The Director General of CIRDAP Dr. P. Chandra Shekara addressed the programme on celebration of International Day of Rural women organized by Ministry of Agriculture, IR Iran held at Tehran, Iran on October 15, 2024. DG CIRDAP delivered a talk on the Mainstreaming Rural Women in Policies and Programs during the celebration. The programme was attended by Ambassadors, Policy makers and diverse groups of rural women of IR Iran.

Dr. P. Chandra Shekara, Director General of CIRDAP, met with the Honorable Gholamreza Nouri Ghezeljeh, Agriculture Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in Tehran on October 14, 2024. The meeting focused on strengthening linkages between Iran and CIRDAP. H.E Minister Ghezeljeh expressed his full support for the CIRDAP’s initiatives, including the celebration of World Rural Development Day, exposure visits, and technology transfers. During the meeting, Dr. Chandra Shekara presented the Aziz Ul Huq Medal for Rural Development to Minister Ghezeljeh. The meeting was attended by Dr. Ali KianiRad, a member of CIRDAP’s Executive and Technical Committees, along with other senior officials from the Ministry.

On October 9, 2024, the DG of CIRDAP Dr. P. Chandra Shekara inaugurated the International Training Programme on Rural Tourism towards Integrated Rural Development in Penang, Malaysia organized by CIRDAP in collaboration with the Institute for Rural Advancement (INFRA) of Malaysia held during 9-17 October 2024. At the inaugural ceremony, Ms. Annie Liaw, Deputy Director (Training) of INFRA welcomed the participants. The officials of the Contact Ministries from CIRDAP member countries (CMCs) namely Bangladesh, Fiji, India, Indonesia, IR Iran, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam; and the Government and Non-Government Institute of CMCs along with the participants of the host country – Malaysia were participated on the training. Special attraction of the CIRDAP-INFRA International Training on Rural Tourism, Penang, Malaysia: The Homestay As a part of field visit, the participants of the training programme visited several homestays in Malaysia.Homestay programme is a community-based programme where the hosts and the visitors interacts each other during the stay of the guests on day-to-day basis exchanging knowledge, culture and experience. It offers different types of activities, depending on the culture, food, economic activity as well as location. Every state in Malaysia has its own uniqueness in terms of culture, ranging from the nasi dagang in Kelantan to the sumazau dance in Sabah, as well as the long houses in Sarawak. The Homestay day started with a class room session from INFRA on empowering rural homestay entrepreneurs. The day also featured hands-on field activities, adding a rewarding experience! Time to time participants were sharing their knowledge and experiences. The program ended with an exciting cultural program and dinner with exclusive local foods.

CIRDAP organized a webinar to celebrate the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction on October 14, 2024. The Honorable speaker Dr. Nuanchan Singkran, Associate Professor, Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies Mahidol University, Thailand delivered her speech on the topic of “Natural disaster reduction and a proposed management framework”. In her presentation, Dr. Singkran talked briefly about the Natural disaster along with the world disaster statistics of 2023; Disaster management processes; National disaster prevention and mitigation plans of Thailand; and A proposed flood risk management framework. After the presentation, a lively and interactive discussion and Q/A sessions wer organized. To know more about the presentation, please see the link below: Click Here As a part of the international community, CIRDAP is also committed to achieve the goal of the Sendai Framework of reducing global disaster risks and losses by focusing on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

As a part of the global community and to advance sustainable development through integrated rural development, CIRDAP observed the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste through a webinar, today. Dr. Nuanchan Singkran, Associate Professor, Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies Mahidol University, Thailand embraced as the honorable speaker. In her talks, Dr. Singkran pointed out that globally 1.3 billion tons of the world’s food is yearly wasted worth almost 1 trillion USD (according to FAO 2011). According to the World Bank, the highest percentage of the food waste occurs in the developed (industrialized) country in consumption (Ex. 61% in North America and Oceania); whereas the highest percentage of the food loss occurs in developing countries mainly during production (39% in sub-Saharan Africa) and, handling and storage (37% in sub-Saharan Africa and, South and Southeast Asia). In her presentation, Dr. Singran talked about the reduction framework for food loss and waste through developing research and knowledge; formulation of strategies and actions; partnerships; and investments. After the talk, there is an interactive discussion and Q/A session held amongst the participants. At the closing remarks, Dr. P. Chandra Shekara pointed out two important players; the DG of CIRDAP stated that farmers – they have to be educated so that food loss can be prevented; on the other hand Consumers – as a social moment lot of sensitization for consumers are needed to prevent food waste. To know more, please see the PowerPoint and visit our YouTube channel: PPT (PDF) and Link of the recording video Click Here“Let’s celebrate the World Rural Development Day on 6th of July every year which is foundation day of CIRDAP”

To celebrate the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, CIRDAP is going to organize a webinar and the webinar will be held on October 14, 2024 (Monday). This year’s theme is “empowering the next generation for a resilient future”.  The Speaker’s Name: Dr. Nuanchan Singkran, Associate Professor, Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies Mahidol University, Thailand. To achieve the goal of the Sendai Framework of reducing global disaster risks and losses, the theme of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) 2024, which falls on 13 October, will be on the role of education in protecting and empowering youth for a disaster-free future – UNDRR #DRRDay #AreYouReady24 Please registrar in the link below to attend the webinar https://forms.gle/rW69bC5WDLzscPmS9 Click Here to see the Abstract

CIRDAP signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, (ni-msme), Hyderabad, India on September 19, 2024 through a virtual ceremony. The Director General of CIRDAP Dr. P. Chandra Shakara and the Director General of Ni-msme Dr. Sunchu Glory Swarupa were present at this important moment. Mr. Sarath Muthyala Asst. Registrar (I/C), (ni-msme) and Mr. F.A.M Zakirul Huq, Administrative Officer, CIRDAP signed the MoU on behalf of the organizations. Ni-msme, Hyderabad, is a pioneer entrepreneurship development Institute of International importance under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India. Established back in 60 years ago, the Institute provides a host of services with focus on Capacity Building, Research, Consultancy, Skilling, Education and Extension. The duration of the MoU is three years and both the organizations will collaborate in training and Capacity Building; research and development; Advocacy; and research sharing etc. All the faculties and staffs of both organizations were presented at the MoU signing event.

CIRDAP and World Agriculture Forum, Zuidwolde, Netherlands signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for mutual cooperation in the presence of the global representatives during award ceremony of the 2ND World Agriculture Award ceremony, 2024 held on September18, 2024. The MoU was signed by Dr. Chandra Shekara, DG, CIRDAP and Ms. Leena Jacob, International Programs Director, WAF. The DG of CIRDAP took this initiative of forming a collaboration and cooperation to accelerate the integrated rural development leading to sustainable development thus leaving no one behind.   DG CIRDAP attended the World Agriculture Award ceremony and the board meeting On September 18th, 2024, Dr. P. Chandra Shekara, Director General, CIRDAP delivered a talk in Norman Borlogue Colloquy on Global Food Security and Sustainable Development organized by the World Agriculture Forum during the Occasion of the 2ND World Agriculture Award ceremony, 2024 held at Mumbai, India. The World Agriculture Prize was presented to Honorable Chief Minister of Maharashtra state, India Sri. Eknath Shinde by World Agriculture Forum in this grand award ceremony. The DG of CIRDAP participated in the program as Board Member of the Forum. The vice president of World Agriculture Forum William Dar made the introductory speech in which he informed about the nature of the prize and method of selection for it. The national director of World Agriculture Council MJ Khan proposed the vote of thanks. The honour was done jointly by the Governor, HE Mr CP Radhakrishnan and WAF Chair, Prof Rabbinge, joined by Cabinet Ministers and Ambassadors and HCs of 9 countries, and 1100+ farmers and prominent leaders. Dr. Chandra, Director General also participated in World Agriculture Forum Governing Board Meeting as a board member on September 19th, 2024. The Forum has Global representatives from Netherland and all over the world. The World Agriculture Forum Board and its newly constituted Global Council met at the meeting. The meeting was attended by WAF Chair, Prof. Rudy Rabbinge; Vice Chair, Dr. William Dar; Board members: H.E. Mr. M Nardeosing, Secretary General, AARDO; Dr. Phat Cao, Board Chair, IRRI; among others, and online joined by Dr. Ameenah, former President, Mauritius; Dr. Hans Hoogeveen, Chairman, FAO Council; Mr. Richard Lackey, Chairman, World Food Bank among other members from 27 countries. The World Agriculture Forum (WAF) was envisioned during the Global Agriculture Summit in 2017 in New Delhi, India and later discussed at the World Food Summit in Des Moines, USA in 2019; as a neutral, global platform for nations, industries, experts, and institutions to converge, collaborate, and catalyze sustainable agricultural development, fostering a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and collective problem-solving. Following extensive and in-depth consultations with experts and global leaders, a consensus was reached to establish the World Agriculture Forum, modeled on the pattern of World Economic Forum, to address the pressing needs and opportunities in the agricultural sector.

Fact 1: The world produces enough food to feed everyone, and yet millions suffer from hunger and malnutrition. Fact 2: Globally, around 13.2 percent of food produced is lost between harvest and retail, while an estimated 19 percent of total global food production is wasted in households, in the food service and in retail all together.  As a part of the global community and to advance sustainable development through integrated rural development, CIRDAP will also observe the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste. The Webinar on this significant day will be held on 29th September, 2024 (Sunday) at 11 am Bangladesh time (12 pm Thailand time). Dr. Nuanchan Singkran, Associate Professor, Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies Mahidol University, Thailand will be embraced as the honorable speaker. The fifth observance of the day will highlight the critical need for financing to bolster efforts to reduce food loss and waste, contribute to achieving climate goals and advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. To join the webinar, you are requested to registrar in the link below: https://forms.gle/kLxz4SHHsgQDvnZJ6  

The Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) now has a new Director General (DG) Dr. P. Chandra Shekara, an Indian national replacing Dr. Cherdsak Virapat Thai national who has completed his four-year term (2020 -2024).  Dr. Chandra is a leading Professional in the field of Agriculture with his more than three decades of service towards integrated rural development especially in the areas namely Agricultural Extension Management, Agri-Entrepreneurship Development, Agricultural Marketing Management and Public-Private-Partnership. He headed three premier National Institutions in India which work for the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. Dr. Chandra served as Director General of CCS National Institute of Agricultural Marketing (CCS NIAM), Director General (In-charge) of National Institute of Plant Health Management (NIPHM) and Director General of National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE). As Chief Executive of these Institutions, He leads very important International and National schemes, programs and policy interventions for development of Agriculture through Training, Research, Consultancy, Policy Advocacy, Education, International Programmes, Implementation of Govt. of India Schemes, Agripreneurship Development, Agri. Startups Promotion, Documentation and Dissemination in Agriculture Development.  Dr. P. Chandra Shekara received numerous accolades and recognition for his outstanding achievements worth mentioning – “Extension Leadership Award (2023) in the International Extension Education Conference 2023 (IEEC 2023); “NITTE-Karnataka Bank Limited Lifetime Achievement Award-2019 for driving Agri-entrepreneurship Movement in India” and etc.  Dr. Chandra holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Extension awarded from University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore in 1999 with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 9.57 /10.00 with following Three Gold Medals: Recipient of University of Agricultural Sciences Gold Medal for Securing Highest Grade Point. Recipient of Dr. K.A. Jalihal Gold Medal for Best Ph.D., Student in Agricultural Extension. Recipient of Dr. R. Dwarakinath, Former Vice-Chancellor Gold Medal for Best PhD. Student in Agricultural Extension. His Doctoral Research Thesis contributed an “Agricultural Extension Strategy for the Management of Coffee Industry in India”. He obtained a Post-Graduate Degree – M.Sc. in Agricultural Extension, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore in 1989 and completed his bachelor’s degree- B.Sc., (Agriculture) from same University in 1987.  Dr. Chandra said that he is looking forward to leading the CIRDAP Secretariat by continuing the work his predecessors have done blending with his experiences and expertise to take CIRDAP further into the future and to its vision. He also added that, he will strive to make the Organization ready for new challenges and strengthen the role for Integrated Rural Development in Asia and the Pacific region. Dr. P. Chandra Shekara will serve CIRDAP from 2024 to 2028. CONTACT: Hurain Jannat Communication Officer, CIRDAP. Email: Communication_officer@cirdap.org