and water flows ahead of floods and develop gender sensitive Greater
46
coordination From Page-16 Col. 4 disaster risk reduction plans at community
level and strengthening the SAARC Secretariat and Disaster Management Center
to improve collaboration with policy research institutions. The government should
form a special parliamentary committee on disaster management and climate
change adaptation responsible for oversight of disaster management authorities.
The parliamentary committees of all SAARC member states should establish
regular coordination mechanisms. The SAARC countries must integrate DRR-
CCA through sector development plans at national, district and local levels- such
as Agriculture and Food Security, Education, Health, Urban Planning and
Environment, Water and Sanitation, the speakers observed. The conference
suggested reinvigorating the Inter-Governmental Expert Group on Climate
Change established under the Thimphu Statement to develop clear policy
direction and prioritizing the development of hydropower potential and reducing
carbon-fuel dependency for energy generation.
It says the SAARC should jointly push rich countries for increasing their
contribution to the Green Climate Fund so that South Asia can benefit to adapt to and
mitigate the impacts of climate change. The discussants said making the SAARC Food
and Seed Banks operational should be made a priority by simplifying triggers and
procedures for access and removing barriers to their use. The capacity of the SAARC
Agriculture Centre must be enhanced to support regional agricultural collaboration and
research and development. Mechanisms and research and development. Mechanisms
should be institutionalized to include the concerns of small-holder farmers, particularly
women farmers, in the operations of the SAARC Seed and Food Banks, they said.
Archive for SAARC Agriculture Centre
SAARC Agriculture Centre and WIN Incorporate (Service Provider) jointly developed
system study and information collection from the existing system and requirement of the
new database, interface and the CMS.04, designing and finalize the format of the archive
and new web portal. The system needs to be robust enough to address multiple queries
simultaneously by multiple users. In case of system crash there should be a rollback
option with log and content.
The web address of the SAC is www.saarcagri.org
SAC publications have been uploaded in SAC website to facilitate easy access of
the users. The pdf files are downloadable from the archive
http://www.saarcagri.org/index.php?option=com_abook&view=category&id=1&I
temid=246
Mite management of coconut in SAARC member countries
Adaptation to Climate Change Impact on Crop Production in SAARC Member Countries
Prospects, Needs Benefits and Risk Assessment of Agriculture Related Genetically
Modified Products in SAARC Countries
47
Farm Animal Genetic Resources in SAARC Countries Diversity, Conservation and
Management
SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol.12 Issue 1
Value Chain Analysis and Market Studies on Fruits and Vegetable in SAARC Member
Countries
National Agricultural Extension Systems in SAARC Countries An Analysis of the System
Diversity
SAC Monograph, The SAARC Australia Project Developing Capacity in Cropping
Systems Modelling for South Asia
Coastal and Marine Fisheries Management in SAARC Countries
Popularizing Multiple Cropping Innovation As a means to Raise Crop Productivity and
Farm Income
Directory of Successful Farm Machinery in SAARC Countries
SAARC Seed Outlook
Current Status and Future Prospect of Pulse Production in SAARC Countries
Impact of Climatic Parameters on Agricultural Production and Crop Productivity Losses
through Weather Forecast and Advisory Service in SAARC Countries
SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol. 10 No. 2
Statistical Data Book for Agricultural Research and Development in SAARC Countries
2012
Strategies for Arresting Land Degradation in South Asian Countries
Veterinary Public Health and Zoonotic Disease Control in SAARC Countries
Dairy Production, Quality Control and Marketing System in SAARC Counties
NARS – National Agricultural Research System in SAARC Countries – An Analysis of
System Diversity
SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol. 10 No. 1
Quality Seed in SAARC Countries: Production, Processing Legal and Quality Control and
Marketing System
SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol. 9 No. 1
Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of SAARC Countries
Annual Report 2012
SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol. 11, Issue 1
Pesticide Information of SAARC Countries
Public Sector Support System and its collaboration with Private Sector for Livestock
Development in SAARC Countries
Proceeding of Regional Workshop on Hill Agriculture in SAARC Countries: Constraints &
Opportunities
Fodder Germphasm in SAARC Countries
Status of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in SAARC Countries
Regional Workshop on Farm Mechanization for Small holders Agriculture in SAARC
Countries
SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol. 9, No. 2
SAARC AgriNews, Vol. 6 No. 4, Vol. 7 No. 1,2,3
Foodgrain Situation in SAARC countries - Bulletin 16 and 17
48
www.saarcagri.org ----SAC website
The Centre's saarcagri.org website is the key interface for establishing the
regional agricultural information networking among SAARC member country. It
would provide scope for direct interactions with clients through options on
information sharing of institutions, discussion forum and updating information on
technological advances and issues on key agenda in the field of agriculture,
livestock, natural resources, research, development, etc. The website is an
interactive website with dynamic features and programmes to provide the latest
content and information. Most of the dynamic information services are based on
the databases. Appropriate search forms and input forms are created to retrieve
and update the databases.
Impact Study of the SAC products and services
Structured questionnaires were developed by SAC and sent by post (650) and e-
mail (1000) to individuals and institutions of the SAARC member countries
whom accessing products and services from SAC. The Centre received 100 filled
up questionnaire from different SAARC countries and Report on Impact Study
has been prepared on the basis of questionnaire and uploaded in the website as
On-line publication.
49
SAARC Outlook on Food Waste and Food Losses in SAARC
member countries
The Seventh Governing Board Meeting 2013 of SAC has suggested preparing SAARC Outlook based on emerging themes of high relevance in agriculture to the region and also recommended that SAC should select the themes and communicate to the honourable GB members for their approval. As per GB decision, SAC selected three themes as follows
i) Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in SAARC member countries
ii) Farm Mechanization for small holder agriculture in South Asia
iii) Food Waste and Food Losses in SAARC member countries
Governing Board Members of SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) have approved a topic on Food Waste and Food Losses in SAARC member countries among three themes as SAARC Outlook. The Centre has prepared a draft on that topic and planning to upload in the website as On-line publication. It is mentioned that there was no financial involvement
Successful Agricultural Technology Dissemination in
SAARC Member Countries
Audio-visual on agro-technology
The centre produces audio-visual
materials and also collects AV materials
on agro-technologies from member
countries and other sources for wider
distribution. The Centre has established a
depository Video Lab of Video films on
agriculture technologies developed and
disseminated by the Pioneer Agricultural
Institutions/Organizations and
Universities of SAARC member
countries.
The centre has a collection of 370 video films, on agricultural technologies out of
which 314 were collected from SAARC member countries, 48 were produced and
dubbed respectively at the Centre. In the year 2014, Centre has a collection of 75
video films on agriculture technology
50
28
2 2 2
8
1
18
3
6
India Pakistan Nepal Sri Lanka
Agriculture Livestock Fisheries Food processing Resource Management
Number of Agro-technology videos collected in 2014
Distribution of AV materials
In 2014 the centre distributed 960 copies of Agro-
technology video to farmers, researchers, entrepreneur, and
policy makers (Annexure 7). Roughly 40% is distributed
during the book fair organized in Bangladesh where SAC
also has the exhibition stall. 35% of the distribution was
done during agriculture fair and 25% of the videos were
distributed during the conferences/workshop/meeting and to
visitors of SAC. The videos related to horticulture were the
most widely distributed followed by crops and livestock
Agro-technology video distributed in 2014
The materials were received from 6 member countries, of
which highest distribution were of video materials received
from Nepal, Sri Lanka and India. The material content related to crops,
horticulture, plantation, livestock, fisheries, and mechanization were widely
distributed
51
Videos on Agro-technology collected during 2012-2014
India
Little Fishes and Tiny Nets
The Greedy Fish Farmer
Greening the Sea: The Story of Green Mussel Cultivation in India
Yellow fin Tuna Fishing: Some Glimpses
Monsoon Season Post Harvest Losses Traditional Fish Processing in India
New Horizons in Mariculture: Culture of Seabase in open Sea Cage
CMFRI: The Saga Continues
Farming Jewels from the Sea
Marikkunna Kadalamma
CIFT-The Wave Riders
HACCP in food processing plants
The pre-requisite programmes-GMP & SSOP
Wealth from waste-livestock feed from cephalopod processing waste
Convenience food from fish
Fabrication and maintenance of fishing nets
Magur farming
Freshwater prawn hatchery for boosting prawn production
Ornamental fish breeding and culture
CIFA: gateway of aquaculture
Poultry Passion in India
CPRI in Tune with the Time
Potato Seed Production in India
ICRISAT helping and poverty through Inclusive Market Oriented Development
ICRISAT pigeon pea genome sequence
ICRISAT – NASFAM partnership
More Crops and income per drop of water
Preparation of Vermi Compost
Integrated water management- A successful story, Kothapally
Watershed Project Kothapally- Success story
Sweet Sorghum- A smart bio fuel Crop
National Research Centre for Agro forestry in service of nation
52
Documentary on National Resource Conservation through Watershed Development
DWR profile
RCT for increased wheat production in India
Warning Signals from the Apple Valleys
Area Specific Mineral Mixture of improving productivity in animals
Improving quality and utilization of poor quality roughages
Azolla cultivation for livestock feeding
Complete feed block
NIANP-Looks Ahead
Exploring Mithun: Journey Ahead
Importance of Weed Management
Parthenium Management
Threat of Invasive Weeds in India
Institute Profile
Enlivening the Thar Desert
Jute Reinvented
The Jute Nonwoven in agriculture
CPCRI: For Farmers Prosperity (English, Hindi, Tamil)
Mud crab farming and fattening by women
Fish Food products development and marketing by women self help groups
Aqua feed development by women self help groups
Diversification of livelihoods among the coastal women self help group
Cultivation of Rabi Medicinal Plants
Herbal wealth of India
Good Agricultural and Collection practices of Medicinal Plants
Shrimp culture”
Nepal
Polythene Film Technology Part-A, Part - B
In the grip of drought
Living with floods
Promoting Herbal Gardens in Schools
Natural Resources Management: Approaches and technologies in Nepal
ICIMOD Demonstration and Training Centre
53
Dr. Abul Kalam Azad, Director,
SAC is talking on BTV
Climate change in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region
Biodiversity conservation and management in the HKH region
Pakistan
Honey Bee
Sloping Agricultural Land Technology
Too much water too little water
Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan Spices for Better Quality
Pepper Industry in Sri Lanka
Videos distributed by country by component SAC in News Media
Ever since SAC started maintaining news
clips related to SAC activities from 2011, the
centre has been well covered by different
news media ensuring that our reach to the
population is ensured. As we initiate activities
related to emerging issues we are constantly
contacted by news media. In two years SAC
have been reported in 33 instances by
different papers. This coverage has helped
image building of the centre and also
informing the population the existence of a
regional body which address the regional
issues and bridge the technological barriers
among the SAARC nations.
The importance of information sharing in agriculture is also highlighted by news
media. SAC is actively involved in promoting ICT in agriculture.
In addition to the print media, SAC also at regular interval come on air via the
state owned television “Bangladesh Television”. As the BTV has coverage of
97% population of Bangladesh, it is very appropriate media to inform and update
the people on activities of the centre
To disseminate successful technologies from the region, SAC also initiated to
telecast videos in different channels of Bangladesh. Some of them are listed
below:
Hygienic Milk Production, Processing and Packaging Technology in India
Cultivation of Rabi Medicinal Plants in India
Hybrid Rice Seed production Technology in India
54
Biological Control of Cotton and Chickpea
Ornamental Fish Breeding and Culture in India
Milk Production Cooperative System in Nepal
Post Harvest Technology of Major Fruit Crops in Sri Lanka
Kithul Tree in Sri Lanka
Community based Mushroom Management in Bhutan
Vegetable Seed Production in Nepal
Livestock Development in Bhutan
Higher Income from Cultivation of Off Season vegetable in hills
Quality Protein Maize for improved Nutrition
Success story of I M P in Rainfed Cotton
Potato Seed Production in India
SAC Provides ABIS through e-mail
SAARC Agriculture Centre has been providing Agricultural Bibliographic Information
Service (ABIS) on different CD-ROM database. The following CD-ROM databases are
available with SAC: CROP CD (2007/07), HORT CD (2008/06), VET CD (2003/11),
PLANT GENE CD (2008/08), SOIL CD (2007/04), PARASITE CD (2005/07), FSTA
(2007/10), CAB ABSTRACT (2005/11), TREE CD (2004/10), FOREST SCIENCE CD
(2008/07), ANIMAL PROD. CD (2008/11), VETEARINARY CD (2008/8),
AGRICOLA CD ( 2007/6) is also subscribed for renewal. If you wish to avail ABIS,
please send your request to [email protected] addressing the Director, SAC. Please
mention the keywords, title of CD-ROM database and the range of years for which you
need the references.
SAC corners in Agricultural libraries in Bangladesh
SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) has opened its corners at various libraries of
Agricultural Institutions such as Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI),
Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Bangladesh Rice Research
Institute (BRRI), Sher- E- Bangla Agricultural University (SAU), Bangobandhu
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Bangladesh
Agricultural University (BAU) and finally at Bangladesh Krishibid Institution
(BKI) for sharing information with all students, scientists, stakeholders. Users
can find out easily his/her desired SAC publications, reports, journals,
newsletters, bulletin, data books, seminar/workshop proceedings and CDs on the
success stories on agriculture and allied fields of SAARC Member countries.
55
New Arrival of Books in 2014 at SAC Library
Title Publication of the Institute Year
Rough - Sogue - Khuda - Muktitai Bangla
r Udvit (Bangla) by Green Mizanur
Rahman
Savar, Facebangla Limited,
Jahangirnagar University
2014
Public Procurement Law 2006 & Public
Procurement Bidhimala 2008
Dhaka, Government Printing Press,
Tejgaon
2013
General Financial Rules 2012, 5th ed. Dhaka, Roddur Prokasoni, Nilkhet 2012
Chakurer Bidhi-bidhan, Augst 2014 Dhaka, Liton publications 2014
Statistical Yearbook of Bangladesh 2012 Dhaka, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics 2013
Bangladesh Economic Review 2014 Dhaka, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics 2014
Statistical Pocket book Bangladesh 2013 Dhaka, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics 2014
Peoples Plan of Action for Management
of rivers in Southwest Coastal Region of
Bangladesh
Dhaka, Uttaran, Dhanmondi 2013 2013
Medium Term Macroeconomic Policy
Statement 2014-15 to 2016-17
Dhaka, Ministry of Finance, Govt. of the
peoples, Republic of Bangladesh
2009
Bangladesh Economy in FY 2013-14 Dhaka, Centre for Policy Dialogue 2014
State of the Bangladesh Economy in FY
2012-13 and Outlook for FY 2013-14
Dhaka, Centre for Policy Dialogue 2014
Towards Resilient Development Dhaka, General Economics Division 2014
Parliamentarians can make the difference
Neglected Haor Livelihoods
Dhaka, All Party Parliamentary Group 2013
Revealing Changes; an impact assessment
of Training on poverty Environment-
Climate -Disaster Nexus
Dhaka, General Economic Division,
2014
2014
United Nations Development Assistance
Framework for Bangladesh 2012-16
Dhaka, United Nations Resident
Coordinator
2014
Women, Gender and Development:
Contemporary issues by Nazmunnessa
Mahtab
Dhaka, A H Development Publishing
House
2012
Contemporary Gender Issues by Rashida
A Khanum
Dhaka, A H Development Publishing
House
2012
Rural Economy and Livelihoods by
Mahbub Hossain & Abdul Bayes
Dhaka, A H Development Publishing
House
2010
Role and Relevance of Co-operatives in
Rural Enterprise Development in the
Bangladesh Rural Advance Committee by
Anjuman Ara Begum
Dhaka, A H Development Publishing
House
2013
56
Sustainable Development in Bangladesh
by Naznin Islam
Dhaka, A H Development Publishing
House
2012
Exploitation of Renewable Energy in
Bangladesh by M Humayun Kabir &
Wilfried Endlicher
Dhaka, A H Development Publishing
House
2012
Industrial Waste Management and
Process
Gazipur, Department of Civil 2012
New document received by SAC in 2014
In 2014, Library subscribed and received gift items totally 450 publications from
SAARC member countries and other international organizations. Among the
publications, there were 216 books, 59 journals, 28 Annual Reports, 54
Newsletters and 67 magazines as shown in the table below.
Country Books Journals Annual
Reports
Newsletters Newspaper/
Magazines
Total
Bangladesh 120 14 15 10 16 175
Bhutan - 2 - - 5 07
India 50 5 8 5 6 74
Maldives - - - - 2 02
Nepal 4 5 2 3 4 18
Pakistan 1 1 1 - 3 06
Sri Lanka 1 1 1 4 2 09
Others 61 5 4 5 12 87
Total 237 33 31 27 50 378
CD-RoM search
In 2014, a total of 202 requests were received from users in Bangladesh, India and
Pakistan in response, the centre has sent 118970.00 abstracts and 60 TEEAL
Search through e-mail as follows:
Sl No Country No. of Abstracts
01 Bangladesh 117934
02 India 281
03 Pakistan 755
Total - 118970.00
57
From where can you get the SAC publications and videos?
A archive of all the published materials is maintained in SAC Website
(www.saacragri.org)
Anyone interested to access technical materials
(Agro-technology videos, reports, and scientific information)
may contact the following address:
Videos: http://saarcagri.org/index.php?option=com_webplayer&view=category
Publications (Soft copies): http://www.saarcagri.org/index.php?option=com_abook&view=category&id=1&Item
id=246
Hard copy of the publications and Video CDs: Director, SAARC Agriculture Centre
BARC Complex, Farmgate, Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh
Tel: + 880-2-8113378; Fax: + 880-2-91245996
Web: www.saarcagri.org Please Note: While the materials are distributed free to farmers and students, they are
nominally priced
59
Capacity Development
Regional Training on “Fish Processing, Quality Control and HACCP”
SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) in collaboration with Central Institute of
Fisheries Technology (CIFT), India organized a seven days regional training on
Fish Processing, Quality Control, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point at
CIFT, Kochi, Kerala, India during 18-24 October 2014. The thirteen participants
from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka attended this
hands-on training. The training materials encompass by theory as well as lab
based hands- on exposure on diversification of fish processing and quality
assurance. CIFT was selected as a premier research institute of south Asia to
conduct this training program. A formal inauguration was made with the
participation of dignitaries, guests, trainees and faculty members of CIFT. The
inaugural function was graced by Ms. Leena Nair, IAS, Chairperson, MPEDA,
Ministry of Commerce, Government of India (GOI) as Chief Guestand Dr. Md.
Nure Alam Siddiky, Senior Program Officer, SAC, Dhaka, as Guest of Honour.
The inauguration was chaired by Dr. C. N. Ravishankar, Director, Central
Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin, Kerala, India. The Head of
Departments (HOD) of CIFT were also present. Central Institute of Fisheries
Technology (CIFT) is one of the premier research institutes which have
tremendous success/ innovations about the technologies on fish processing and
quality control.
A great opportunity was provided to the trainees to refresh their knowledge with
newer concepts, innovations, techniques and technologies on fish processing,
quality control and HACCP. The hands on practical knowledge provided
excellent opportunities to the participants to gain working knowledge on various
techniques that would broaden research aptitude in the area of fish processing,
quality control and HACCP. The training covered following topics:
60
Advances in post harvest technology and
value addition of fish and shellfish
Emerging technologies in fish processing
Thermal processing of fishery products
Development of high value products from
fish and shellfish processing waste
Fish quality assurance
Post mortem changes in fish muscle
Chemical and physical hazards with special
reference to fish and fish products
Biological hazards in seafood
Sanitation standard operating procedures
HACCP- A preventive strategy
As the technological innovations happen rapidly, agriculture extensions remain
unaware of the innovations which can help them improve agricultural production.
The lack of technical capacity is often seen as limiting factor for development.
SAC as a regional centre based on the emerging issues and technological
innovation and the national needs, organizes training for researchers, extension
and private individuals.
Regional Training on Advances in Poultry Nutrition and Feed
Technology
Poultry production in SAARC member countries has emerged as one of the fast growing sectors among various livestock based vocations as evident from its transformation from traditional backyard rearing to organize commercial farming over the last few decades. This sector comprises of low, medium and high input/output systems of rearing and is providing employment to millions of people, apart from household income and nutritional security to numerous small poultry keepers in rural and tribal areas of the country. Technological support is, therefore, crucial for the sustained growth of the poultry sector. The existence of this industry is now facing challenges due to rapid increases of feed price and scarcity of feed raw materials.
Feed is the fundamental requirement for commercial poultry farming. Domestic production of raw materials for commercial feed preparation is not enough to meet the demand of feed industry. It is demand of time to produce cost effective commercial feed. To ensure balanced and quality feed production is another challenge for poultry rearers and traders. There is a numerous commercial feed industry among the SAARC region. We are not aware about the quality of the feed due to lack of knowledge and expertise.
61
Considering the issues, SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) in collaboration with
Central Avian Research Institute (CARI), India organized a ten (10) days regional
training on “Advances in Poultry Nutrition and Feed Technology” at CARI,
Izatnagar (U.P), India during 6-15 April 2014. Total fifteen (15) participants
attended from SAARC member countries namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, India,
Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The inaugural function was graced by
chairperson Dr. J. M. Kataria, Director, CARI, U.P. India while Dr. Md. Nure
Alam Siddiky, Senior Program Officer (Livestock) was present as guest of
honour. The valedictory session was graced by chief guest Dr. Abul Kalam Azad,
Director, SAC while Dr. A. B. Mandal, Principal Scientist, CARI was presided
over the session. The training was initiated keeping in consideration to provide
hands on knowledge and skill development of the professionals for the production
of cost effective quality poultry feed formulation through the adoption of modern
demand driven technologies.
The training was a great opportunity for the trainees to refresh and access
themselves in newer concepts and innovations in recent techniques and
technologies of poultry nutrition and feed. The hands on practical knowledge
provided excellent knowledge to the participants to gain first- hand working
experiences on various techniques that will broaden research aptitude in the area
of poultry nutrition and feed technology. The training included the following
aspects
62
• Determination of proximate principles in feedstuffs
• Fibre and protein assay through fibretech and kjeltech systems
• Measurement of energy value in feedstuffs
• NIR spectroscopy for feedstuff evaluation
• Using computer software for feed compounding
• Atomic absorption spectrometry for mineral analysis.
• Visit to feed plant
Professional Development
In view of difference in agro-technological innovations and developments in
different countries, exposure visits and participating in the agriculture related
programs by professionals across the region have become a very effective means
to demonstrate the success stories and also to develop direct link among various
institutions. The centre facilitated exposure visits of national professional and
policy makers during the year.
Visit to International Sericulture Commission, Bangalore, India
On the invitation of Her Excellency, Secretary General, International Sericulture
Commission (ISC), Bangalore and on authorization His Excellency, Secretary
General, SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu , Dr. Abul Kalam Azad, Director, SAC
and Dr. Tayan Raj Gurung, Senior Program Specialist (NRM) visited ISC,
Bangalore, India during 9th to 12th April 2014 to study the activities of ISC and
discuss on potential collaborations.
Background of ISC
The International Sericulture Commission which started in 1948 as the Permanent
Commission of International Sericulture Congresses, is an inter-governmental
organization registered with United Nations to engage in the development of
sericulture and silk industry in the world. When ISC was institutionalized France,
India, Romania and Yugoslavia were the founding members of the commission.
The aims of the ISC are to encourage and promote the development and
improvement from the technical, scientific and economic points of view, of all the
activities dealing with sericulture in general (including moriculture, egg
production, sericulture and raw silk reeling).
Currently there are 13 member countries (Brazil, Egypt, France, Greece, India,
Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Romania, Madagascar, Syria, Thailand, and Tunisia).
There are 20 associate members of the commission.
63
Core activities of the commission are as follows:
• Research and development
• Training
• Scholarship
• Volunteer Expert Program
• Sharing of genetic resources
• Global partnership program
• Consultancy
• Global meeting
• Awards
• Publications
Nasrin Akter, Senior Program Specialist (Horticulture) attended CCAFS
program
The CGIAR Research Programme on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food
Security (CCAFS) is a major global research partnership between the CGIAR
research Centres; national agricultural research system (NARS), smallholder
farmers and their representative organizations were organizing the workshop on
Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security: Opportunities for Regional
Collaboration in Vietnam. Nasrin Akter, Senior Program Specialist
(Horticulture), SAARC Agriculture Centre participated in this workshop to bring
in new insights and opportunities for regional collaboration and learning on
“Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security: Opportunities for Regional
Collaboration held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam during 19-21 November 2014.
She presented keynote paper on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food
Security: Opportunities for Regional Collaboration and also performing as
panelist in the concluding session and presented the following Recommendations
on Immediate needs for Regional Collaboration: Where to find win-win
opportunities
Need to establish effective Networking among SAARC member countries to
form climate change alliance in the region
To encourage South-South Cooperation in finding solutions for climate
change impacts on agriculture
Need strong representation in international climate change negotiations like
Conference of Parties (CoP) Meeting
Need to establish a Central Climate Change Secretariat at the focal point
Ministry of the United Nations Frame for Climate Change (UNFCC) in each
member country and linking it with Climate Change Cells to be established at
64
each ministry of concern in respective member countries to coordinate climate
change related activities of agriculture such as formulation of a national
climate change program or plan of action outlining the most important
adaptation measures in agriculture
Creating a Regional Seed Bank and Exchange of Seeds during disaster and
ensure quality seed to resist change of climate and prototype exchange for
farm machine among the SAARC countries and adaptive trials in the SAARC
countries
Climate smart technology/adaptation technology like stress tolerant, short
duration varieties may be exchanged within South Asia under material transfer
agreement
Exposure/Exchange visit to observe climate smart villages/successful cases in
South Asia
Exchange of traditional adaptive knowledge and community based practices
in local language like on-farm water management, water shed management,
water harvesting and sharing among others
Formation of the experts groups on climate smart agriculture and public and
private partnership needed to CSA
To require Regional Collaboration and Cooperation in agriculture for
identification, documentation and sharing of successful climate smart
technologies in local language among the SAARC countries through
involvement of different stakeholders and arrange exposure visit for
successful cases
Human Resource Development for research and extension personnel on
climate adaptable technologies in regional basis
Use of ICT including mobile, mass media, community radio, website,
television, face book, video of success story, satellite channel in extension
use, use Agrimet bulletins for agro advisory weather forecasting system,
information generation and dissemination as well as remote sensing
technologies
Create National cell on natural disaster management at National Agricultural
Research System in all SSARC member countries
Visit to SAC
Six trainees from Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, Bhutan visited SAC on 5
June 2014
Dr. Abid Mahmood, Director-General ( Agriculture), AARI, Faisalabad, Pakistan
and Dr. Dil Baugh Muhammad, Agronomist, CCRI, Multan and Dr. Khalid
65
Abdullah, Cotton Commissioner, Ministry of Textile, Government of Pakistan
visited SAC on 19 June 2014
Ms. Pema Choden, Ambassador, Royal Bhutan Embassy in Dhaka visited on 17
June 2014
Dr. Isabelle Autunis, College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan
visited SAC on 7 September, 2014. Also a team consist of Mr. Sonam Tashi,
RNR-RDC, Bhutan; Ms. Korma , NSAC, Paro; Mr. Sangay Dorji, Regional Seed
Centre, Bhur, Bhutan and Mr. Ugyan Tshering, RNR-RDC visited SAC on 23
September 2014, during both visit, a presentation on the activities of SAARC
Agriculture Centre was presented and the visitors showed their keen interest to
know about the Centre
Three scientists Dr. Kailah, Dr. Acharya and Dr. Dasho Namgay Wangchuk,
Director General of Council for RNR Research of Bhutan (CoRRB), Ministry of
Agriculture & Forests, Bhutan visited Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute,
Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council,
SAARC Agriculture Centre and Krishi Gobeshone Foundation on 11 February
2014.
Visit of SAC Professionals
Dr. Tayan Raj Gurung, Senior Program Specialist (NRM) organized and attended the “Regional Orientation Meeting on SPINet” held in Sri Lanka during 23-27th June 2014
Dr. Tayan Raj Gurung, Senior Program Specialist (NRM) organized and attended in the “Regional Consultation Meeting on “Geo-spatial technology to assess and monitor land degradation in SAARC Countries” held in Bhutan during 23-25 December, 2014
Dr. Mohammad Musa, Senior Program Specialist (Crops) organized and attended the Experts Consultation Meeting for Inception on “Identification of Rice Varieties Tolerant to Abiotic Stresses for adaptive trial in SAARC countries “was held in Bangladesh during 10-11 June 2014
Dr. Mohammad Musa, Senior Program Specialist (Crops) attended in the “Agricultural Extension in South Asia (AESA)” held in Nepal during 14-15 January, 2014
Dr. Mohammad Musa, Senior Program Specialist (Crops) organized and attended “Expert consultation meeting for inception on Regional Adaptive Trials on Oilseeds in SAARC Countries” was held in Bhutan during 28-29 May 2014
Ms. Nasrin Akter, Senior Program Specialist (Horticulture) organized and attended on “Regional Experts Consultation Workshop on Mite Management of Coconut in SAARC Member Countries” was held at Bangladesh during 10-11 August 2014
66
Ms. Nasrin Akter, Senior Program Specialist (Horticulture) organized and
attended a “Regional Workshop on Good Agriculture practices of Fruits and
Vegetables in SAARC Member Countries “held in Bangladesh from 22-24
September 2014.
Dr. Nure Alam Siddiky, Senior Program Officer (Livestock) organized and
attended a “Regional Orientation Meeting and Exposure on “High Yielding
Dairy Buffalo Breed Development in SAARC Countries” held in Pakistan
during 16-18 December 2014
Dr. Nure Alam Siddiky, Senior Program Officer (Livestock) organized and
attended in the Regional Training on “Fish Processing, Quality Control and
HACCP” held in India during 18-24 October 2014
Dr. Nure Alam Siddiky, Senior Program Officer (Livestock) organized and
attended in the regional training on “Advances in Poultry Nutrition and Feed
Technology” held in India during 6-15 April 2014
Dr. Abul Kalam Azad, Director, SAC attended in the concluding session of the
regional training on “Advances in Poultry Nutrition and Feed Technology”
held in India during 6-15 April 2014
Dr. Niazuddin, Senior Technical Officer, SAC attended the South Asian Regional
Policy Workshop on “Disasters, Climate Change and Agriculture, Land &
Food Security’ was held in Nepal during 10-11, November, 2014
SAC team visited BJRI Jute Genome Centre
Professional and technical staff of SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) visited
special Jute Genome Centre of Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI) in 2014.
During visit, BJRI Scientists showed the activities and important machineries of
the Genome Centre. They informed that Genome Centre in Bangladesh is also
working for another genome Sequence of the living organisms.
68
The following International Collaborations with SAC have been
initiated
Collaborations
International
SAARC-Australia Project – cropping systems modelling
SAC-IRRI – Rice variety for aboitic stresses
SAC-APAARI/GFAR - ICT
SAC-ICRISAT - pulses
SAC-ICIMOD – GIS application
SAC-CCAFS – seed bank
SAC-FAO – capacity development (project being initiated)
SAC-IFC – Seed forum
SAARC Centres
SAC-SFC – degradation of land (agriculture-forest)
SAC-SMRC – monsoon initiatives
SAC-International Rice Research Institute
An agreement was made between SAARC Agriculture Centre, Dhaka and
International Rice Research Institute, Philippine under a project “Stress tolerant
rice for poor farmers in Africa and South Asia (STRASA)” funded by the Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation. The major objective of the project was to reduce
poverty and hunger and increase food and income security of resource-poor farm
families and rice consumers in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa through the
development and dissemination of rice varieties tolerant to abiotic stresses. For
South Asia it involves developing and disseminating rice varieties tolerant to
drought, submergence and, salinity; building capacity of researchers and seed
producers, promoting the exchange of elite germplasm and donor varieties; and
up-scaling seed production and adoption.
Under the collaboration, SAC-IRRI has taken jointly activities on stress tolerance
rice varieties in 2014.
SAC-APAARI/GFAR/FAO
The centre closely worked with Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research
Institute (APAARI), GFAR and FAO in promoting agriculture research and
development in SAARC member
69
SAC-IFC
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group
and SAC agreed to initiate a Project to assist in harmonization of regional seed
regulations to enhance regional seed trade among SAARC member states as well
as facilitate the strengthening of SAARC Seed Forum (SSF).
SAC-ICRISAT
The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
and SAC inspired by their common goals and objectives agreed to envision a
prosperous, food-secure and resilient dryland tropics as erratic rainfall, degraded
soils and biodiversity, water scarcity, droughts, floods and very poor physical and
social infrastructure of South Asia in order to enhance food and nutritional
insecurity as well as the livelihood of the poor farmers through the active
participation.
The MoU has been circulated among the Member States for their concurrence on
the content and principles of collaboration. Once inputs from the Member States
have been received through the SAARC Secretariat, the MoU will be signed and
collaborative activities will be planned and implemented.
71
Share of activities covering different programmes of SAC
Common updates for the Year of 2014
Planned activities of 2014
In 2014, a total of 34 activities were planned and approved by the SAC Governing
Board. Overall 28 of the activities have been completed and reported in this
report, while 6 activities are ongoing and carried over to 2015 work plan. The
activities of SAC are classified into two groups as regular and need-based
activities. All the regular activities were completed and 18 activities of the need-
based activities were completed.
There are 8 programmes
in SAC under which
different activities are
implemented. In 2014,
maximum of 30% of the
activities were related to
crops and agriculture in
general followed by 20%
to knowledge
management and 18% to
capacity development.
Horticulture, fisheries
and livestock as new
program is gradually
picking up the momentum.
The Eighth Meeting of the Governing Board of SAC
The Inaugural Session of the Eighth Meeting of the Governing Board (GB) of SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) was held at Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), Dhaka during 29-30 September 2014. The inaugural session was graced by Dr. S M Nazmul Islam, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Bangladesh as Chief Guest; Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam Mondal, Director General, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) as the Special Guest; Mr. Abdul Motaleb Sarker, Director General (SAARC & BIMSTEC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Government of Bangladesh as the Guest of Honour.
Mr. MJH Jabed, Director, SAARC Secretariat represented the Secretary General of SAARC. The GB Members from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka were present in the Meeting. Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan, High Commission in Dhaka; Country Representative, CIMMYT-Bangladesh and Professionals of National Agricultural Research System of
72
Bangladesh also attended the inaugural session. The Meeting was presided over by Dr. Md. Kamal Uddin, Executive Chairman, BARC.
Dr. Abul Kalam Azad, Director, SAC welcomed the Hon‟ble Secretary, Ministry
of Agriculture, Bangladesh, all the delegates from SAARC Member States, and
High Officials on the dais as well as all the participants in the inaugural session.
He pointed out a brief description of important programs of SAC and its recent
activities. Dr. Azad also highlighted the SAC‟s activities to be completed in 2015
and expressed his hope that the GB Members would provide valuable guidance
for implementing SAC programs in the coming years. Mr. MJH Jabed, Director,
SAARC Secretariat in his inaugural remarks, conveyed the greetings of His
Excellency Secretary General, SAARC Secretariat for the 8th GB Meeting. He
mentioned that the agriculture has a deep impact on culture and livelihood in the
region, Mr. Jabed reiterated that South Asia enjoys a competitive advantage in
agriculture. Rightly so, for livelihood and food security of majority of the
population in South Asia depends on agriculture.
He also informed the meeting that agriculture provides 51% of the employment
and accounts for 18% of the economy. Mr. Jabed commended the SAC for
achieving 95% of the planned activities. He briefly touched on the recent decision
of the SAARC higher bodies on the reorganization of the SAARC regional
institution. Mr. Jabed wished that GB members will extend all possible support
and guidance to take forward SAC and its program in future.
Guest of Honour, Mr. Abdul Motaleb Sarker, Director General (SAARC & BIMSTEC), MoFA welcomed the GB Members to the 8th GB Meeting. He
73
focused the importance of SAC as agriculture is an important agenda of the SAARC Member States. Referring to the recent decisions to go for selective closure and merger of Regional Centres‟ he commended that due to hard work, SAC has survived in the process. However, urged SAC not be complacent, rather look forward to take up greater challenges to develop agriculture sector in the region. He urged GB Members to critically review and provide direction to SAC for better future. Special Guest, Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam Mondal, Director General, BARI expressed his satisfaction on the progress of SAC and its renewed importance in the region.
He mentioned the benefits of the regional adaptive trial on vegetable, oilseed, and pulses which the centre has initiated. Highlighting the importance of food security and poverty alleviation in the region, he mentioned the role of SAC as vital. Dr. S M Nazmul Islam, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Bangladesh extended warm welcome on behalf of the Government of Bangladesh to all the distinguished members of the SAC Governing Board. Hon‟ble Secretary briefly mentioned the importance of agriculture and the significant progress of Bangladesh has been made. He offered the support from Bangladesh to the regional agriculture development. Dr. Islam also emphasised on the regional cooperation, regional growth and food safety through various interventions in agriculture by SAC. He congratulated SAC and professionals of Member States for their contribution in agricultural development in the region.
Dr. Md. Kamal Uddin, Executive Chairman, BARC extended his warm welcome to the Hon‟ble Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Honourable GB Members and other distinguished guests. Dr. Kamal underlined the significant contribution and initiatives made by SAC. Some of the activities like adaptive trials, regional consultation on trans-boundary animal diseases, mite management, climate change issue and GMO were mentioned. He restated the role of 8th GB Meeting in formulating programs for addressing emerging challenges in the agriculture and allied disciplines in South Asia. He wished that the meeting critically review and plan forward looking plans for SAC.
Director, SAC presented the Report to the GB which comprises of review of the activities of 2013 and progress of implementation during 2014.
The Chairman of the Board thanked the GB members for their constructive contribution and cooperation during the meeting. The Members appreciated the warm hospitality accorded to them and the arrangements made by the Centre. The Members also thanked the professionals and GS staff of the Centre for their cooperation.
Recommended need based Programme for 2015
• SAARC Seed Bank: Regional study for assessment of demand & supply of
the common varieties
74
• Good Agriculture practices of fruits and vegetables in SAARC member
countries
• Potentials and Prospects of Floriculture Sector to Improve Livelihood of
farmers in SAARC Countries
• Use of geo information technology for mapping of land degradation in
SAARC countries
• Technological advancement in agro-forestry systems: Strategy for Climate
Smart Agriculture Technologies
• SAARC Regional Study on Sericulture scenario–emerging industry for
poverty alleviation
• Status and future prospect of organic agriculture for safe food security in
SAARC countries
• Regional Initiation on Improvement of Vegetables and Adaptive Trial in
SAARC Countries
• Regional Adaptive Trial on Oilseed in SAARC Countries
• Regional Initiation on Improvement of Pulses and Adaptive Trial in SAARC
Countries
• Introduction of cluster bean (guar) in SAARC Countries
• Identification of rice varieties tolerant to abiotic stresses
• High yielding Dairy Buffalo Breed Development in SAARC Member
countries
• Development and Implementation of the SAARC Pesticide Information
Network (SPINet)
• High Yielding Buffalo Breed Development in SAARC Countries
• SAARC Adaptive salt (stress) tolerant wheat variety trial
• Regional Training on formulation of bio-pesticide from locally available
resources
• Regional Training of Molecular Genetic Characterization of Farm Animal
Genetic Resources
The 30th
SAARC Charter Day on 8 December 2014
The Charter of SAARC is constantly reminding us our endeavours and
commitment to assist the member states to prepare the national plans of action to
address issues of food security through agricultural development, poverty
alleviation, empowerment of women, and human resource development.
To commemorate the 30th SAARC Charter Day, a big celebration event was
organized on 8th December, 2014 at Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council
(BARC), Dhaka Bangladesh by SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) and SAARC
75
Meteorological Research Centre (SMRC) in order to raise the public awareness
about the government‟s commitment to the SAARC process. Program was started
with hoisting of SAARC & its member states flags. Pigeons and colourful
balloons were released at the front of SAC Office.
A grand rally starting from the premise of the „Mathsha Bhaban‟ to National Press
club was organized. Art competition for children on „Agriculture and Climate‟
was held, illumination of SAC & SMRC building Centre‟s products and services
were displayed in order to spread the messages of SAARC.
Two seminars entitled “Horticulture for livelihood Support in SAARC Member
Countries” by Dr. S.P. Ghosh, former DDG (Hort.), ICAR, India, and
“Empowerment of Women in SAARC Region” by Mrs. Maria Kashif, Executive
Secretary, SAARC Women Association, Dhaka. Dr. Rafiqul Islam Mondal,
Executive Chairman, BARC presided over the seminar.
Mr. Md. Nazmul Islam, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of
Bangladesh graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. He remarked that SAARC
had witnessed steady progress in a wide range of areas identified for co-operation
during last three decades. He also mentioned that a coordinated regional response
was need of the day to meet the challenges of climate change, health, education,
trade liberalization, disasters and food insecurity.
Abdul Motaleb Sarker, Director General of SAARC & BIMSTEC highly
appreciated the vital role of SAC for establishment of SAARC Seed Bank,
SAARC Food Bank, Livestock and Gene Bank.
76
Dr. Abul Kalam Azad, Director, SAC stated in his welcome address that
objectives of celebrating the SAARC Charter Day were to promote the regional
peace, stability, prosperity and increasing regional cooperation. Md. Shah Alam,
Director, SMRC also spoke on the importance of the day. Dr. Md. Nurul Alam,
SPS (PSPD) read out the message of H.E. Arjun Bahadur Thapa, Secretary
General of SAARC. At the end certificates were distributed among the winners of
the arts competition.
Financial Report
Annual Audit for the financial year 2013
Annual Audit for the financial year 2013 of the SAARC Agriculture Centre
(SAC) was conducted by a Joint Audit Team (JAT) during 24-25 June 2014. The
JAT 2013 audited the annual accounts and related statement of the receipt and
payment of the Centre from January-December 2013. The JAT 2013 found that
necessary account and financial reports were maintained by the Centre. The Joint
Audit Team (JAT11) comprised of Maldives and Nepal.
Fund
Two types of budgets are prepared for each fiscal year: Institutional and Program
Cost budgets. In implementing the programs, the Centre aims to maintain a
balance of expenditure between the institutional and Program costs.
The Institutional and the Program costs are shared by all the SAARC member
countries according to the SAARC proportion formula.
As the host, the Government of Bangladesh provides capital costs and other
infrastructure facilities. The capital cost support such as accommodation,
furniture, vehicles, equipment etc. is proposed on an occasional basis based on
requirements.
77
The shares of contribution for each SAARC country are as follows:
Name of Countries Institutional Cost share Program cost share
Afghanistan 3.09% 5.26%
Bangladesh 47.87% 11.28%
Bhutan 3.09% 5.26%
India 18.76% 31.92%
Maldives US $ 500 (Fixed) 0.00%
Nepal 6.63% 11.28%
Pakistan 13.93% 23.72%
Sri Lanka 6.63% 11.28%
Total: 100% 100%
Statement of Expenditure for the year of 2014
A) Institutional Cost: Figure in US$
Sl. No Head of Accounts Amount US$
1 Allowances to Director and other Professional Staffs 93,253.47
2 Salaries and allowances to GS Officers and Staff 180,331.25
3 Printing, Stationeries and Reproduction 3,560.70
4 Travel Cost and Perdiem 917.45
5 Utilities Services and Maintenance 14,562.63
6 Local Hospitality for Governing Board, Selection Committee
meetings
8,778.28
7 Vehicles Generator Lift, AC etc. POL, Insurance, Repairs etc. 13,960.07
8 Contingencies 9,799.96
A) Total of Institutional Cost: 325,163.81
B) Programme Cost: Figure in US$
Sl. No Head of Accounts Amount US$
1. SAARC AgriNews (4 issues) 5,852.14
2. SAARC Journal of Agriculture (2 issues) 3,898.92
3. SAC Annual Report – 2013 1,061.54
4. In-house Res. and Pub. on Thrust Areas of Agriculture in
SAARC Countries: Printing
12,101.52
78
Sl. No Head of Accounts Amount US$
5. Food grain situation in SAARC Countries and data for SAARC
food Bank
258.06
6. Observance of SAAARC Charter Day 1,424.38
7. Capacity building and professionals development 4,974.86
8. Program Building, Monitoring and Backstopping 2,905.05
9. Acquisition of information materials in agricultural and allied
fields from SAARC countries & other countries/organizations
6,989.55
10. ICT Mediated Communication 5,348.02
11. Distribution of Information Materials 11,397.61
12. Reproduction of information materials audio
visual/prog./dubbing/sub-titling
998.69
13. Promotional Activities on SAARC Agriculture Centre 2,300.28
14. Internship, Exchange Visit, Exposure Visit & Graduate Research 387.10
15. SAARC agriculture outlook 2,000.00
16. SAARC agriculture archive 385.60
17. Regional Initiation on Improvement of Vegetables and Adaptive
Trial in SAARC Countries
12.31
18. Dev. & Imple. of the SAARC Pesticide Info. Network (SPINet) 16,102.89
19. Use of Geo-info. Tech. for Mapping of Land Degradation in 17,667.24
20. Reg. Initiation on Dev. of Pulses & Adaptive Trial in SAARC 597.16
21. Training Prog. On “Fish Proces. Aqua. Control.” 13,249.44
22. High Yielding Buffalo Breed Development in SAARC 12,398.34
23. SAARC Seed Bank: Regional Study for Ass. – R/W 28.72
24. Identification of Rice Vari. Tolerant to Abiotic Stress 10,447.20
25. Regional Adaptive Trial on Oilseed in SAARC 14,865.57
26. Reg. Trial. on Adv. In Poultry Nutri. Feed Tec. 15,766.93
27. Reg. Consul. Works. on Mite Mang. Coconut 8,851.62
28. Miscellaneous/Incidental Charges 703.16
B) Total of Programme Cost: 172,973.90
Total Institutional and Programme Cost (A+B) 498,137.71
C) SAARC-Australia Project Fund – 2014 14,917.29
D) Capital Cost 9,946.74
Grand Total (A+B+C+D) 523,001.74
79
Audit Certificate
The Director,
SAARC Agriculture Centre
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Subject: Joint Audit Report on the Accounts and Operations of the SAARC
Agriculture Centre (SAC), Dhaka for the period 1st January 2014 to 31
st December
2014.
Dear Sir,
Enclosed please find Joint Audit Report on the Accounts and Operations of the SAARC
Agriculture Centre (SAC), Dhaka for the period of 1st January 2014 to 31
st December
2014.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the International Standards of Supreme Audit
Institutions (ISSAIs). The Audit Report consists of the following four parts:
Part I: Auditors‟ Report on the Statement of Receipts & Payments of the SAARC
Agriculture Centre for the period from 1st January 2014 to 31st December 2014;
Part II: Management Letter including Observations and Recommendations;
Part III: Follow-up of the Joint Audit Team (JAT 13) Recommendations; and
Part IV: Brief Profile of the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC).
We would like to take this opportunity to extend our thanks to the Director and Staff of
the Centre for cooperation and assistance extended to us. This indeed was instrumental in
facilitating the timely completion of audit.
Yours sincerely,
(CA. Baikuntha Bahadur Adhikari)
Director,
Office of the Auditor General of Nepal
Kathmandu, Nepal
(Syed Muhammad Tahir Kamal)
Director General,
Office of the Auditor General of Pakistan.
Islamabad, Pakistan.
Joint Audit Team
Dhaka, Bangladesh
07 August 2015
80
SAARC Agriculture Centre at a glance
Genesis
The Heads of the States or governments established the South Asian Association
for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) on the 8th day of December 1985. Seven
south Asian Nations, namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, The Maldives, Nepal,
Pakistan and Sri Lanka were the founder members of the Regional Association.
Later Afghanistan became the eighth member country in 2007.
SAARC Agriculture Centre (renamed in April 2007 from SAARC Agricultural
Information Centre, SAIC) is the first regional Centre established by the SAARC.
The Centre started functioning in 1988 with a mandate for information
management, primarily in the field of agriculture and allied discipline.
With the passage of time, the Centre braced up broader challenges to make
regional cooperation more responsive to the needs of the stakeholders and
farming communities as South Asia heads for a new order of agricultural
transformation. The SAARC Agriculture Centre thus has been given an enhanced
mandate for agricultural research and development, policy planning, and
knowledge management.
Goal
Promotion of agricultural Research and Development (R&D) as well as
technology dissemination initiatives for sustainable agricultural development and
poverty alleviation in the region
81
Objectives
1. To strengthen agricultural research and accelerate technology transfer
through establishing regional networks on agricultural and allied
disciplines, particularly among agricultural research and extension institutes,
professionals, policy planners and stakeholders.
2. To provide inputs for developing regional policies, strategies, projects,
primarily through developing networks in crop, livestock and fisheries
sectors; and for efficient management of soil, water and other natural
resources.
3. To promote new and innovative techniques and systems in agriculture,
including production, post-harvest and food processing.
4. To facilitate collaborative studies, inter alia, on agricultural marketing and
distribution systems, harmonization of agricultural related standards,
promotion of agricultural trade, food security, risks and disaster
management in agriculture.
5. To facilitate and undertake collaborative capacity building programmes in
agriculture and allied sectors with focus on skill development and research
on frontier areas.
6. To collate and disseminate information for agricultural advancement in the
region.
Personnel
The Centre is manned with regionally recruited Professionals and General
Services Staff (GSS) from the host country. These personnel support programme
planning and implementation.
Funding
The Centre is supported directly by the member states through their annual
financial contributions based on the annual budget. In implementing the
programme, the Centre aims to maintain the balance of expenditure between
institutional cost and programme cost. The program and institutional costs are
shared by the member states according to the SAARC proportion formula.
The Government of Bangladesh provides the capital cost including infrastructure.
Programme Development
The Centre institutionalizes "Participatory need-based programme building
through consultations". The process involves participation of stakeholders at
country levels as well as synthesis and vetting at the experts level for programme
development. The SAARC Technical Committee on Agriculture and Rural
82
Development (TCARD) also provides broad guidelines of programmes. The
proposals are reviewed during the Governing Board (GB) Meeting for further
direction.
The annual programme proposals recommended by the Governing Board are
further reviewed by the SAARC programming Committee and subsequently
approved by the Standing Committee. The Council of Ministers of the Member
States gives concurrence prior to the convening of the SAARC Summit.
Major Activities
Providing policy inputs to the SAARC higher authorities for consideration
particularly at the ministerial level meeting on agriculture. Promoting outreach
programmes through www.saarcagri.org to provide timely, relevant and universal
access to information and knowledge resources to all agricultural practitioners of
member states.
Production of regular publication (newsletters, bulletins, booklet, journal, etc.)
Production of technical publications from priority programmes (directories,
statistical bulletins, bibliographies, databases, union catalogue, report,
workshop proceedings, etc.)
Audio-visual media production and reproduction
Providing inputs for developing regional policies and strategies.
Providing and automated library services and on-line services.
Hosting of workshops, seminars, symposium consultation and human
resources development programmes and carrying out in-house research and
publications on thrust areas of agriculture
Establishing institutional linkages with relevant institutions.
Undertaking activities leading to exchange of the best practices for adaptation
and/or absorption; time-bound short and medium terms projects and
programmes; and enhancing capacities of the agricultural communities of the
SAARC countries.
Challenges
Nearly 50% of 1.5 billion people in the region live below poverty line,
predominant in rural areas. On one hand, population is rising and on the other,
the cultivated land area is decreasing.
Food Security at the back drop of climate change.
Ensuring safe food against agro - chemicals.
Integration and application of new science in various products, processes and
services for strengthening food, health and livelihood systems.
83
Integration and application of new science in various products, processes and
services for strengthening food, health and livelihood systems.
A spirited extension work to reduce yield gaps between the research field and
the farmer's field with a blend of traditional knowledge and wisdom with
modern technologies.
Skill enhancement of agro - entrepreneurship
Dissemination of new and sustainable technology using modern information
and communication technologies (ICT) to accelerate the technology transfer
process.
Minimizing postharvest losses; improvement in agro-processing; value
addition; efficient utilization of crop residues and bi-products; and
improvement in marketing facilities of agricultural products.
“Putting research emphasis on sustainable management of natural resources.
Forging Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) in agricultural technology.
Services
The Centre's services and products are aimed to enhance the performances of
scientists, extension service providers, technologists, etc. through support in
research and development in agriculture and provide inputs for developing
regional policies, strategies and programmes.
Organogram
Governing Board
Director
Agril. Mgt. Div. (14)
- Professionals
(DD-1, SPS-3)
- Technical Staff
(SPO-4, PO-3)
- GSS (3)
PP Division (10)
- Professionals
(DD-1, SPS-3)
- Technical Staff
(SPO-2, PO-2)
- GSS (2)
Personal Staff (4)Support Service Section
(Admin & Finance-15)
KMN Division (16)
- Professionals
(DD-1, SPS-3)
- Technical Staff
(SPO-2)
- GSS (10)
Governing Board
Director
84
Regional Member Countries
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
Regional Governing Board Members, SAC, 2014
The Governing Board (GB) is the apex body to supervise functions of the Centre. The
GB is composed of eminent personalities in the field of agriculture from each member
countries. The GB analyses the policy matters, approves the projects, recommends the
annual budget estimates, monitors and evaluates the administrative and overall operations
of SAC. A Chairman designated for a two-year term from the member countries by
alphabetical rotation heads the Board. The GB meets usually once in a year and may meet
more frequently if necessary. A representative of the SAARC Secretariat also attends the
GB meeting. The Proceedings of the GB meetings need to be approved by the Standing
Committee and the Council of Ministers.
Mr. Gh. Rabani Haqiqatpal Member, SAC GB and Director
Marketing, Economics & Statistics Division
Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Ministry of Agriculture Compound
Jamal Mina, Kart-e-Sakhi
Kabul, Afghanistan
Dr. Md. Kabir Ikramul Haque
Member, SAC GB and Member-Director (Fisheries)
Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council, Farmgate, New Airport Road
Dhaka - 1215, Bangladesh
Ms. Singye Wangmo
Member, SAC GB and Program Director
Information & Communication Services (ICS)
Ministry of Agriculture, Tashichhodzong Complex
Thimphu, Bhutan
85
Dr. Alok Jha
Assistant Director General (International Relations)
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
Room 212, Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi, India
Mr. Ibrahim Shabau Member, SAC GB and Deputy Director General
Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture
Male, Maldives
Mr. Ishwar Prasad Rijal
Member, SAC GB and Chief
Agriculture Information & Communication Centre
Ministry of Agriculture & Development
Govt. of Nepal, Harihar Bhwan, Lalitpur, Nepal
Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh
Dr. Ch. Muhammad Sharif Member, SAC GB and Director General (NARC)
Social Science Division
Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC)
Islamabad, Pakistan
Dr. H.H.D. Fonseka Chairman, SAC GB and
Senior Research Officer
Horticultural Crop Research and Development Institute
Department of Agriculture
Gannoruwa, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka
Mr. MJH Jabed
Member, SAC GB and Director, SAARC Secretariat
Kathmandu, Nepal
Mr. Rahat Bin Zaman
Director (SAARC & BIMSTEC) and Member, SAC GB
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of the People‟s Republic of Bangladesh
Shegun Bagicha, Dhaka-1000
Dr. Abul Kalam Azad Director, SAARC Agriculture Centre &
Member Secretary, SAC Governing Board
BARC Complex, Farmgate, Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh
86
Team at SAC
No. Name Designation
1 Dr. Abul Kalam Azad Director
2 Dr. Muhammad Nurul Alam Senior Program Specialist (PS & PD)
3 Ms. Nasrin Akter Senior Program Specialist (Horticulture)
4 Dr. Mohammad Musa Senior Program Specialist (Crops)
5 Dr. Tayan Raj Gurung Senior Program Specialist (NRM)
6 Mr. Mohammad Abdullah Senior Program Officer (Publication)
7 Dr. Md. Niazuddin Senior Technical Officer
8 Ms. Mafruha Begum Senior Program Officer (I & C)
9 Mr. Md. Nure Alam Siddiky Senior Program Officer (Livestock)
10 Ms. Fatema Nasrin Jahan Senior Program Officer (NRM)
11 Mr. Shah Alam Mawla Chowdhury Video Production Officer
12 Mr. Md. Saifur Rahman Administrative Officer
13 Mr. Md. Mizanur Rahman IT Manager (Database)
14 Mr. Mizanur Rahman Personal Officer to Director
15 Mr. Md. Abdul Kadir IT Manager (Software)
16 Mr. ATM Mostafizur Rahman Mojumder Senior Finance Officer (In-charge)
17 Mr. Ananda Chandra Kha Office Assistant
18 Mr. Md. Nurul Wara Program Assistant
19 Mrs. Nazmoon Nahar Cataloguer
20 Mr. Md. Nurul Amin Driver
21 Mr. Md. Rafiqul Islam Driver
22 Mr. Md. Shahidul Alam Khan Lift-cum-Gen. Operator
23 Mr. Md. Ruhul Amin Sarder Driver
24 Mr. Md. Harun-or-Rashid Messenger
25 Mr. Md. Helal Uddin Messenger
26 Mr. Md. Akhter Hossain Watchman
27 Mr. Md. Altaf Hossain MLSS
28 Mr. Md. Abu Taher Janitor
29 Mr. Md. Ashraful Alam MLSS
30 Mr. Md. Altaf Hossain MLSS
31 Mr. Md. Abu Taher Janitor
87
Outgoing Professional
Dr. M. Nurul Alam left SAARC Agriculture Centre
(SAC) after completion of his service tenure on 31
December 2014. He joined at SAC as Senior
Programme Specialist (Priority System & Programme
Development). He joined at SAC on 1 January 2009.
Before joining SAC, he was working as expert in food
security project of FAO. He started his career in 1978 as
Scientific Officer of Bangladesh Agricultural Research
Institute. He did his PhD in Agronomy. He has a good
number of training on various fields of agriculture. He
carries a vast record of services in farming system research and agronomy.
Regional Programs implemented in 2014, Coordinator and
national focal points
Title of the program “Advances in poultry nutrition and feed technology”
Program Coordinator: Dr. Nure Alam Siddiky, Senior Program Officer (Livestock), SAC
Focal point
Mr. Nazrul Islam
Assistant General Manager (AGM), Gojaria Feed Mill, Kazi Farms Group, Dhaka- 1209
Email: [email protected]
Mr. Md. Emran Hossain
Associate Professor, Department of Animal Science and Nutrition, Chittagong Veterinary
and Animal Sciences University, Khulshi, Chittagong-4202, Bangladesh
E-mail: [email protected]
Mr. Duptho Tshewang
Senior LPS, National Poultry Development Centre, Sarpang, Bhutan
Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
Dr. J. B. Gurung
Samden Group of Companies, Thimphu, Bhutan
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Avishek Biswas
Senior Scientist, Avian Nutrition & Feed Technology Division, Central Avian Research
Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly-243122 (U.P), India
Cell: +91 9690170470, Fax: +91 581 2301321, Email: [email protected]
Dr. (Ms.) Pragya Bhadauria
88
Scientist, Avian Nutrition & Feed Technology Division, Central Avian Research
Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly-243122 (U.P), India, Cell: +91 8057676702, Fax: +91 581
2301321, Email: [email protected]
Dr. B. Prakash
Scientist, Directorate of Poultry Research, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad- 500030, Andhra
Pradesh, India, Cell: +91 9177215003, Fax: +91 40 24017116
Email: [email protected]
Dr. B. Piruthiviraj Kumar
Heads, Quality Control and Research & Development departments, M/S Globion India
Private Limited located, Andhra Pradesh, India
Dr. Rahul Ramesh Sawarkar
Technical Manager, AB Vista South Asia, B-3/10, Nirmal Township, Near SunOrbit,
Anandnagar, Sinhagad Road, Pune-411051, Maharashtra, INDIA
Mr. Aboobakuru Mohamed
Agriculture Officer, Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture, Male, Maldives
Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
Mr. Pashupati Nath
Livestock Development Officer, District Livestock Development Office, Bajhang, Nepal
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Ram Gulam Yadav
Livestock Development Officer, Poultry Development Farm, Khajura, Banke, Nepal
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Hewage Iresh Rasika Leelarathne
Supervisor, Livestock Field Station, Dept. of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture,
University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Email: [email protected]
Galahitiye Gedera Chamila Priyashantha Galahitiyawa (G.G.C.P.Galahitiyawa)
Manager in charge (poultry operations), CIC Agri Businesses (Pvt) Ltd, Dharmashoka
Mawatha, Lewella, Kandy
E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
Dr. Sucharitha Balachandran
Senior Manager – Nutrition, Ceylon Grain Elevators PLC, 15, Rock House Lane,
Colombo 15, Sri Lanka, Email: [email protected]
89
Title of the Program “Fish Processing, Quality Control, Hazard Analysis and
Critical Control Point”
Program Coordinator: Dr. Nure Alam Siddiky, Senior Program Officer (Livestock),
SAC
Focal point
Muhammad Golam Mustafa
Lecturer, Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Noakhali Science and Technology
University, Sonapur, Noakhali-3814, Bangladesh
Cell: +88 01712 186434, Email: [email protected]
Dr. Sherub Phuntsho
Regulatory and Quarantine Officer, Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority
Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan, Cell: +975 1765 9430, Land: +975 07 251798
Email: [email protected]
Mr. Karma Dorji
Dzongkhag (District) Livestock Officer, Ministry Of Agriculture and Forests,
Department of Livestock, Samtse Dzongkhag, Bhutan.
Cell: +975 1774 0303, Email: [email protected]
Dr. Binod Bihari Sahu
Senior Scientist, Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA-ICAR), P.O.
Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar-751002, Odisha, India
Email: [email protected]; Tele. No.: 09437262566
Mrs. Vidya Rajendran
Scientist, Central Institute of Brackish Water Aquaculture (CIBA-ICAR), Santhome High
Road, R.A. Puram, Chennai-600028, India
Email: [email protected]; Tele. No.: 8156904107
Mrs. Laly, S. J.
Scientist, Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT-ICAR), Matsyapuri P.O.,
Cochin-682029, India, Email: [email protected]; Tele. No. : 9495582951
Ms. Parvathy
Scientist, Fish Processing Division, Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin,
Kerala, India
Mr. Venugopal, T. N.
General Manager, M/s. Aqua Sea foods India Pvt. Ltd, Edakochi, Cochin, Kerala, India
Cell: +91-9388616765, Email: [email protected]
90
Mr. Nazim Moosa
Assistant Policy Analyst, Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture, Male, Maldives
Cell: +960 7993937, Phone: +960 7663937/ +960 333 9213
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Mr. Ahsan Mohamed
Assistant Project Officer, Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture, (H.Velaanaage, Seventh
Floor), Male, Maldives, Cell: +960 7993484, Phone: +960 7663937
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Mrs. H.R. Subhashini
Quality Control Officer, Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources
Tel. +94 112 472192, Cell: +94 779 317376, Email: [email protected]
Mr. J.M.A.C. Bandara
Manager, Product, Sales, Sales Promotion & Project, Ceylon Fisheries Corporation
Tel. +94 112 529593, Cell: +94 714 557987, Email: [email protected]
Dr. Rehana Kausar
Senior Scientific Officer (SSO), Aquaculture and Fisheries Program, Animal Sciences
Institute (ASI), NARC, Islamabad, Pakistan
Title of the program “High Yielding Dairy Buffalo Breed Development in
SAARC Countries”
Coordinator: Dr. Md. Nure Alam Siddiky, Senior Program Officer (Livestock)
Focal Point
Dr. T. Nurun Nahar
Chief Scientific Officer, Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Email: [email protected]
Dr. D. B. Rai
Program Director, National Dairy Development Centre, Yusipang, Department of
Livestock (DoL), Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, Bhutan
Email: [email protected]
Dr. A. K. Chakravarty
Principal Scientist and In Charge, Artificial Breeding Research Centre, National Dairy
Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
Email: [email protected]
Mr. Bhola Shankar Shrestha
Chief (Senior Scientist, S4), Animal Breeding Division, Khumaltar, Nepal
Email: [email protected]
91
Dr. Muhammad Nawaz Saeed
Director General (Extension), Livestock and Dairy Development Department,
Government of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Email: [email protected]
Dr. J. H. Sunil
Assistant Director (Base Farm and Technology Dissemination), Artificial Insemination
Centre, Department of Animal Production and Health, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
Email: [email protected]
Title of the program: Regional Consultation Workshop on “Mite
Management of Coconut in SAARC member countries”
Coordinator: Nasrin Akter, Senior Program Specialist (Horticulture)
Focal point
Mr. Phuntsho Loday
Senior Laboratory Technician/Assistant Entomologist, National Plant Protection Centre,
Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, Post Box: 670,
Semtokha, Thimphu, Bhutan
Dr. (Mrs.) Chandrika Mohan
Principal Scientist (Entomology), CPCRI Regional Station, Kayangulam, Krishnapuram
(P.O), Alapuzha, Kerala, India – 690 533
Ms. Jawaidha Ahmed
Plant protection Officer, Plant Health Services, Plant and Animal Health Section,
Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture, The Republic of Maldives
Mr. Dinesh Babu Tiwari
Senior Plant Protection Officer, Plant Protection Directorate, Ministry of Agriculture
Development, Government of Nepal, Hariharbhawan, Nepal
Dr. Abdul Hameed Solangi
PSO (Plant Introduction Centre), SARC, PARC, Karachi, Pakistan
Dr. Nayanie S Aratchige
Principal Entomologist, Crop Protection Division, Coconut Research Institute, Lunuwila,
Sri Lanka
Professor Dr. K. Ramaraju
Department of Entomology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641003,
India
92
Dr. Md. Nazirul Islam
Principal Scientific Officer, Regional Horticulture Research Station, BARI, Norsingdi
Dr. Syed Nurul Alam
Chief Scientific Officer & Head, Entomology Division, BARI, Joydebpur, Gazipur,
Bangladesh
Contributors from SAC
Ms. Nasrin Akter, Senior Program Specialist (Horticulture)
Dr. Muhammad Nurul Alam, Senior Program Specialist (PSPD)
Dr. Muhammad Musa, Senior Program Specialist (Crops)
Dr. Tayan Raj Gurung, Senior Program Specialist (NRM)
Dr. Niazuddin, Senior Technical Officer
Mr. Md. Nure Alam Siddiky, Senior Program Specialist (Livestock)
Ms. Mafruha Begum, Senior Program Officer (Information and Communication)
Ms. Fatema Nasrin Jahan, Senior Program Officer (NRM)
Mr. Shah Alam Mawla Chowdhury, Video Production Officer
Mr. Md. Mizanur Rahman, IT Manager (Database)
Mr. Md. Abdul Kadir, IT Manager (Software)
Mr. Md. Saifur Rahman, Administrative Officer
Mr. ATM Mostafizur Rahman Mojumder, Senior Finance Officer
Mr. Mizanur Rahman, Personal Officer to Director
Ms. Najmoon Nahar, Cataloguer
Mr. Nurul Wara, Program Assistant
93
Price list of SAC Publications
Title of the Publications
Price in US$ Retail
Price Published
year SAARC
Countries
Other
Countries
in BD
Taka
Mite management of coconut in SAARC member
countries
5.00 6.00 250.00 2014
Adaptation to Climate Change Impact on Crop
Production in SAARC Member Countries
6.00 10.00 400.00 2014
Prospects, Needs Benefits and Risk Assessment of
Agriculture Related Genetically Modified Products in
SAARC Countries
6.00 10.00 2014
Farm Animal Genetic Resources in SAARC Countries
Diversity, Conservation and Management
8.00 10.00 500.00 2014
SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol.12 Issue 1 15.00 20.00 200.00 2014
Value Chain Analysis and Market Studies on Fruits and
Vegetable in SAARC Member Countries
5.00 10.00 300.00 2014
National Agricultural Extension Systems in SAARC
Countries
An Analysis of the System Diversity
5.00 10.00 350.00 2014
SAC Monograph
The SAARC Australia Project
Developing Capacity in Cropping Systems Modelling
for South Asia
5.00 10.00 300.00 2014
Coastal and Marine Fisheries Management in SAARC
Countries
5.00 10.00 300.00 2013
Popularizing Multiple Cropping Innovation
As a means to Raise Crop Productivity and Farm
Income
10.00 20.00 600.00 2013
Extent and Potential use of Bio-pesticides for Crop
Production in SAARC Countries
10.00 20.00 600.00 2013
Best Practices and Procedures of Saline Soil
Reclamation Systems in SAARC Countries
10.00 20.00 600.00 2013
National Agricultural Education System in SAARC
Countries
10.00 20.00 600.00 2013
Economic Impact of Transboundary Animal Diseases in
SAARC Countries
5.00 8.00 300.00 2013
Diversity of Veterinary Services in SAARC Countries 6.00 10.00 400.00 2013
SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol.11 Issue 1 15.00 20.00 200.00 2013
94
Title of the Publications
Price in US$ Retail
Price Published
year SAARC
Countries
Other
Countries
in BD
Taka
SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol.11 Issue 2 15.00 20.00 200.00 2013
Quality Seed in SAARC Countries
Production, Processing, Legal and quality Control and
Marketing System (Reprint)
10.00 20.00 600.00 2013
SAARC Seed Outlook 5.00 10.00 300.00 2012
Current Status and Future Prospect of Pulse Production
in SAARC Countries
5.00
10.00 300.00 2012
Directory of Successful Farm Machinery in SAARC
Countries
7.00 10.00 500.00 2012
Statistical Data Book for Agricultural Research and
Development in SAARC Countries 2012
8.00 10.00 300.00 2012
Impact of Climatic Parameters on Agricultural
Production and Crop Productivity Losses through
Weather Forecast and Advisory Service in SAARC
Countries
6.00
10.00
400.00 2012
Enhancing Oilseeds Production through Improved
Technology in SAARC Countries
5.00
10.00 300.00 2012
SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol.10 No.1 15.00 20.00 250.00 2012
NARS
National Agricultural Research System in SAARC
Countries-An analysis of System diversity
5.00 10.00 300.00 2011
Pesticide Information of SAARC Countries 10.00 20.00 600.00 2011
Veterinary Public Health and Zoonotic Disease Control
in SAARC Countries (Workshop Proceedings)
6.00 10.00 400.00 2011
SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol. 9 No.1 15.00 20.00 250.00 2011
SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol. 9 No.2 15.00 20.00 250.00 2011
Dairy Production, Quality Control and Marketing
System in SAARC Countries (Workshop Proceedings)
6.00 10.00 400.00 2011
Strategies for Arresting Land Degradation in South
Asian Countries
5.00 10.00 300.00 2011
Quality Seed in SAARC Countries: Production,
Processing, Legal and Quality Control and Marketing
System (Workshop Proceedings)
10.00 20.00 500.00 2011
95
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Public Sector Support System and its collaboration with
Private Sector for Livestock Development in SAARC
countries
6.00 10.00 300.00
Statistical Data Book for Agricultural Research and
Development in SAARC Countries (2008-09)
8.00 10.00 300.00 2010
Proceedings of Regional Workshop on Hill Agriculture
in SAARC Countries: Constraints & Opportunities
5.00 10.00 250.00 2010
Directory of Ph.D. Dissertations on Agriculture in
SAARC Countries 2000-2006 Vol. 3, India
10.00 15.00 500.00 2010
SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol. 8 No.1 15.00 20.00 250.00 2010
SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol. 8 No.2 15.00 20.00 250.00 2010
SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol. 7 No.1 15.00 20.00 250.00 2009
SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol. 7 No.2 15.00 20.00 250.00 2009
Fodder Germplasm in SAARC Countries 7.00 10.00 300.00 2009
Status of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in SAARC
Countries
5.00 8.00 200.00 2009
SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol. 6 No.1 15.00 20.00 250.00 2008
SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol. 6 No. 2 15.00 20.00 250.00 2008
Regional Workshop on Farm Mechanization for Small
holders Agriculture in SAARC Countries
5.00 7.00 200.00 2008
Directory of Ph.D. Dissertations on Agriculture in
SAARC Countries 2000-2006 Vol. 2, India
10.00 15.00 500.00 2008
Bibliography of Periodicals Available in SAARC
Agriculture Centre Library (2nd
Edition)
2008
Livelihood Development through Agriculture in the
Saline Prone Coastal Ecosystem of SAARC Countries
6.00 10.00 200.00 2008
Best Practices in Animal Feed Production and
Management in SAARC Countries
6.00 10.00 300.00 2008
SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol. 5 No.1 10.00 15.00 125.00 2007
SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol. 5 No.2 10.00 15.00 125.00 2007
Statistics Data Book for Agricultural Research and
Development in SAARC Countries
8.00 10.00 300.00 2007
Crop Varieties in SAARC Countries 3.00 5.00 100.00 2007
96
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Regional Programme Development in Agriculture
Through Consultations
2007
Handbook on Livestock and Poultry Diseases in
SAARC Countries
10.00 15.00 300.00 2007
Training Manual and Interactive Multimedia CD ROMs
on Presentation Technology
3.00 5.00 50.00 2007
Catalogue on Natural Enemies of the Insect Pests Food
Crops in SAARC Countries
10.00 15.00 300.00 2007
Directory of Ph.D. Dissertations on Agriculture in
SAARC Countries 2000-06 Vol. 1, Bangladesh
10.00 15.00 500.00 2007
Bibliography of Periodicals Available in SAARC
Agriculture Centre Library
2007
Bibliography of Periodicals Available in SAARC
Agriculture Centre Library
2013
SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol. 4 (2006) 10.00 15.00 125.00 2006
Proceedings of the Regional workshop on Research-
Extension Linkages for Effective Delivery of
Agricultural Technology in SAARC Countries
5.00 7.00 200.00 2006
Guide on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of SAAC
Countries
10.00 15.00 500.00 2006
SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol. 3 (2005) 10.00 15.00 125.00 2005
Risk in Agriculture and their Coping Strategies in
SAARC Countries
5.00 7.00 100.00 2005
Handbook on Fish and Crustacean Diseases in the
SAARC Region
300.00 2005
Agricultural Scientists and Technologists of SAARC
Countries: 2nd Edition
10.00 15.00 500.00 2004
Statistical Bulletin of SAARC Agricultural Data-2004 10.00 15.00 440.00 2004
SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol.2 (2004) 10.00 15.00 125.00 2004
Proceedings of the Regional Workshop on Attempts
and Successes of ICT Roadmap to Villages in the
SAARC Countries
10.00 15.00 440.00 2004
Technologies on Livestock and Fisheries for Poverty
Alleviation in SAARC Countries
5.00 7.00 150.00 2004
97
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Agricultural Institutions in SAARC Countries: 3rd
Edition
10.00 15.00 440.00 2003
Statistical Bulletin of SAARC Agricultural Data-2003 10.00 15.00 440.00 2003
Plant Genetic Resources of SAARC Countries: Their
Conservation and Management
10.00 15.00 500.00 2003
Proceedings of SAARC Workshop on Post harvest
Technology
5.00 8.00 80.00 2003
Role of Information and Communication Technologies
for Poverty Alleviation through Agricultural
Development in SAARC Countries
10.00 15.00 440.00 2003
SAARC Directory of Seed Companies/ Entrepreneurs
2003
5.00 10.00 150.00 2003
SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol.1 (2003) 10.00 15.00 125.00 2003
Statistical Bulletin of SAARC Agricultural Data –2002 10.00 15.00 440.00 2002
Proceedings of SAARC Workshop on Soil Fertility
Management for Increasing Productivity in Rice-based
Cropping System
3.00 5.00 75.00 2002
Annotated Bibliography on Seed Quality, Production
and Preservation in the SAARC Region
10.00 15.00 440.00 2002
Agricultural Research and Extension Systems in
SAARC Countries
4.00 6.00 130.00 2001
Quarantine and Phytosanitary Laws of SAARC Member
Countries
6.00 10.00 150.00 2001
Directory of Agricultural Periodicals of SAARC
Countries (3rd edition)
10.00 15.00 500.00 2001
Development of Horticulture in SAARC Countries 3.00 5.00 75.00 2000
Regional Workshop of Experts in SAARC Countries on
Transfer of Technology in Agriculture
3.00 5.00 75.00 1999
Agricultural Information Systems and Services in
SAARC Countries
3.00 5.00 75.00 1999
Union Catalogue of Ph.D. Thesis of SAARC Countries 3.00 5.00 75.00 1999
Agricultural Training in SAARC Countries 2.00 5.00 40.00 1998
Agricultural Information Needs, Mode, Mechanism and
Information Flow in SAARC Countries
2.00 5.00 50.00 1998
98
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Bibliography on Technologies for Drought-prone and
Salt-affected AEZ in SAARC Countries
3.00 5.00 100.00 1998
Success Stories on Transfer of Farm Technology in
SAARC Countries
2.00 3.00 50.00 1998
Hybrid and High Yielding Crop Varieties in SAARC
Countries
2.00 3.00 50.00 1998
Innovative Agricultural Technologies in SAARC
Countries
3.00 5.00 75.00 1998
Agricultural Institutions in SAARC Countries: 2nd
Edition
10.00 15.00 440.00 1996
Database on Renewable Energy Resources in SAARC
Countries (1996)
3.00 5.00 132.00 1996
Directory of Agricultural Periodicals of SAARC
Countries: 2nd Revised Edition
10.00 15.00 500.00 1996
Database on Livestock Production Breeding and
Management in SAARC Countries
10.00 15.00 440.00 1996
Improved Equipment for the Farm People of the
SAARC Region
5.00 10.00 220.00 1996
Annotated Bibliography on Potato in the SAARC
Countries
10.00 15.00 440.00 1995
Bibliography on Fish Diseases in the SAARC Countries 3.00 5.00 132.00 1995
Dynamics of Agricultural Biotechnology: SAARC
Bibliographical Database
10.00 15.00 440.00 1995
Postharvest Management in Agriculture SAARC
Bibliographical Database
5.00 8.00 220.00 1995
Agricultural Scientists and Technologists of SAARC
Countries: 1st Edition
20.00 25.00 440.00 1993
Agricultural Institutions in SAARC Countries: 1st
Edition
10.00 15.00 440.00 1993
Annotated Bibliography on Agroforestry in the SAARC
Region
10.00 14.00 440.00 1993
Directory of Agricultural Periodicals of SAARC
Countries (1st edition)
10.00 15.00 500.00 1993
Women in Agriculture, Gender issues in South Asian
Farming
7.50 10.00 352.00 1993