CIRDAP in collaboration with the University of Cooperative and Management, Thanlyin (UCMT), Myanmar, is going to organize an insightful and enriching webinar on the role of cooperatives in sustainable rural development. For over 69 years, the Mulkanoor Cooperative Rural Credit and Marketing Society Ltd. (MCRC&MS) has evolved into a holistic network providing solutions, resources, and support for farmers—championing equity, transparency, and sustainable growth. (https://mcrcms.coop/). This session will explore how Mulkanoor Cooperative has transformed the lives of millions of farmers, created enriched livelihood and social opportunities while building a resilient cooperative ecosystem. Speaker:🎙️ Shri AligiReddy Praveen Reddy,President–Chairman, Mulkanoor Cooperative Rural Credit and Marketing Society Ltd., Mulkanoor Village, India. Date & Time:Monday, October 16th, 2025 11:00 AM Bangladesh Time | 11:30 AM Myanmar Time | 10:30 AM India Time Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/92019815462?pwd=lQ37vSxXEAoZWnFxMMW2Wxxn1ad4Ed.1 Meeting ID: 920 1981 5462 Passcode: 261179 Join instructions https://zoom.us/meetings/92019815462/invitations?signature=TgeDrQ2jflv-3O7Jdu4dJ2n-hWC0HToNPmLgQVGa5kw We look forward to your active participation in this valuable exchange of ideas and experiences.

CIRDAP is going to organize a webinar on ‘Strengthening Grassroots rural innovations: Experiences, Challenges and Future road map’ on September 1st, 2025. Grassroots rural innovations are locally-led solutions to the community problems by using limited resources with traditional knowledge. These innovations are typically developed by individuals or small groups in marginalized communities, focusing on meeting local needs and enhancing social and economic well-being. The webinar will be held on (Monday), 1 September 2025 at 12:00 PM Bangladesh Time (11:30 AM India Time). Prof. Anil K. Gupta CSIR Bhatnagar Fellow 2018-2, Honorary Secretary GIAN, Founder, Honey Bee Network, SRISTI, GIAN & NIF Visiting Faculty, IIMA & IITB, Academy Professor, AcSIR will be embraced the webinar as the esteemed speaker. Join this exciting and very important webinar via zoom Topic: Webinar on ‘Strengthening Grass root rural innovations: Experiences, Challenges and Future road map’ Time: Sep 1, 2025 12:00 PM Astana, Dhaka https://zoom.us/j/91860765349?pwd=AwIA02ebOoCP42TxAXsnPHajUkgfO3.1 Meeting ID: 918 6076 5349 Passcode: 506716 — Join instructions https://zoom.us/meetings/91860765349/invitations?signature=XXvA9GOfq295epksW7hUvqNh3W_oxw9oS40dR0JxrOw

On 11 August 2025, CIRDAP warmly welcomed Mr. Mahbubul Islam, Secretary of the Bangladesh Biochar Initiative (BBI), and Dr. Shaifulla, Adviser (Research) of BBI, for a courtesy visit and meeting with CIRDAP Director General H.E. Dr. P. Chandra Shekara. The discussions explored opportunities for collaboration in advancing biochar technology, promoting sustainable agriculture, and supporting climate-resilient rural development in the Asia-Pacific region.

As part of the CIRDAP-NIRDPR research project titled “Action Lab for the Inclusion of Transgender and Gender-Variant Youth in Mainstream Livelihood”, a three-day training programme was held from 28th to 30th July 2025 at the Lions Club, Pollachi, Tamil Nadu. The initiative was jointly organized by the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR), the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP), and the Sahodari Foundation, India. This hands-on training focused on equipping rural transgender individuals with skills in coconut shell handicraft, including the creation of kitchen tools, jewellery, and decorative artefacts. The programme aimed to promote economic empowerment and self-employment opportunities for transgender persons through sustainable livelihoods rooted in rural craft traditions.District Social Welfare Officer, NABARD officials,attended as the guests of honour and commended the participants for their creativity and dedication, and assured them of continued government support for such inclusive livelihood initiatives.Sandhya Gopakumaran, Director of Training and Development at NIRDPR, Hyderabad, emphasized that the programme represents a significant step toward enabling transgender individuals to attain financial independence through skill-based entrepreneurship. Kalki Subramaniam, founder and director of the Sahodari Foundation, was also present, supporting the vision of social inclusion and empowerment through skill development.

DG CIRDAP Courtesy Meeting with FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative in Bangkok, Thailand The Director General of CIRDAP, H.E. Dr. P. Chandra Shekara had a courtesy meeting with Dr. Alue Dohong, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, at the FAO Regional Office in Bangkok, Thailand on 24 July 2025. The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between FAO and CIRDAP, with fruitful discussions on ongoing programs and potential areas of partnership to advance sustainable rural development across the Asia-Pacific region.