The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) signed an MoU in New York on 23 September 2025, witnessed by the SAARC Secretary General. The agreement aims to deepen cooperation in agricultural research, nutrition-sensitive policy design, technology transfer, and capacity building across South Asia.
India’s connection was highlighted through the participation of Dr. Shahidur Rashid, Director of IFPRI South Asia Office, New Delhi, underlining that the country will play a central role in shaping research agendas and policy innovations under this partnership. The collaboration is timely as South Asia, including India, grapples with persistent challenges of food insecurity, climate change, and volatile agri-trade flows.
For India, stronger engagement through SAC can reinforce the National Food Security Mission, support the Digital Agriculture Mission, and align nutrition-sensitive farming models with schemes like POSHAN Abhiyaan. Linking IFPRI’s global expertise with India’s AgriStack and crop insurance reforms could yield scalable solutions for resilience and inclusive rural development.
What is IFPRI? → The International Food Policy Research Institute is a global think tank focused on agriculture, nutrition, and rural development. Its South Asia office in New Delhi anchors regional research and policy collaboration.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
What opportunities does this MoU create for India to shape regional agricultural trade and nutrition policy?
Follow the full news here: https://www.saarc-sec.org/index.php/press-release/426-mou-signing-ceremony-between-ifpri-and-sac-held-in-new-york-usa
