In a concerted effort to combat post-harvest fruit losses across South Asia, experts and policymakers from SAARC member states gathered virtually for a three-day consultation meeting. The event, titled 'Reduction of Post-Harvest Losses of Fruits in SAARC Member States,' aimed to explore practical solutions and strengthen fruit value chains to enhance food security in the region. Dr Md Harunur Rashid, Director of the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), stressed the economic and nutritional implications of reducing waste, highlighting its importance for improving farmers' incomes, ensuring food security, and achieving sustainable agricultural development.
Dr Sikander Khan Tanveer, Senior Programme Specialist (Crops) at SAC, outlined the consultation's objectives, emphasizing the need for a regional framework to minimize losses from harvesting to marketing. Dr Imtiyaz Ahmad Zargar, Senior Scientist at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir, India, presented the current post-harvest loss scenario in SAARC member states, noting that inadequate storage, transportation, and processing facilities contribute significantly to fruit losses. He advocated for modern post-harvest technologies, capacity building, and improved supply chain management to address these challenges.
Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (ARD & SDF) of the SAARC Secretariat, reaffirmed the Secretariat’s commitment to promoting regional cooperation in agriculture and food systems. AKM Shahidul Karim, Additional Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscored the importance of collective regional efforts to tackle food loss and bolster agricultural resilience. He highlighted that reducing post-harvest losses is crucial for enhancing food security, increasing farmers’ incomes, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across South Asia.
The consultation, which will continue until August 5, focuses on policy recommendations, innovative technologies, and future collaborative initiatives among SAARC member states. The meeting aims to foster stronger collaboration, knowledge sharing, and technology adoption to address common challenges and improve the region's agricultural sector.
