A webinar was held on 5th August, 2020 at 11.00 AM to assess the progress of SAARC Agriculture PhD scholars under the chairmanship of Dr. Mian Sayeed Hassan, Director, SAC. Dr. S.M. Bokhtiar, Executive Chairman of BARC, participated the meeting as Chief Guest. The meeting was attended by PhD scholars, doctoral supervisors, Senior Program Specialists, Senior program Officer. After delivering welcome address, Dr. Hassan requested all the scholars to work hard for maximizing the research outputs so that they will be successful in publication in journals of international repute. Dr. Bokhtiar addressed the scholars to focus their research on the emerging challenges of South Asian agriculture. He explained the genesis of SAARC Agriculture PhD program and wished the scholars to act as ambassador of SAARC Agriculture Centre following returning to their profession after successful completion of their doctoral study.

Currently, three scholars are pursuing doctoral degree under the SAARC Agriculture PhD Scholarship Program: Ms. Rafeza Begum of Bangladesh undertaking study in soil science at Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh, Ms. Sara Sahibzada of Afghanistan pursuing study in Agricultural Economics at Post Graduate Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka and Mr. Ankur Poudel of Nepal doing study in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India.Ms. Rafeza Begum presented her progress of work and shared the research outputs in details. She has already communicated two research papers in highly reputed international journals, such as “Plos One”. Her supervisor opined that student’s laboratory work is completed and now she is focusing on analysis and writing. Ms. Sara Sahibzada outlined her doctoral research in details and informed the house about her progress of work and publications made. Her supervisor, Dr. Jeevika Weerahewa, requested the Director, SAC to extend the tenure at least six months owing to hinderance created by COVID pandemic. Mr Ankur Poudel presented his activities during last one year. He successfully completed all essentials courses required for beginning of doctoral research. He and his supervisor were suggested to focus their biotechnological research to address the climate change keeping in view the food and nutrition security of South Asia. Dr. Pranab K. Mandal, principal scientist and supervisor of Mr. Poudel, requested the Director SAC to enhance the duration of fellowship in view of delay happened owing to COVID-19 pandemic. The Senior program specialists of the centre requested to the scholars to put their tireless efforts to bring out tangible outcome so that they will be successful in publication on high impact factor journals along with advancement of knowledge in the particular field. The webinar was conceptualized and coordinated by Dr. Younus Ali, Senior Technical Officer of the Centre.