Kathmandu, September 13
A Policy roundtable meeting for the effective implementation of the Material Transfer Agreement among SAARC member states, jointly organised by the SAARC Agriculture Centre and IRRI South Asia Regional Centre, concluded on Thursday.
The objectives of the meeting were to sensitize multiple stakeholders for a better understanding of the MTA process and requirements, to discuss and work towards developing a clear mechanism for effective implementation of the MTA in the SAARC region, to work towards harmonizing the material transfer policies among SAARC member states to enable a hassle-free cross border transfer of genetic materials, and to explore opportunities in public-private partnership in material transfer process.
The two-day-long event was inaugurated by Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Ram Nath Adhikari. Similarly, the Director of SAC Harunur Rashid chaired the event.
The first day of the event also featured a panel discussion on the Prospects and challenges of operationalizing the MTA framework in South Asia.
“This gathering truly reflects our coming commitments, shared understanding and objectives to secure mutual benefits through smooth transfer of seeds, planting as well as other biological materials within the MTA framework,” said Adhikari.
Speaking at the meeting Ganga Dutta Acharya, Senior Program Specialist at SAARC Agriculture Centre said, “This roundtable is a unique opportunity for us to come together, challenge our thinking, and explore new avenues for improving the effectiveness of MTAs.”
Our goal is to foster a collaborative environment in South Asia Region where ideas and materials particularly in agricultural research and development can be exchanged freely, and actionable outcomes can be developed, he added.
“I have full conviction that the effective and expeditious implementation of the MTA is key to facilitating cross-border material exchanges and promoting innovation and invention in agriculture science,” said Minister Adhikari.
