The SAARC Agriculture Centre has unveiled two new books that aim to support better farm trade, safer food systems, and more sustainable agriculture across South Asia. The launch took place at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair and put a spotlight on two major needs in the region: stronger food safety rules and farming methods that can handle climate pressure. The books are titled “Fostering Agricultural Trade through Harmonized Food Safety Standards in South Asia” and “Promoting Agroecological Approaches for the Sustainable Transformation of Agri-food Systems in South Asia.” Together, they focus on how countries in the region can work more closely on rules, research, and practical farm policy. Speakers at the event said that agriculture in South Asia faces many shared problems, including climate change, land loss, and uncertainty in market prices. They said these challenges cannot be solved by one country alone and that regional cooperation is needed to build stronger food systems. A senior official from CIRDAP attended as chief guest, while the SAARC Agriculture Centre director led the programme. Organizers said the books are meant to help researchers, policymakers, and development workers better understand how to improve the farm sector in ways that are both practical and long lasting. One book looks at how common food safety standards can make trade easier across borders. If countries use similar rules for testing, handling, and checking food, it becomes easier for farmers and businesses to sell products in nearby markets. That can improve trust and support rural income. The other book focuses on agroecology, which encourages farming methods that work with nature instead of relying too heavily on chemicals or damaging land use. Supporters of this approach say it can help protect soil, save water, and make farms more resilient over time. Speakers also stressed the need for science-based policy and stronger institutions so the region can respond better to future food and farming risks. The message from the event was clear: South Asia needs better ideas, stronger teamwork, and smarter farming systems if it wants to keep food secure and rural livelihoods strong. These publications are meant to add to that effort by giving decision-makers and experts a shared base of knowledge. In a region where millions depend on agriculture, even small improvements in trade, safety, and sustainability can have a wide effect. The books may not solve every problem, but they offer a useful step toward a more connected and more stable agricultural future for South Asia.
