Thimphu, Bhutan | 29 July 2025 – The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Bhutan, in partnership with the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) and Welthungerhilfe (WHH), has inaugurated a three-day Regional Conference on Promoting Agroecological Approaches for Sustainable Transformation of Agri-Food Systems in South Asia, taking place from 29th to 31st July 2025 in Thimphu.
The conference brings together over 55 participants from across South Asia, including government officials, policy-makers, researchers, academicians, civil society organizations, and international agencies. The primary objective is to develop a shared understanding and roadmap to strengthen policy environments that support agroecological food systems and sustainable agricultural practices across the region.
Inaugural Session Highlights
The session was graced by Mr. Thinley Namgyel, Hon’ble Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Bhutan, who served as Chief Guest. He reflected on the pressing challenges facing Bhutan’s agriculture sector, including climate change, human-wildlife conflict, and unsustainable practices. While acknowledging the significant food security gains from the Green Revolution, Mr. Namgyel underscored the need to address its environmental and social consequences. He reaffirmed Bhutan’s commitment to transitioning toward a “Green Evolution”—an inclusive, sustainable path anchored in agroecology and resilience.
In a compelling theme address, Dr. Devindra Sharma, Member of India’s Supreme Court High-Powered Committee on Agrarian Reforms, urged global attention to Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness (GNH) framework as a guiding principle for holistic and sustainable development.
Key speakers at the inaugural session included:
- Md. Harunur Rashid, Director, SAARC Agriculture Centre
- Yonten Gyamtsho, Director, Department of Agriculture, Bhutan
- Younus Ali, SAARC Agriculture Centre
- Tanvir Ahmad Torophdar, Director, ARD and SDF, SAARC Secretariat
- Philippe Dresruesse and Ms. Nivedita Varshneya, Welthungerhilfe
Conference Goals and Agenda
The conference aims to:
- Raise awareness and reorient the scientific and policy communities toward agroecological approaches
- Identify challenges and opportunities in scaling agroecology across South Asia
- Recommend actionable measures and policy frameworks for sustainable transformation
In the coming two days, national perspectives from SAARC member countries on agroecological pathways to food systems transformation will be presented, offering a valuable platform for shared learning and regional cooperation.
Participants will engage in focused discussions on key themes on agroecology including:
- Research, Extension, Technology & Knowledge Systems
- Field Evidence of Agroecology
- Policy and Institutional Pathways
- Market Access, Financing, and Incentives
This landmark event signals a regional commitment to transform agri-food systems through agroecology, ensuring food and nutrition security, environmental and public health, and equitable livelihoods for the future.
