23 September 2025, New York: The SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Agriculture Centre (SAC), Dhaka, and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Washington DC, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aiming to deepen collaboration in food and agriculture research, policy analysis, and capacity building across South Asia.
The MoU was signed today by H.E. Md. Golam Sarwar, Secretary General of SAARC, and Dr. Johan Swinnen, Director General of IFPRI, at the margins of the United Nations General Assembly this week in New York. The ceremony was witnessed by Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid, Director of SAC, and Dr. Shahidur Rashid, Director for South Asia at IFPRI.
“The signing of this MoU follows rigorous rounds of review and approvals across SAARC member states and reflects a strong commitment from both institutions to work together on the region’s pressing challenges in agriculture and food systems,” said H.E. Md. Golam Sarwar.
While South Asia has made remarkable progress in agricultural productivity and fighting hunger over the past three decades, the region is climate vulnerable, has the world’s largest number of undernourished children, and many households cannot afford healthy diets. At the same time, governments across South Asia are introducing important innovations, from digital technologies to new social protection programs that link food, health, and climate goals. “The signing of this MoU comes at a critical time. The SAC–IFPRI partnership aims to support, strengthen, and scale up important policy and technology solutions across the region,” said Dr. Swinnen.
The MoU sets out a framework for multi-pronged cooperation between SAC and IFPRI to support resilient and inclusive markets, sustainable food production, nutrition-sensitive food systems, food safety and standards, markets and trade, and strengthened institutions and governance. Together, SAC and IFPRI will share expertise, conduct joint research and policy analysis, and engage in capacity building, training, and policy dialogue. The two institutions will also organize and participate in projects, workshops, and regional programs, as well as prepare joint work plans within their respective mandates.
Publications arising from this collaboration may be issued jointly or separately and both organizations have committed to making their research outputs and innovations more widely accessible. In addition, the MoU also calls for joint projects on areas such as climate change adaptation and mitigation, consultancy, training, exposure visits, and events on food and agriculture.
To guide this work, a Joint Advisory Committee co-chaired by the SAC Director and the Director-South Asia, IFPRI, will be established. The Committee will meet annually to identify research themes, review progress, and provide advice on policy options. SAC and IFPRI will also consider jointly developing project proposals and seeking partnerships for collaborative initiatives.
The MoU will be valid for three years and may be renewed upon mutual agreement and the concurrence of SAARC member states.
Media enquiries:
Anisha Mohan (New Delhi, a.mohan@cgiar.org)
Evgeniya Anisimova (Washington D.C., e.anisimova@cgiar.org)
About SAC
SAC is the first Regional Centre established in 1988 by the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) with a mandate to promote agricultural Research and Development as well as technology dissemination initiatives for sustainable agricultural development and poverty alleviation in the region. SAC has the responsibility to promote and support regional cooperation among SAARC Member States in fostering sustainable and resilient agricultural adaptation in South Asia. It is governed and supported directly by the Member States under the umbrella of SAARC. https://www.sac.org.bd/
About IFPRI
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) provides research-based policy solutions to sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition. IFPRI’s strategic research aims to identify and analyze alternative international and country-led strategies and policies for meeting food and nutrition needs in low- and middle-income countries, with particular emphasis on poor and vulnerable groups in those countries, gender equity, and sustainability. It is a research center of CGIAR, a worldwide partnership engaged in agricultural research for development. https://www.ifpri.org/