CIRDAP – Enabling Rural Communities

Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP)

An Intergovernmental & Autonomous Organization; Established in 1979, Mandated for Promoting & Strengthening Integrated Rural Development Systems for 15 Asia-Pacific Countries; Namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Fiji, India, Indonesia, IR Iran, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand & Vietnam.

Author name: CIRDAP

Latest News

Webinar Announcement: CIRDAP Knowledge Series – 61: Webinar on ‘Food Security – Green Bonds’ (August 6, 2026)

CIRDAP in association with Asia-Pacific Rural and Agricultural Credit Association (APRACA) is going to organize a Webinar on ‘‘Food Security – Green Bonds’.  Dr. Prasun Kumar Das Secretary General, APRACA, Bangkok, Thailand will be graced as esteemed speaker.  The webinar is scheduled on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 11 am Bangladesh Time (12:00 PM Bangkok time) Meeting Link Topic: Webinar with APRACA on Food Security – Green Bonds Time: Aug 6, 2026 11:00 AM Dhaka Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/95994324748?pwd=eD1AOhXqhfQ3ae9Eg5SDQZLNq2VKE9.1 Meeting ID: 959 9432 4748 Passcode: 489025 — Join by SIP • 95994324748@zoomcrc.com Join instructions https://zoom.us/meetings/95994324748/invitations?signature=xiWOPQenN0dpoit0eSJHt09tTL3uOoN4Vmqg8VAVJ0U Abstract Global food systems are facing unprecedented challenges due to climate change, land degradation, biodiversity loss, and increasing food demand. According to the FAO, approximately 673 million people worldwide suffer from hunger, while more than 2.3 billion people experience moderate or severe food insecurity. At the same time, agriculture requires substantial investments to transition toward climate-resilient and sustainable production systems. Traditional public financing alone is insufficient to meet these investment needs. Innovative financial instruments, particularly Green Bonds, have emerged as an effective mechanism for mobilizing private capital to support environmentally sustainable and climate-smart agricultural investments. Food Security Green Bonds are thematic green bonds designed to finance projects that simultaneously enhance food security, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability. They channel investment into climate-smart agriculture, sustainable irrigation, renewable energy for agriculture, efficient water management, sustainable fisheries, agroforestry, soil restoration, and resilient rural infrastructure. These bonds provide governments, development banks, and financial institutions with an opportunity to attract institutional investors while contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Under the Knowledge Series, a regional webinar on “Food Security – Green Bonds” would provide a platform to explore innovative financing mechanisms for resilient rural development and promote investment opportunities across CIRDAP Member Countries.

Experts, List-1

Dr. Mohammad Kamruzzaman

Dr. Mohammad Kamruzzaman Job Title: Name of Organization: Email: Senior Scientific Officer Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) milonbrri@gmail.com Areas of Expertise: Climatic impact-driver indices relevant to agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems. This work includes the assessment of drought, precipitation extremes, wet and dry spells, and other hydroclimatic indicators that connect physical climate changes with sectoral impacts, vulnerability, risk, and adaptation needs. Education: PhD in Engineering (2020), CGPA (4.13/4.5), Gyeongsang National University, Republic of Korea MSc in Mechanical Engineering (2011), CGPA (3.88/4.00), Islamic University of Technology (IUT), Gazipur, Bangladesh BSc in Agricultural Engineering (1998), Second Class, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh Awards and Recognition: Best Paper Award-2019 by the Korean Society of Agricultural Engineers Best Poster Award: 1st International Conference on Agricultural Machinery and Bioresource Engineering (ICAMBE) 2025 Full funded PhD Scholarship from Gyeongsang National University, South Korea Address: Farm Machinery and Postharvest Technology Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), Gazipur-1701 Country: Bangladesh Phone: +880 177 642 2808 Full Details (CV): Click Here

Experts, List-1

Dr Syed Ahmad Hussain

Dr. Syed Ahmad Hussain Job Title: Name of Organization: Email: Principal Scientist ( Agronomy ) Retired hussainsyed786@yahoo.com Areas of Expertise: 1) Assessment, planning, scheduling and execution of tailor made Capacity building-training programmes for various categories of stake holders-Farmers, rural youth, Farm women, Field extension functionaries of both private and pubic institutions involved in Farm extesnion 2) Practical Field/crop production 3) Farm Management 4) Development of social media modules for farm extension based on clientele needs. 5) Expertise in GLOBAL FARM certifications-GLOBAL GAP, ORGANIC FARMING & NATURAL FARMING -protocols – related capacity building programmes for farmers, FPO & export houses. Education: Doctorate in Agriculture (Agronomy )  –  2009 Post Graduation in   Agriculture (Agronomy)   –  1989 Graduation in Agriculture   – 1987   Publications / Research Field Research Articles (42 No*S) in International, National Agricultural research journals Popular articles (100 No*s) in vernacular languages. Book chapters in National Curriculums of MOOCS & others Handled research projects on bio waste management/bio-Remedial measures of pollution/ new plant protection/nutritional molecules. Address: 1-1-118/4 Budvel Rajendranagr Hyderabad India 5000530 Country: India Phone: 91 9849281608 Full Details (CV): Click Here

Experts, List-1

Shiva Sundar Shrestha

Shiva Sundar Shrestha Job Title: Name of Organization: Email: President Nepal Agriculture Federation (NAF) shivastha1951@gmail.com Areas of Expertise: Agriculture Development Education: M.Sc.Ag. (Agri. Extension) Haryana Agricultural University, India.Minor in Agri. Economics.Thesis: – Training Needs of District Agriculture Development Major publications: Training for Agricultural Development with Special Reference to Nepalese ContextDeepak Prakashan, Kathmandu (Book) 1991. Situation and medium to long term prospects of food grain production under rain-fedcondition in Nepal.(Prepared on request by FAO) Training and Visit System in Nepal: an analytical view. Paper presented at NationalSeminar, Kathmandu. Agricultural Program Implementation System in the district in Nepal. Role and Scope of extension with relation to existing agricultural condition in Nepal. Program Development and Effective Mobilization of field personnel. Group Formation and its Mobilization Working paper presented at Participatory Workshop/Seminar on Group Approach, AEP/APROSC, Kathmandu. Training and Training Skill. Paper presented for the Training, DAT, Kathmandu. Sustainability of Training and Visit System of Agri. Extension Approach in Nepal.Comment paper Submitted to APROSC. Strengthening the Linkages and Technology Transfer Activities in the Perspective ofDepartment of Agriculture, Proceedings of the 5th National Outreach ResearchWorkshop Many short research and development materials prepared on agriculture and ruraldevelopment Address: 75-Ekta Basti Marg, Sorhakhutte, Nayabazar, Kathmandu Country: Nepal Phone: 977-1-4-364175 (Res), 98510-07264 (Mobile) Full Details (CV): Click Here

Experts, List-1

Dr. Saiha Marjia

Dr. Saiha Marjia Job Title: Name of Organization: Email: Lead, Urban PHC & SR Management BRAC s.marjia@gmail.com Areas of Expertise: Rural & Urban Primary Health Care Systems Strengthening, Donor-Funded Health Programme & Grant Management, Health Economics & Resource Mobilization, Community Health, Nutrition & Social Protection, Monitoring, Evaluation & Evidence-Based Policy Dialogue Education: Executive Master’s in Health Economics (EMHE) — Institute of Health Economics, University of Dhaka, 2022–2024 Master of Public Health (MPH) — North South University, 2018–2020 Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery (MBBS) — Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, 2008–2013 Skills: Programme Development & Implementation: Expert — 13+ years across global health, humanitarian, and development sectors.Project & Grant Management: Expert — USD 8M (Global Fund) direct management; USD 123M oversight (PwC)Strategic Planning & Management: Expert — organizational strategy, annual work planning, results frameworks.Healthcare Programme Design: Expert — reproductive health, TB, mental health, nutrition, PHC restructuringLeadership & People Management: Expert — multi-partner teams, performance management, capacity building.Policy Advocacy & Government Dialogue: Experienced — Ministry of Health, Ministry of Home Affairs, national programmes.Global & Humanitarian Health: Experienced — ICRC, Global Fund, icddr,b, WHO-aligned frameworksResearch & Knowledge Management: Experienced — Yale University, Michigan State University collaborationsComputer Skills: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint; data analysis tools; internet and communication platforms Address: Dhaka, Bangladesh Country: Bangladesh Phone: +8801711921092 Full Details (CV): Click Here

Experts, List-1

Dr. Hari Bahadur K. C.

Dr. Hari Bahadur K. C. Job Title: Name of Organization: Email: Joint Secretary Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Nepal haribahadurkc2023@gmail.com Areas of Expertise: Agriculture development, Food security, Organic and ecological agriculture, Climate change adaptation, Crop protection and nature based solutions Education: PhD (Applied Biological Sciences), 2010 (2067 BS) – Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, GentUniversity, BelgiumM.Sc. (Nematology), 2005 (2062 BS), Great Distinction (82.8%), Post Graduate International Nematology Course, Gent University, BelgiumB. SC. Ag, 1992 (2050 BS), First (77.1 %), Tribhuvan University, Institute of Agriculture & Animal Science, Rampur, Chitawan, Nepal Academic awards & scholarships : 1. Tribhuvan University Intelligent Scholarship for all academic years of I. SC. Ag & B. SC. Ag.2. Fellowship from Netherlands Fellowship Program (NFP) to participate the InternationalTraining Program on Integrated Pest Management in The Netherlands.3. Fellowship from VLIR-UOS (Vlaamse Interuniversitaire Raad), Belgium for participatingMasters of Science in Nematology course.4. Fellowship from VLIR-UOS (Vlaamse Interuniversitaire Raad), Belgium for Doctorate onApplied Biological Sciences in Gent University, Belgium.5. ESN Student Bursary Awards 2010 from European Society of Nematologists (ESN) to participate the ESN Symposium in Vienna, Austria6. Nepal Viddha Bhusan ‘Ka’ (Nepal Academic Excellence Award, First) 2011 from the Government of Nepal.7. TWAS (The Academy of Sciences for the Developing World) Award 2011 in Biology fromthe Nepal Academy of Science and Technology. Address: Sundarbazar-5, Khahare, Lamjung, Nepal Country: Nepal Phone: 9851225755 Full Details (CV): Click Here

Latest News

CIRDAP Celebrates its 47th Foundation Day and the 2nd Observance of World Rural Development Day 2026 – Dhaka, Bangladesh | 6 July 2026

The Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) commemorated its 47th Foundation Day alongside the 2nd Observance of World Rural Development Day (WRDD) 2026 through a grand ceremony and reception held at the CIRDAP International Conference Centre (CICC), 17 Topkhana Road, Dhaka. The event brought together ministers, senior government officials, ambassadors and high commissioners, diplomats, representatives of international organizations, development partners, academia, civil society, the private sector, and the media, reaffirming their collective commitment to advancing inclusive, resilient, and sustainable rural development across Asia and the Pacific. The programme was graced by His Excellency Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Honorable Minister of the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, Government of Bangladesh, as the Chief Guest and Chairperson of the CIRDAP Governing Council. Distinguished dignitaries from the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Local Government Division, and the Rural Development and Cooperatives Division of the Government of Bangladesh attended the programme as Special Guest and Guests of Honour. The ceremony commenced with a welcome address by Dr. P. Chandra Shekara, Director General of CIRDAP, who reaffirmed CIRDAP’s enduring commitment to promoting integrated rural development through regional cooperation, policy dialogue, capacity development, innovation, and knowledge sharing. He highlighted that since its establishment in 1979, CIRDAP has served as a unique intergovernmental platform, enabling its Member Countries to exchange experiences, share best practices, and develop practical solutions to common rural development challenges. Speaking on CIRDAP’s future vision, Dr. Shekara emphasized the organization’s long-term strategic aspiration to expand its regional outreach by welcoming 40 non-member countries across Asia and the Pacific into the CIRDAP family. He announced that CIRDAP has formally approached all forty non-member countries and expressed his sincere appreciation to the Honorable Minister for personally addressing invitation letters to these countries, seeking their support in strengthening regional cooperation for sustainable rural development. Welcoming the distinguished guests to the historic Chameli House, as the Chief Guest His Excellency, Honorable Minister of LGRD described the occasion as a landmark moment, celebrating two significant milestones—the 47th Anniversary of CIRDAP and the 2nd global observance of World Rural Development Day. He further noted that this year’s celebration marked another historic achievement. For the first time in CIRDAP’s history, Ambassadors and High Commissioners of Asia-Pacific countries with diplomatic missions in Bangladesh were invited to participate in the observance. This convergence is a powerful symbol of regional pride and presence significantly enhanced the diplomatic and regional significance of the event and demonstrated a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation for rural development throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The chief guest also highlighted that World Rural Development Day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly through a resolution initiated by the Government of Bangladesh, representing a proud achievement for the country and a global recognition of the importance of rural transformation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. A major highlight of the celebration was the official unveiling of two flagship CIRDAP publications: The programme also featured the announcement of the 15 winners of the CIRDAP–REEDS International Rural Innovation Challenge 2026, selected from across the Asia-Pacific region. In addition, five outstanding rural innovations from Bangladesh, the host country of CIRDAP, received Special Mention in recognition of their exceptional contributions toward addressing rural development challenges and promoting sustainable livelihoods. The celebration concluded with a Signature Campaign, in which the distinguished guests reaffirmed their collective commitment to promoting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable rural development across the region. The dual observance underscored CIRDAP’s continued leadership in fostering regional cooperation, innovation, and knowledge exchange, while reinforcing the global significance of World Rural Development Day as a platform for accelerating rural transformation and ensuring that rural communities remain at the heart of sustainable development.

Experts, List-1

Dr. Murugesan Ramasamy

Field of Interest :
Coastal management and tourism, climate change and sea-level rise, small islands, tsunami-impacted coasts and mangroves.

Experts, List-1

Dr. V V Sadamte

Field of Interest :
Coastal management and tourism, climate change and sea-level rise, small islands, tsunami-impacted coasts and mangroves.

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