The Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP), in collaboration with Shobhit Institute of Engineering and Technology (SIET), India, invites applications from eligible candidates of CIRDAP Member Countries for the CIRDAP SIET Partial Scholarship Programme 2026. The scholarship programme offers opportunities to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Agriculture, Engineering, Technology, and Agri Business Management at SIET, India. 📚 Programmes Offered: 📅 Important Dates: Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online and take advantage of this opportunity to pursue quality higher education in India. 🔗 For Application: Click Here 🔗 View the Brochure: Click Here 🔗 View CIRDAP Scholarship Fee Document: Click Here

CIRDAP has been proudly spotlighted in the April 2026 Edition of KhetiValah Global Agri E-Magazine, one of the leading voices in global agriculture and rural development! This special issue highlights CIRDAP’s impactful work across the Asia-Pacific region (pages 52–57), along with the “Rural Heartbeat” cover feature on our Honourable Director General, HE. Dr. P. Chandra Shekara. His visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to rural transformation continue to inspire progress and collaboration. The feature showcases CIRDAP’s recent activities, innovative rural development initiatives, key regional updates, and the “Integrated Rural Development Models Series in the Asia-Pacific Region”—reflecting our ongoing dedication to knowledge sharing and regional learning. Explore the full edition and discover stories shaping the future of agriculture and rural development. 👉 Click the link below to read the full magazine! 🔗 Read the full magazine!: Click Here

Agriculture plays a vital role in the economies of both Nepal and India, supporting livelihoods, ensuring food security, and contributing significantly to national GDP. In Nepal, agriculture employs more than half of the population and remains the backbone of rural livelihoods. Similarly, in India, agriculture continues to sustain millions of farmers and contributes substantially to rural employment and economic stability. Despite its importance, traditional agriculture in both countries is undergoing transformation due to technological advancements, market integration, climate change, and globalization. This transition has led to the emergence of agribusiness, which extends beyond farm production to include value chains, processing, marketing, distribution, and agricultural services. Agribusiness offers enormous opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and employment generation. Particularly, it has opened new pathways for women and youth to participate actively in agricultural value chains through agripreneurship, digital agriculture, agro-processing, and market linkages. Harnessing the potential of women and young entrepreneurs is essential to transform agriculture into a more resilient, productive, and sustainable agribusiness ecosystem. 🔗 See the brochure: Click Here

CIRDAP is honored to share that the latest edition of Technikon (January – June 2026, Issue 31), a prestigious half yearly journal by the SK Chaudhary Educational Trust and Shankara Group of Institutions, features an insightful article by our Director General, HE Dr. P. Chandra Shekara. In the article titled “CIRDAP: Leading and Championing in Integrated and Inclusive Approaches Towards Rural Development” (pages 15-20), Dr. Shekara outlines the strategic roadmap for transforming rural landscapes across the Asia-Pacific region. This feature highlights CIRDAP’s continued commitment to promoting innovative, inclusive, and sustainable approaches that empower rural communities across the Asia Pacific region. We extend our sincere appreciation to the publishers for recognizing CIRDAP’s efforts and providing a platform to share our vision and experiences with a wider academic and development audience. 🔗 See the journal: Click Here

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International training Programme on “Agri Value Chain Financing” in collaboration with Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India and Vaikunth Mehta National Institute of Cooperative Management, (VAMNICOM) at VAMNICOM, Pune during 23rd – 26th June 2025. The programme design, methodology, contents and terms of deputing the participants for the programme are indicated in the detailed programme format enclosed herewith for your perusal and consideration. The programme topics will be covered by subject matter experts, resource persons with use of suitable teaching techniques and with intensive involvement of participants. In deputing the participants, organization will only bear the expenditure on their travel for participation of the programme. The participants admitted to the programme will be provided hospitality of lodging and boarding sponsored by the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India, at VAMNICOM, Pune. CICTAB does not charge any course fees. In view of the contemporary relevance of the subject area of the programme and its significance, you may kindly consider to depute two to four Senior Officers / trainer from your institution for the programme and send his/her details in the proforma enclosed, before 15th June 2025 To View The Nomination Form: Click Here