During his four-day visit to Sri Lanka, on June 11, 2024, H.E. the Secretary General of SAARC Ambassador Md. Golam Sarwar visited two project sites funded by the SAARC Development Fund (SDF) in the Kandy district. Ambassador Golam Sarwar interacted with farmers and reviewed the progress of ongoing activities under the SDF projects.

In order to scale up Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) in South Asia, the SDF Board has allocated USD 0.75 million (750,000) to prominent government agencies in Afghanistan, Bhutan, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. These funds are designated to support the development of CSA technologies and their integration into national systems. The SAARC Agriculture Centre will serve as the Lead Implementing Agency for this initiative. These activities funded by SDF focus on smallholder communities in specific agro-ecological zones within the target countries, particularly those most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The grant aims to benefit researchers, extension workers, and policymakers at the national level, complementing efforts supported by the IFAD grant to expand the adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) technologies.

During the site inspection, it was reported that the implementing agencies have achieved 43% progress on the overall approved budget and 102% progress specifically on the SDF-funded project activities outlined in the work plan. They anticipate completing the remaining activities within the remaining project period.

Secretary General Golam Sarwar suggested proceeding an impact assessment to review the progress of all SDF projects through the respective authorities in Member States.

During the inspection, the Secretary General was accompanied by Madam Taslima Sarwar, spouse of the Secretary General, Ms. Irosha Cooray, Director at the SAARC Secretariat, officials from the Department of Agriculture, coordinators of SDF in Sri Lanka, and beneficiaries of SDF.

SAARC Secretariat

17 June 2024