CIRDAP and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) November 25, 2024, to enhance nutrition and public health through the HarvestPlus Program. Mr. Wahidul Amin, Country Coordinator of Harvest Plus with the Four Harvestplus team members visited CIRDAP and had an introductory session with the CIRDAP team. The honorable Director General of CIRDAP, Dr. P. Chandra Shekara was also present in the MoU signing event. HarvestPlus, part of IFPRI, develops and promotes biofortified food crops rich in vitamins and minerals, fighting hidden hunger worldwide. Over 100 million people in farming households are now eating biofortified crops, making food systems more nutritious and resilient to shocks. The program has worked on Enriching Diets with Bio fortification for 20 years, aiming to improve the health and livelihoods of smallholder farming households and low-income consumers. Bio fortification is one of the many important solutions being implemented by global research partners working together across CGIAR to ensure a food-secure future for all.

The Webinar on “International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics: Five Decades of Excellence in alleviating poverty in South Asia” will be held on December 5, 2024, at 11 a.m. Bangladesh time (10:30 a.m. Indian time). Honorable Speaker: Dr. Sreenath Dixit, Principal Scientist and Strategic Advisor, Office of the Director General, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, Telangana, India. Please registrar in the link below to attend the webinar: https://forms.gle/q9oZGD7LQ555rKkr5 CIRDAP’S Upcoming Webinar on December 5, 2024 The Webinar on “International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics: Five Decades of Excellence in alleviating poverty in South Asia” will be held on December 5, 2024, at 11 a.m. Bangladesh time (10:30 a.m. Indian time). Honorable Speaker: Dr. Sreenath Dixit, Principal Scientist and Strategic Advisor, Office of the Director General, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, Telangana, India.

CIRDAP organized a webinar titled “Small Enterprises to Strengthen Rural Economy: Challenges & Opportunities” on 19 November, 2024.  Dr. S. Glory Swarupa, Director General, National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (ni-msme), Ministry of MSME, Government of India was embraced as the honorable speaker.  Along with the overview of the MSME sector, Dr. Glory Swarupa talked about the contribution of the sector (contributing 29% of GDP in 2021–2022). The MSME sector is the second largest employer after agriculture, accounting for 44% of exports in 2022–2023 with almost 6000 goods.  As a Center of Excellence in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, NI-msme also trained 11,019 International Executives representing 145 developing countries. The Speaker stressed the need for enhanced policy and financial support for MSME sector As an Institute, NIMSME intends to support the long-term expansion of MSMEs while conforming to national priorities for attaining global standards. For Details please see the link of the presentation below: Click here to see the Presentation

The Webinar on “Small Enterprises to strengthen Rural Economy: Challenges and Opportunities” will be held on November 19, 2024 (Tuesday) at 11 am (Bangladesh Time). Honorable Speaker: Dr. S. Glory Swarupa, Director General, National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (ni-msme), An organization of the Ministry of MSME, Government of India. Please registrar in the link below to attend the webinar: https://forms.gle/nAoyJdgDYT2e2rrP9 CIRDAP Upcoming webinar on November 19th The Webinar on “Small Enterprises to strengthen Rural Economy: Challenges and Opportunities” will be held on November 19, 2024 (Tuesday) at 11 am (Bangladesh Time). Honorable Speaker: Dr. S. Glory Swarupa, Director General, National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (ni-msme), an organization of the Ministry of MSME, Government of India.

On November 7, 2024,  the DG of CIRDAP Dr. P. Chandra Shekara met with the Honorable Advisor for Foreign Affairs of the Interim Government of Bangladesh H.E Mr. Md Touhid Hossain in courtesy meeting. At the meeting, DG CIRDAP presented a Credential to the honorable Foreign Advisor. The Celebration of World Rural Development Day and involvement of foreign missions were discussed in the meeting. Ms. Wahida Ahmed, Director General Office, Economic Affairs Wing, Ministry of the Foreign Affairs also present at the meeting.

On November 6, 2024, The Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) and Rural Economic and Educational Development Society (REEDS) India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a framework for mutual interests and benefits. The duration of the MoU is for 4 years. The objectives include facilitating information exchange, conducting studies, organizing training programs, conducting policy dialogue; and developing and implementing programs and projects jointly. The MoU aims to promote successful experiences, generate information, and conduct joint evaluations and monitoring.

On October 21, 2024, CIRDAP and RAY One Agri Consulting LLP (RACI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen their collaboration in promoting rural development.  RACI, a leader in Agriculture, Social, and Rural Entrepreneurship Development, offers a wide range of services focused on capacity building, research, consultancy, skilling, training, education, and extension. This partnership aims to enhance cooperative action and share valuable experiences and information to tackle challenges in rural areas. Both the organizations will work on innovative technological solutions and interventions to empower and uplift rural communities. Stay tuned for updates on this impactful collaboration!

Dr. P. Chandra Shekara the Director General (DG) of CIRDAP addressed National gathering of Iran Agriculture Extension Professionals at Extension headquarter of Agriculture Ministry at Tehran on 16 th October, 2024. The DG of the department and senior officials from all provinces took part in the discussion. The DG of CIRDAP explained Importance, Opportunities and Challenges of Agricultural Extension followed by interesting interaction. The discussion ended with mutual resolve to work in partnership.

The Director General (Head) and Associate Professor Dr. Ali KianiRad along with the faculty members of Agricultural Planning, Economic and Rural Development Research Institute (APERDI), Tehran, IR Iran had detailed discussion with the visiting Director General of CIRDAP Dr. P. Chandra Shekara in APERDRI office on October 13, 2024.  Dr. Ali Kiani Rad explained the activities of APERDRI on the other hand the DG of CIRDAP elucidated the initiatives of CIRDAP and requested for greater participation of APERDRI in CIRDAP activities. The DG of CIRDAP also had discussions with Dr. Soltani, Faculty of APERDRI and the lead of CIRDAP sponsored Research project on Women in Silk value chain under the Women, Youth and Rural Development programme of CIRDAP.