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International Online Training Programme on Advances and Challenges in Global Sustainable Agriculture

19- 22 January 2026

The African Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO), in collaboration with Harper Adams University (HAU), United Kingdom, successfully organized a four-day International Online Training Programme on “Advances and Challenges in Global Sustainable Agriculture.” The programme emphasized the urgent need to transform agricultural and food systems in response to climate change, environmental degradation, resource constraints, and global food and nutrition security challenges. It provided a valuable international platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and science-based solutions aimed at building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural systems.

The programme received an overwhelming response, 236 delegates from twenty-eight (28) AARDO Member Countries registered for participation, namely Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Republic of China (Taiwan), Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, India, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, and Zambia, along with participants from four (04) prospective AARDO Member Countries, namely Togo, Tanzania, Seychelles, and South Africa. The wide geographical representation reflects the strong global interest in sustainable agriculture and cross-regional learning.

The inaugural session commenced with an introduction by Prof. Mitch Crook, Programme Coordinator, Harper Adams University. This was followed by a welcome address delivered by Ken Sloan, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer, Harper Adams University. Professor Sloan emphasized the University’s commitment to global engagement in agricultural education, applied research, and innovation, and highlighted the importance of international partnerships in addressing contemporary and emerging agricultural challenges.

The session was equally addressed by H.E Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General, AARDO. Who underscored the growing pressures on global agriculture and food systems arising from climate change, resource scarcity, population growth, and nutritional inequalities. He emphasized the need to transform food systems to be both people-positive and planet-positive, and called for collective action to scale up research-driven and proven solutions to sustain farmers’ livelihoods, expand consumer choices, and restore ecological balance.

The four days technical sessions of the programme offered comprehensive and in-depth coverage of the major dimensions of global sustainable agriculture, with a strong emphasis on practical, science-based, and field-oriented solutions. The sessions examined the effective implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as a key strategy to reduce dependence on chemical inputs while maintaining crop productivity and ecological balance. Significant focus was placed on soil health and regenerative agricultural approaches, highlighting the importance of soil biodiversity, organic matter management, and conservation practices in enhancing long-term farm sustainability and resilience to climate stress.

The role of ruminants and sustainable grazing systems was discussed in detail, emphasizing the need to balance environmental sustainability with the nutritional, economic, and livelihood benefits of livestock-based farming systems. In addition, the sessions showcased recent technological advances in sustainable agriculture, including precision agriculture, digital tools, and innovative farming technologies aimed at improving productivity, resource-use efficiency, and climate resilience. Through expert presentations, case studies, and interactive discussions, participants gained practical insights and scalable solutions applicable across diverse agro-ecological conditions in AARDO Member Countries.

The Valedictory Session, held on 22 January 2026, marked the successful conclusion of the programme. During the session, Mitch Crook, Programme Coordinator, Harper Adams University, presented a comprehensive summary of the programme, highlighting key thematic discussions, learning outcomes, and the rich exchange of experiences among participants.

Subsequently, Mr. Kamal Dhameja, Head, CB&DP Division, African Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO), delivered the valedictory remarks. He expressed On behalf of AARDO, sincere appreciation to Harper Adams University for its excellent academic collaboration, institutional support, and expert contributions. He particularly extended his thanks to Prof. Mitch Crook and Prof. Edmore for their valuable academic inputs, professional guidance, and dedicated efforts in ensuring the smooth and successful conduct of the programme.

He also extended heartfelt thanks to all participants for their active engagement and meaningful contributions throughout the training programme. He expressed special appreciation for Mohsin Ali, Technical Officer, CB&DP Division, AARDO, for his excellent coordination. He further reaffirmed that AARDO and Harper Adams University would continue to work closely to explore concrete collaborative initiatives, including joint capacity-building, training, and knowledge-sharing programmes, for the benefit of AARDO Member Countries.

The training programme was highly appreciated by participants for its relevance, quality of deliberations, and practical orientation. The successful collaboration between AARDO and Harper Adams University reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture and strengthening the capacities of AARDO Member Countries in building resilient, inclusive, and future-ready food systems.

AARDO-EICA Online Regional Workshop on "The Role of Cooperatives in Supporting Small Projects" (Arabic language)

15-18 December 2025

Cooperatives play a pivotal role in rural and social development by empowering rural communities and small enterprises to pool resources and ensure access to markets, training, and financial stability. These collective initiatives foster economic resilience and social inclusion, directly supporting several UN Sustainable Development Goals like poverty eradication and gender equality. The United Nations accordingly dedicated 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives to recognize their vital global impact.

Keeping in view the importance of the subject and the context of the “International Year of Cooperatives”, AARDO, in collaboration with the Egyptian International Centre for Agriculture (EICA), organized an online regional workshop in Arabic on “The Role of Cooperatives in Supporting Small Projects” from 15–18 December 2025.

This online regional workshop got overwhelming response from the Arabic speaking member/eligible member countries. It was registered over one hundred participants from 8 AARDO Members countries, namely Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Oman, Sudan, Syria, and Tunisia; and one (1) eligible member country, Saudi Arabia, attended this program. The workshop enhanced knowledge of participants about capabilities of entrepreneurs, facilitating their access to finance and services, and opening new horizons for marketing and networking, to ensure success and sustainability. The program also contributed to spreading the culture of cooperation and teamwork and highlighted successful models that could be followed, so that cooperation could become amongst a real lever for economic and social development.

The chief guest, H.E. Mr. Kamel Galal, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to India opened and addressed the workshop on 15th of December 2025. Several other dignitaries including Mr. Rami Qtaishat, Assistant Secretary General, AARDO, Eng. Soheir El-Hefny, Director General of the Egyptian International Centre for Agriculture (EICA), Mr. Mohammed Hassan Rashwan, Honorary Regional Representative of AARDO for North and East Africa and other senior officials /experts form EICA and AARDO also made opening remarks, thereat.

In his inaugural address, the chief guest H.E. Mr. Kamel Galal, while appreciating AARDO’s role in strengthening the south-south cooperation, highlighted Egypt’s historical collaborative relations with AARDO. He also looked forward to Egypt’s continued support to AARDO in its endeavours for sustainable rural development in its member nations in Africa and Asia. In her address, Eng. Soheir El-Hefny, Director General of the Egyptian International Centre for Agriculture (EICA) thanked AARDO for collaborating with the centre for organizing HRD programs and reiterated centre’s continued cooperation with AARDO. In his address, Mr. Rami Qtaishat, Assistant Secretary General of AARDO expressed his gratefulness for H.E. Mr. Kamel Galal for spearing his valuable time to inaugurate the program. He thanked the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt for extending all support and cooperation to AARDO in its organizational and technical activities. He also, thanked the Director General of EICA for her valuable presence and cooperation with AARDO in organizing HRD programs. Mr. Rami highlighted the pivotal role of cooperatives in promoting rural and social development, particularly through its support for small projects in various ways, like pooling resources, knowledge and employment. He further underscored that cooperatives contribute, directly and indirectly, in achieving number of sustainable development goals of the UN. A vote of thanks was presented by Mr. Mohammad Naimuddin, program coordinator, AARDO. The inaugural session concluded with a group photo session (screenshots).

During the technical sessions of the workshop, eminent experts/resource persons from the Egyptian International Centre for Agriculture (EICA), covered pertinent such as the current status of cooperatives and their role in providing future needs; role of agricultural cooperatives in achieving food security and social justice; contribution of cooperatives in the advancement of small enterprises and achieving sustainable development; and obstacles of agricultural cooperatives in Egypt. The workshop successfully achieved its objective and significantly boosted participants' knowledge in the domain of cooperatives.

The workshop successfully concluded on 18 December 2025, with closing remarks by Eng. Soheir El-Hefny, Director General of the Egyptian International Centre for Agriculture (EICA), Mr. Mohamed Hassan Rashwan, Honorary Regional Representative of AARDO for North & Eastern Africa, and Mr. Mohammad Naimuddin, Translation Officer (Arabic) and Program Coordinator from AARDO.

Several participants, including Eng. Mohammed Mansour Al-Hawamdeh, the Honorary Regional Representative of AARDO for Middle East, Amman, presented their feedback and expressed gratitude to AARDO, its Regional Office in Cairo, and the Egyptian International Centre for Agriculture (EICA), Egypt for organizing the workshop.

AARDO–VAMNICOM International Programme on “Digitalization of Cooperative and Rural Financing Institutions”, Pune, India

01 – 10 December 2025

The African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO), in collaboration with the Vaikunth Mehta National Institute of Cooperative Management (VAMNICOM), Pune, successfully organized an International Programme on “Digitalization of Cooperative and Rural Financing Institutions” from 1 to 10 December 2025 at VAMNICOM, Pune. The programme has strengthened institutional capacities of cooperatives and rural financial institutions, through the adoption of digital technologies, fintech solutions, and innovative governance practices. The programme was inaugurated by H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General, AARDO, and Dr. Suva Kanta Mohanty, Director, VAMNICOM, in the presence of senior dignitaries including Mr. Edward Mulbah, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Liberia; H.E. Mr. Abdoulie Njai, Member of Parliament, Gambia National Assembly; Prof. (Dr.) Biswajit Das, KIIT School of Management, KIIT University; and Dr. (Fr.) Lijo Thomas, Director, Christ University and Dr. Sanjeeb Kumar Behera, Head, IEC Division, AARDO. The inaugural session underscored the growing importance of digital transformation in enhancing transparency, efficiency, and inclusiveness within cooperative and rural finance ecosystems.

The programme was attended by 12 participants from AARDO Member Countries, namely Eswatini, Gambia, Ghana, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Malaysia, Nigeria, Oman, Sri Lanka, and Zambia, representing government institutions, cooperative organizations, and financial institutions. The diverse participation enabled meaningful exchange of experiences and best practices across regions. Participants of the programme had the opportunity to participate in selected sessions of AARDO’s and Vamnicom International Roundtable on Roundtable Meeting on “Enhancing Contributions and Competitiveness of Cooperatives and SMEs through Policy, Governance and Technology Interventions”, 01-06 December 2025.

The technical sessions covered key themes such as policy and regulatory frameworks for cooperatives and MSMEs, governance and institutional strengthening, global trends in cooperatives, capacity building of youth and women, adoption of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, access to finance, and strategies for enhancing competitiveness and market access. Special sessions on API banking, digital ecosystems, and digital transformation experiences of cooperative banks provided practical insights into emerging fintech solutions relevant to rural and cooperative institutions.

A series of study visits, furthermore, offered practical exposure to successful cooperative and rural finance models. Participants visited the Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence at KVK Baramati, Grahak Peth (Consumer Cooperative), Pune District Central Cooperative Bank, IFFCO State Office, Amul Satellite Dairy Village, Sahyadri Farms (FPO), Venkateshwara Co-operative Power and Agro Processing Ltd., and Annapurna Pariwar (Microfinance Institution). These visits demonstrated the effective use of digital tools, cooperative governance, value-chain integration, and inclusive financing mechanisms in strengthening rural livelihoods.

The programme concluded with a valedictory session during which certificates were awarded by Mrs. Vijayashree Bhagawati, Assistant Professor , VAMNICOM, in the presence of Dr. D. Ravi, Programme Director. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to applying the knowledge gained to advance digitalization and institutional reforms in cooperatives and rural financing institutions in their respective countries.

The programme reinforced AARDO’s commitment to promoting resilient, inclusive, and technology-driven cooperative and rural financing systems across Asia and Africa, in line with its mandate of fostering sustainable rural development among Member Countries.

AARDO–VAMNICOM Roundtable Meeting on” Enhancing Contributions and Competitiveness of Cooperatives and SMEs through Policy, Governance, and Technology Interventions, Vamnicom, Pune

01 – 06 December 2025

Commemorating the International Year of Cooperatives, the African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO), in collaboration with the Vaikunth Mehta National Institute of Cooperative Management (VAMNICOM), Pune, successfully organised the International Roundtable on “Enhancing Contributions and Competitiveness of Cooperatives and MSMEs through Policy, Governance and Technology Interventions” during 1-6 December 2025. The Roundtable brought together policymakers, senior government officials, academicians, cooperative leaders and development practitioners from 16 AARDO Member Countries and Premier Institutes/ Universities across Africa and Asia i.e. Eswatini, Gambia, Ghana, India, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Liberia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Oman, Sri Lanka, Zambia and two delegates from an International Organization from Moscow, Russia.

The programme was inaugurated by H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General, AARDO, in the presence of distinguished dignitaries including Hon. Mr. Edward Mulbah, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Liberia; H.E. Mr. Abdoulie Njai, Member of Parliament, The Gambia; Prof. Dr. Biswajit Das, KIIT School of Management; Dr. (Fr.) Lijo Thomas, Director, Christ University and Dr. Suva Kanta Mohanty, Director, VAMNICOM. The inaugural session underscored the pivotal role of cooperatives and MSMEs in addressing rural poverty, employment generation, food security and inclusive economic growth across Africa and Asia.

During the Inaugural Session, Dr. Suva Kanta Mohanty, Director, VAMNICOM, highlighted cooperatives as people-centred institutions promoting equity, collective action and inclusive rural development, and emphasised the need for capacity building, professional management and technology adoption to make them future-ready. H.E. Mr. Abdoulie Njai, Member of Parliament, The Gambia, underscored the vital role of cooperatives and MSMEs in strengthening rural economies, particularly in agriculture and community development, and stressed the importance of digitalisation, sound governance and policy support to empower youth and women. Prof. Dr. Biswajit Das, KIIT School of Management, traced the evolution of the cooperative movement and reaffirmed its core values of democracy, equality and solidarity, while highlighting the need for technological innovation and sustainability to enhance its resilience and competitiveness. Mr. Edward Mulbah, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Liberia in his inaugural speech, emphasized that cooperatives, digital innovation, and climate resilience are vital for Liberia’s inclusive growth, with women and youth driving rural transformation. He called for stronger institutions and African-Asian collaboration to build a resilient and equitable future. Dr. (Fr.) Lijo Thomas, Director, Christ University in his inaugural address, undersigned that rural development was essential for sustainable growth, urging preservation of rural communities values while fostering fair partnerships to empower them. He reminded that true transformation in the age of AI depends on human capital—compassion, creativity, and commitment. Delivering the keynote address, H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General, AARDO, emphasised the urgency of developing and strengthening the nexus of cooperatives and MSMEs to address rural poverty, food security and employment challenges in Africa and Asia, and called for governance reforms, technology integration and strengthened South–South cooperation aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Roundtable featured a series of Technical Sessions that provided in-depth deliberations on key thematic areas critical to strengthening Cooperatives and MSMEs in the evolving global landscape. These sessions focused on global trends in Cooperatives and MSMEs; policy and regulatory frameworks and institutional strengthening; capacity building and skills development of youth and women; adoption of digital technologies and potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI); financial schemes and institutional mechanisms for improving access to capital; enhancing competitiveness and market access; and research-based evidence on how Cooperatives and MSMEs are adapting to emerging economic, technological and climate-related challenges.

The Technical Sessions were enriched by expert presentations, panel discussions and country experiences shared by senior policymakers, academicians and practitioners from Africa and Asia. These deliberations enabled participants to critically analyse challenges, exchange best practices and identify practical, inclusive and technology-enabled pathways for improving governance, resilience and competitiveness of Cooperatives and MSMEs.

In addition, structured Group Discussions provided an interactive platform for delegates to exchange country experiences, identify common challenges and propose practical solutions related to inclusive development, policy support mechanisms and institutional strengthening. The outcomes of these discussions contributed significantly to the overall recommendations of the Roundtable.

On 5 December 2025, the delegates undertook a series of field visits to key cooperative institutions, providing them with practical exposure to the functioning and impact of cooperative models in India. The visit began with a consumer cooperative shop managed by a federation of cooperatives, which has been serving the local community for over five decades. The interaction highlighted how cooperative retail enterprises play a vital role in ensuring the availability of quality goods at affordable prices, while simultaneously strengthening local livelihoods and fostering community ownership across both rural and urban populations.

The delegates further visited the Pune District Central Cooperative (PDCC) Bank, a pivotal financial institution in the cooperative banking ecosystem. The visit offered insights into how cooperative banks contribute to financial inclusion, provide credit support to farmers, self-help groups, and cooperative societies, and strengthen grassroots economic activities. Discussions underscored the bank’s role in enabling cooperative enterprises as well as FPOS and SMES to grow sustainably through accessible and member-driven financial services.

The field visit concluded at IFFCO, Pune, one of India’s largest and most successful cooperative organizations in the fertilizer and agri-input sector. The delegates gained an understanding of IFFCO’s extensive outreach, farmer-centric services, and its commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices through innovation, research, and capacity building.

Collectively, these visits showcased the diversity, resilience, and long-term contributions of the cooperative movement across sectors such as retail, finance, and agriculture. They also demonstrated how cooperatives and small institutions could adapted to competitive environment, evolving socio-economic and technological challenges. Thus, reinforcing their relevance in advancing rural development, inclusive growth, and community empowerment in the contemporary context.

The Valedictory Session was graced by H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General, AARDO; Hon. Mr. Edward Mulbah, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Liberia; H.E. Mr. Abdoulie Njai, Member of Parliament, The Gambia; and Dr. Suva Kanta Mohanty, Director, VAMNICOM. The session reflected on key deliberations and emphasised the importance of translating policy dialogue into action-oriented cooperation, strengthened institutional mechanisms and sustained capacity-building initiatives for Cooperatives and MSMEs. It was concluded that, inter alia, several successful development models of cooperatives and MSMES could be emulated in most of AARDO Member Countries. Moreover, conducive policies could be enunciated to ensure good governance as well as technology adoption in cooperatives and MSMEs.

During the Valedictory Session, Certificates of Participation were awarded to all international delegates and participants in recognition of their active engagement, knowledge sharing and valuable contributions to the Roundtable. The certification symbolised AARDO’s continued commitment to capacity building, professional development and South–South cooperation.

The Roundtable concluded with a shared resolve to deepen collaboration among governments, academic institutions, cooperative organisations and development partners. The recommendations and outcomes of the Roundtable will be consolidated in the form of the Report and shared with AARDO Member Countries, international organisations and financial institutions, contributing to evidence-based policymaking and future AARDO initiatives aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods, employment and economic resilience across Africa and Asia.

Third International Workshop on “Emerging Trends in Agricultural Technologies” at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT-KGP), West Bengal, India

30th November - 09th December 2025

The African Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO), in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, successfully organised the Third International Workshop on Emerging Trends in Agricultural Technology from 30 November to 9 December 2025 at the IIT Kharagpur campus, India.

The nine-day international workshop brought together 09 senior officials, academicians, researchers, and development practitioners from eight AARDO Member Countries across Asia and Africa, namely, Eswatini, Gambia, Ghana, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Namibia, Zambia, along with distinguished faculty members and scholars of IIT Kharagpur. The programme strengthen international cooperation, capacity building, and knowledge exchange in the field of agricultural and food engineering, with a strong focus on sustainability, climate resilience, innovation, and technology-led rural development.

The workshop commenced with an inaugural session addressed by senior faculty members of IIT Kharagpur, including Prof. Anandaroop Bhattacharya, Dean (International Relations), and Prof. Madan Kumar Jha, Head, Agricultural and Food Engineering Department. The speakers highlighted IIT Kharagpur’s global academic collaborations and emphasised the role of international training programmes in bridging technological gaps, promoting knowledge transfer, and strengthening institutional capacities in developing countries.

The workshop featured a series of high-level technical lectures, delivered by eminent experts from IIT Kharagpur, besides interactive sessions, laboratory demonstrations, and field visits. Key thematic areas covered during the programme included Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and precision agriculture; advanced spectroscopic and hyperspectral imaging techniques for food quality and safety; Geo-AI, satellite remote sensing, and machine learning applications in agriculture and aquaculture; climate-smart agriculture, carbon management, and greenhouse gas mitigation; innovations in hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaponics, and controlled-environment agriculture; smart and intensive aquaculture systems and emerging technologies; Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in agricultural technology and innovation management; and sensor- and AI-based soil and crop diagnostics for sustainable farming systems.

Participants gained valuable hands-on exposure through visits to advanced laboratories, precision farming facilities, aquaculture ponds, incubation centres, and research fields at IIT Kharagpur, enabling them to relate theoretical knowledge with practical applications.

Special sessions were devoted to the agri-start-up and incubation ecosystem in India, featuring interactions with the leadership of the Agri-Business Incubation Foundation (ABIF) and Agri-Food Business Incubator Centre (AFBIC), along with presentations by successful agri-tech start-ups.

The workshop significantly enhanced participants’ understanding of emerging agricultural technologies, climate-resilient farming practices, and innovation-driven rural development models. It also reinforced the importance of South–South cooperation, academic–industry collaboration, and policy-oriented capacity building for addressing contemporary challenges in agriculture and food systems. Entrepreneurship development, innovation pathways, and employment generation opportunities relevant to AARDO Member Countries were equally highlighted.

The programme concluded with a valedictory session, during which certificates of participation were formally awarded to all participants, marking the successful completion of the international workshop.

AARDO remains committed to promoting knowledge sharing, skill development, and institutional collaboration among its Member Countries. The successful conduct of this workshop further strengthened AARDO’s partnership with IIT Kharagpur and reaffirmed its dedication to advancing sustainable agriculture and rural prosperity across Asia and Africa.

AARDO–IIT Madras International Training Programme on “Rural Technology Towards Improving Lives in Rural Areas with the Use of Science & Technology”

24 November to 2 December 2025

The African Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO), New Delhi, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), successfully organized an International Training Programme on “Rural Technology Towards Improving Lives in Rural Areas with the Use of Science & Technology” from 24 November to 2 December 2025 at the IIT Madras campus, Chennai.

The programme has strengthen the technical and managerial capacities of participants who are professionals, engaged in rural development and it has underscored the importance of science- and technology-driven solutions for sustainable livelihoods and inclusive rural transformation across Asia and Africa.

The training programme brought together senior government officials, academicians, researchers, and development practitioners from Eswatini, Ghana, Jordan, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Oman, Sri Lanka, and Zambia, representing key ministries, universities, research institutions, and development agencies. The diverse participation has enabled rich cross-country learning, exchange of best practices, and policy-level dialogue on rural technology adoption and community-based development models.

The inaugural session commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Raghunathan Rengaswamy, Dean, Office of Global Engagement, IIT Madras, who highlighted the institute’s commitment to global engagement and its role in developing technology-based solutions for rural challenges in developing regions. This was followed by an overview of the programme objectives by Prof. Abhijit P. Deshpande, Department of Chemical Engineering and Co-Principal Investigator, RuTAG, IIT Madras, who emphasized the importance of need-based, affordable, and scalable rural technologies. Thereafter, the Chief Guest, H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General, AARDO, in his address underscored the significance of capacity building, South–South cooperation, and knowledge exchange among AARDO Member Countries. He further stated that collaborative initiatives between Asia and Africa were essential for building resilient rural economies and fostering long-term development partnerships.

The programme featured expert lectures, interactive sessions, demonstrations, and institutional interactions led by distinguished faculty of IIT Madras and eminent experts from national organizations. Key thematic areas included waste-to-wealth technologies, rural sustainability and economic planning, agricultural transportation systems, appropriate technologies for livelihood sustainability, rural women entrepreneurship, diagnostics and healthcare technologies, aquaculture development, leather and natural fibre technologies, soil testing, intellectual property rights, and startup ecosystems in higher education institutions. Special sessions were also devoted to understanding the role of NABARD, government schemes for rural development, and national initiatives such as Unnat Bharat Abhiyan.

Participants have also benefited from hands-on exposure through technology demonstrations and showcases of rural innovations developed at IIT Madras. A guided campus tour provided insights into research facilities, and innovation ecosystem, bringing science to society.

To enhance experiential learning, the programme included cultural and field exposure visits, including a visit to Pondicherry and Eco Femme Auroshilpam, Auroville, where participants observed women-led sustainable enterprises, environmentally responsible production practices, and community empowerment models.

The valedictory ceremony marked the successful completion of the programme and was addressed by Prof. Varunkumar S, Principal Investigator, RuTAG, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Madras. He emphasized the importance of contextual adaptation of technologies, community participation, and sustainable implementation strategies for meaningful rural impact. Participants were honoured with IIT Madras certificates and mementoes. The programme achieved significant outcomes by enhancing participants’ technical and managerial capabilities and strengthening an Asia–Africa network of policymakers, researchers, and practitioners committed to rural upliftment. Delegates expressed keen interest in future collaborations, including joint research, pilot implementation of IIT Madras technologies, and continued knowledge exchange.

The AARDO–IIT Madras International Training Programme 2025 stands as a strong model of international collaboration, demonstrating how academic excellence, practical exposure, and cross-cultural engagement can collectively contribute to improving the lives of rural communities across Asia and Africa.

Offline AARDO-CICTAB International Training Programmes

Nov - Dec 2025

The African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO), in collaboration with the Vaikunth Mehta National Institute of Cooperative Management (VAMNICOM), Pune, India, and the Centre for International Cooperation and Training in Agricultural Banking (CICTAB), recently conducted a series of three offline international training programmes. These initiatives are part of AARDO’s continuous efforts to build capacities, enhance cooperative development, and promote sustainable rural development across Africa and Asia.

These programmes focused on cooperative development, financial inclusion, sustainable rural development, and fishery development through cooperative business models, bringing together professionals to share knowledge and experiences. They were entitled as hereunder:

1. Role of Cooperative Institutions in Achieving Financial Inclusion (10–14 Nov, NIRD & PR, Hyderabad) – Participants from Egypt, Eswatini, Gambia, Mauritius, and Zambia

2. Fishery Development through Cooperative Business Model (17–21 Nov, NCDC, New Delhi) – Participants from Egypt, Eswatini, Ghana, Mauritius, and Zambia

3. Integrating Cooperative Institutions for Sustainable Rural Development (08–12 Dec, NIRD & PR, Hyderabad) – Participants from Eswatini and Mauritius

Participants drawn from Egypt, Eswatini, Gambia, Ghana, Mauritius, and Zambia represented a diverse range of professional backgrounds and institutional affiliations. They enriched the learning environment by facilitating cross-country comparisons, encouraging the exchange of experiences, and enabling participants to gain insights into varied policy frameworks, cooperative structures, and rural development practices across regions.

The training methodology adopted a balanced mix of classroom lectures, interactive sessions, case studies, group discussions, and exposure visits. Such a blended approach enabled participants to deepen their understanding of theoretical concepts while gaining practical exposure to successful cooperative models and development initiatives. The interactive nature of the programmes fostered open dialogue, peer learning, and collaborative problem-solving in the domain of cooperatives.

In addition to academic learning, the programmes underscored the importance of networking and professional collaboration. Participants were encouraged to share challenges and best practices from their home countries, helping to build lasting professional relationships and a strong network of peers for future consultation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing beyond the duration of the training.

AARDO, together with its partner institutions, fully sponsored all participants by covering programme fees, international airfare, accommodation, local transportation, study materials, and exposure visits. This comprehensive support ensured a seamless and enriching learning experience, allowing participants to focus entirely on capacity enhancement and professional development.

These programmes reaffirm AARDO’s pivotal role in strengthening cooperative institutions, promoting inclusive growth, and advancing sustainable rural development through international cooperation.

International Online Training Programme on Application of GIS and Emerging Technologies for Ground Water Management, Rajiv Gandhi National Ground Water Training & Research Institute (RGNGWTRI), Raipur, India

10-13 Nov 2025

The African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO), in collaboration with Rajiv Gandhi National Ground Water Training & Research Institute (RGNGWTRI), the apex research institute of Central Ground Water Board, Government of India, successfully conducted an online International Training Programme on “Application of GIS and Emerging Technologies for Ground Water Monitoring, Assessment and Management” from 10 to 13 November 2025.

The programme has enhanced the technical capacities of professionals engaged in groundwater monitoring and management by familiarizing them with the latest applications of GIS, remote sensing, and emerging digital technologies, especially in the context of climate change and increasing water stress.

The programme was attended by a total of 208 participants from 35 AARDO member and prospective member countries, including senior government officials, hydrologists, water resource managers, researchers, and academicians.

The inaugural session was addressed by Dr. Ranjan Kumar Ray, Regional Director, RGNGWTRI, and on behalf of the Secretary General of AARDO by Dr. Sanjeeb Kumar Behera, Head (IEC Division), AARDO. Dr. Ray highlighted the critical role of GIS, remote sensing, and emerging technologies in promoting sustainable groundwater governance. He stressed the adoption of technology-driven, data-based, and climate-resilient strategies to tackle challenges such as climate change impacts, over-extraction, and groundwater quality degradation, while acknowledging the long-standing collaboration between RGNGWTRI and AARDO in international capacity building. Dr. Behera elaborated on the programme’s objectives, emphasizing the need for continuous upskilling of professionals in modern tools and technologies and reaffirmed AARDO’s commitment to strengthening technical competencies. The session also included addresses by Shri Anirvan Choudhury, Scientist-D & Course Director, and Shri Ramesh Jena, Scientist-C & Co-Course Director, RGNGWTRI.

The training programme covered advanced GIS applications, integration of remote sensing data, emerging digital tools, decision-support systems, and best practices in groundwater management, with strong emphasis on practical applications and real-world case studies. Key modules of the programme included: (i) fundamentals and advanced GIS applications in groundwater studies; (ii) integration of remote sensing data for monitoring and assessment; (iii) emerging technologies and digital tools for groundwater management; (iv) data-driven decision-support systems; and (v) case studies demonstrating sustainable groundwater management across diverse hydrogeological contexts.

The programme successfully concluded on 13 November 2026 with highly constructive feedback from participants, reaffirming the significance of international collaboration and capacity building in addressing global groundwater challenges.

Liaison Committee 85th Session

30 October 2025

The 85th Session of the Liaison Committee of African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) was held on 30 October 2025 at the Royal Plaza Hotel, New Delhi, India. The meeting was chaired by Shri Lal Chhandama, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, New Delhi and Hon'ble Chairperson of the Liaison Committee of AARDO. It was attended by 23 delegates from 15 member countries, namely, Republic of China (Taiwan), Republic of Ghana, Republic of India, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Lebanon , Malaysia, Republic of Mauritius, Republic of Namibia, Sultanate of Oman, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, State of Palestine, Republic of Sudan, Republic of Tunisia, and Republic of Zambia . Delegates from Kingdom of Bahrain and Republic of Tajikistan attended the Session as Observers. H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General, AARDO attended the meeting as Member Secretary to the Liaison Committee was equally present.

The session began with an address by the Secretary General of AARDO, H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, who extended a warm welcome to the delegates, followed by remarks from the Chairman of the 85th Session of AARDO Liaison Committee, Shri Lal Chhandama, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, New Delhi.

The quorum being complete, the Business Session commenced with the help of a comprehensive audio-visual PowerPoint presentations of the Agenda Notes. The committee initially approved its Provisional Agenda, thereafter, proceeded with the adoption of the Report of the 84th Session of the Liaison Committee. Subsequently, the Liaison Committee noted the follow-up actions initiated or proposed by the AARDO Secretariat regarding the decisions and recommendations from the 21st Session of AARDO Conference, 77th & 78th Sessions of Executive Committee, and the 84th Session of the Liaison Committee.

The Committee further reviewed the activities of the Organization, Membership Contribution and Member Relations for the period January - June 2025 and took note of the projected programmes of AARDO for the period from July - December 2025.

The Committee decided to hold its next (86th) Session on 30th April 2026 and accordingly approved a list of Special Invitees to attend therein, as Observers.

The meeting concluded with remarks from H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General of AARDO, and the Chairman, expressing gratitude to the distinguished delegates and observers for their productive deliberations. They also extended their appreciation to the officers and others involved for their impeccable arrangements. Lastly, a group photo of the distinguished delegates was captured.

Delegation from Burkina Faso Visits IIT Delhi

30 October

A high-level delegation from the Ministry of Energy, Government of Burkina Faso, led by the Secretary General, visited the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) on 30 October 2025. The visit was facilitated by the African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) at the request of the Embassy of Burkina Faso in New Delhi, India.

During the visit, the delegation held discussions with the Director of IIT Delhi and other senior officials on innovative and sustainable energy solutions, such as green energy and waste gas–to–energy technologies for electricity generation. The interactions also covered energy generation from waste and its applications for domestic use, transportation fuel, agricultural machinery including tractors, and cooking purposes.

The delegation also visited a solar energy project at IIT Delhi and explored opportunities for collaboration in capacity building, including Master’s and doctoral programmes. The delegation expressed satisfaction with the visit and conveyed its interest in strengthening cooperation with AARDO and IIT Delhi in the areas of energy research, training, and technology exchange.

International Training Programme on Agricultural Practices Using Drones: Plan, Design, Build, and Fly, IIT Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India

30 October – 8 November 2025

The African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO), in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, successfully organized an International Training Programme on “Agricultural Practices Using Drones: Plan, Design, Build, and Fly”, from 30 October to 8 November 2025 at IIT Kanpur. The programme was attended by ten participants from ten AARDO Member Countries namely, Bangladesh, Eswatini, Ghana, India, Lebanon, Mauritius, Morocco, Oman, Sri Lanka and Zambia aimed at strengthening capacities in the application of drone technologies for precision and sustainable agriculture.

The inaugural session, held on 31 October 2025, commenced with welcome remarks and an introductory address by Dr. Amandeep Singh Oberoi. Prof. J. Ramkumar, Coordinator, Design Innovation Center, Department of Design, IIT Kanpur, provided a comprehensive overview of the programme’s technical roadmap, emphasized the role of architectural design thinking in developing innovative drone-based agricultural solutions. The session was graced by the Chief Guest, Prof. Bushra Ateeq, Dean of International Relations (DOIR), IIT Kanpur, and the Guest of Honour, Prof. Vimal Kumar, Professor In-charge of Outreach Activities, who highlighted IIT Kanpur’s institutional commitment to global rural development, technology transfer, and international cooperation. The programme covered the followings:

1. Architectural Design Thinking enabled participants to conceptualize and design drone systems tailored for agricultural applications;
2. Technical Empowerment, with hands-on training on drone components, assembly, battery management, and fabrication machines; and
3. Precision Agriculture Advancement, focused on the use of drone-based surveys and data analysis for farm health monitoring, precision spraying, and efficient resource management.

To bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical field application, the programme incorporated extensive hands-on sessions and field visits. On 1 November 2025, participants visited the Fragrance and Flavour Development Centre (FFDC), Kannauj, where Dr. Shakti Vinay Shukla and his team demonstrated the use of drones in aromatic crop cultivation. An outstation visit, conducted on 6 November 2025, provided participants with first-hand exposure to farm health monitoring and precision spraying operations using drones under the guidance of Prof. J. Ramkumar. In addition, practical sessions on flight maneuvers, take-offs, navigation, and controlled flight operations were conducted by experts from IIT Kanpur and NIT Bhopal.

The programme concluded on 8 November 2025 with a valedictory session, during which Certificates of Participation were formally awarded to all participants, recognizing their successful completion of the training programme. The valedictory address was delivered by Dr. Bishakh Bhattacharya, (Mech. Engg.), who highlighted emerging and novel applications of drone technology in agriculture. Dr. Rohit Sagwal , Research Associates, IIT Kanpur and Dr. Rahul Kumar Research Associates, IIT Kanpur facilitated interactive networking sessions and research discussions, encouraging participants to translate the knowledge and skills acquired during the programme into practical initiatives in their respective home countries.

The training programme significantly contributed to capacity building among AARDO member countries and reinforced AARDO’s mandate of promoting innovative, technology-driven solutions particularly drones for sustainable agricultural and rural development through South–South and Triangular Cooperation.

International Online Training Programme on “Biofortification: A Cost-Effective and Sustainable Solution to Improve Human Health”, HarvestPlus, India

15-18 September 2025

The African Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO), in collaboration with HarvestPlus, hosted a high-impact international online training program titled: “Biofortification: A Cost-Effective and Sustainable Solution to Improve Human Health” from . The training underlined the critical role of food systems transformation in addressing malnutrition and climate challenges. Biofortification is a proven solution that strengthens food systems by embedding essential micronutrients directly into staple crops making nutrition accessible, affordable, and sustainable for millions.

The programme had a total registration of one hundred twenty five (125) participants from twenty six (26 ) AARDO member countries, namely, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Republic of China (Taiwan), Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, India, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Liberia, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, and Zambia and six (6) prospective member countries of AARDO, namely, Cameroon, Maldives, Myanmar, Netherlands, Rwanda and Uganda,

The sessions were inaugurated by H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General, AARDO, and Mr. Arun Baral, CEO, HarvestPlus. In his address, H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh emphasized that biofortification was a transformative approach enabling nations to improve nutrition and public health at scale. By embedding nutrition into food systems, it could create a lasting impact on vulnerable communities across Africa and Asia. Mr. Arun Baral underscored the significance of the training, noting that it demonstrated how science, policy, and partnerships could converge to deliver nutritious crops to millions. He further underlined that biofortification was beyond crops as it revolved around building resilient food systems, ensuring healthier futures, and advancing inclusive development.

The four-day technical sessions focused on the science and types of biofortified crops, global and national initiatives, and the roles of public and private sectors in seed production, certification, delivery systems, and scaling. Key discussions included communication strategies, behavior change, integration into food systems, post-harvest handling, market development, and the role of PPPs and agribusiness. The sessions also addressed nutrition evidence, breeding targets, standards, testing tools, partnership management, it also elucidated supportive government policies, scaling strategies, and innovative financing mechanisms.

The program was enriched by expert trainers from HarvestPlus, who brought decades of practical experience in crop research, nutrition integration, case studies on market delivery, the importance of communication and policy & advocacy. Their guidance provided participants with actionable strategies to adapt and scale biofortification in their own countries.

Participants were grateful to the teams from AARDO and HarvestPlus who had worked tirelessly to ensure that the training was a success. The session also received highly positive feedback from the participants, who appreciated the depth of knowledge shared. Together, AARDO and HarvestPlus were committed to advancing food and nutrition security through stronger, more resilient food systems.

International training programme on “Energy Planning and Renewable Energy Systems for Rural Areas”, IIT Delhi, India

22 September-01 October 2025

The African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO), in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT D), India, organized the above titled international workshop cum training programme, during 22 September-01 October 2025, under additional contribution of Government of India. The programme empowered participants with the essential skills for effective rural energy planning, encompassing resource assessment, the selection of appropriate technologies, and informed policy considerations.

The programme was attended by ten (10) participants from nine (9) member countries, namely, Bangladesh, Eswatini, Gambia, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius, Oman, and Zambia.

The inaugural session was held on 22 September 2025. The session began with a welcome note by Prof. Priyanka Kaushal, Programme Coordinator, CRDT. Prof. Vivek Kumar, Head of CRDT, IIT Delhi, provided an overview of the Centre for Rural Development and Technology (CRDT) and highlighted ongoing initiatives in promoting rural development, renewable energy, and sustainable technologies. This was followed by as address of Prof. Abhijit Abhyankar, Chairman, IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi, Outreach, who presented opportunities for AARDO member countries to engage with IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi through collaborative projects, capacity-building programmes, and scholarship opportunities.

Prof. Anil Verma, Dean of International Programmes, IIT Delhi, shared his perspectives on strengthening IITD-AARDO collaboration, emphasizing long-term engagement in research, training, and technical knowledge transfer in renewable energy systems for rural development. The inaugural remarks by Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Dean, IIT Delhi, underscored the importance of international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and innovation in energy planning to address rural energy challenges. He underscored the readiness of IIT Delhi to expend its collaboration with AARDO.

The keynote address was delivered by H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General, AARDO, highlighting AARDO’s continued commitment to fostering sustainable development in member countries through knowledge sharing, technology-driven initiatives, capacity building, and the promotion of renewable energy solutions in rural communities. He underscored the necessity to connect with academia and leverage on innovation, made by eminent institutions like IIT Delhi, which could bring remedies to many maladies in rural communities of AARDO member countries.

The inaugural session was graced by Excellencies, Ambassadors and High Commissioners, as well as Senior diplomats from AARDO member and prospective member countries. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms. V. Raghavi, AARDO, followed by a group photo and high tea, marking the successful inauguration of the programme.

The participants gained in-depth knowledge of strategic planning and effective implementation of innovative and cost-effective renewable energy systems for rural areas. They explored the fundamentals of Renewable Energy (RE) planning at a systems level, acquainted themselves with software tools for RE integration and data analysis, and received hands-on training in resource assessment. Furthermore, the programme enhanced their understanding of ways to improve the quality of life for rural populations and provided valuable insights into the relevant policy-making processes.

The valedictory session of the programme was successfully held on 01 October 2025 and received highly positive feedback from the participants. The distinguished policymakers appreciated the depth of knowledge and practical insights acquired during the course. Moving forward, they intend to utilize the expertise and resources provided by AARDO and IIT Delhi to develop comprehensive policy papers aimed at promoting sustainable policies and impactful initiatives in their respective countries. All participants were awarded certificates of participation.

Offline AARDO-CICTAB International Training Programmes

September 2025

As a continuation of its ongoing capacity-building initiatives, the African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO), in collaboration with the Vaikunth Mehta National Institute of Cooperative Management (VAMNICOM), Pune, India, and under the framework of the Centre for International Cooperation and Training in Agricultural Banking (CICTAB), successfully organized another series of offline international training programmes. These programmes were designed to strengthen the capabilities of professionals from African member countries, focusing on financial technology and digital transformation within rural and cooperative financial institutions.

During the period under review, two key programmes were conducted. The first, titled “Innovation and Application of Financial Technology in Rural Financial Institutions”, was hosted by VAMNICOM, Pune during 8 - 11 September 2025, and attended by two participants from two member countries: Mauritius and Zambia. The second programme, “Digitalisation in Rural Banks and Cooperatives”, was held at the National Institute of Bank Management (NIBM), Pune, during 22-25 September 2025 and welcomed 04 participants from 04 member countries, namely, Kenya, Mauritius, Namibia, and Zambia.

Both programmes explored the role of Financial Technology (FinTech) in enhancing the business performance of cooperative and rural financing institutions, and to raise awareness about the need for FinTech adoption and its practical implementation in these sectors. The programmes has briefed participants on the latest developments in financial technology and familiarized them with technology effectively used to promote digitalization within India’s rural banking and cooperative systems. The training has also sensitized participants about the risks associated with digital financial transactions and equipped them with effective risk identification and mitigation strategies.

The programmes combined classroom learning with visits to rural banks and cooperative institutions, as well as discussions based on real-life examples. This hands-on approach helped participants better understand the application of financial technology. It also created opportunities for them to share their own experiences and ideas, encouraging open dialogue and learning among professionals from different countries and backgrounds.

AARDO, along with its partner institutions, fully sponsored the participants by covering programme fees, international airfare, accommodation, local travel, study materials, and exposure visits. This comprehensive support allowed participants to focus entirely on their professional development, ensuring a seamless and enriching learning experience , as well as establishing a network with peer for future sharing and consultations.

International Training Programme on “Strengthening International Agricultural Cooperation” Seoul, R O Korea

07-13 September 2025

AARDO in collaboration with Ministry of Food Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), Korea Agency for Education, Promotion and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (EPIS), Government of Republic of Korea and its Far East Regional Office (FERO) organized an international training programme on “Strengthening International Agriculture Cooperation”, during 07-13 September at Seoul, Republic of Korea. The programme enhanced the capacity of agricultural officials from AARDO member countries by introducing advanced digital technologies in agriculture. The programme emphasized Korea’s journey toward smart farming, shared case studies, and fostered opportunities for international agricultural cooperation.

The programme was attended by 16 high level officials from 16 AARDO member countries, namely, Bangladesh, Egypt, Gambia, Ghana, India, Jordan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maurtius, Morocco, Nigeria (EKITICCIM), Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zambia. The participant mix ensured fair representation from both continents, Asia and Africa, enabling cross-regional knowledge exchange.

The inauguration of the programme was graced by H. E. Dr Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General, AARDO along with Mr Kwang Hoe Kim, Senior Deputy Director, MAFRA, Mr. Dong Jin Yoon, President, EPIS, Ms Soyoung Jung, Director, EPIS and Dr Junwon Lee, Hon Regional Representative of AARDO for Far East.

During the inaugural address, H. E. Dr Manoj Nardeosingh, thanked the esteemed Government of Republic of Korea and appreciated the cooperation and support extended to AARDO in achieving its endeavors. He emphasized the role and importance of cooperation in development, especially agricultural and rural development. He further highlighted the technological advancements made by Korea in Agriculture and hoped to transfer the technologies to developing AARDO members.

The programmme included several pertinent lectures by the Hon Regional Representative, reputed innovators/ founders of agri-startups, faculties of agriculture universities and senior officers of MAFRA and EPIS, sharing the experiences and expertise. The lectures included, Understanding Agriculture and Rural Communities of Korea, Digital Tech-based Smart Farming, ICT Applications and Animal Welfare in Livestock, Toward Profitable, Scalable, and Autonomous Farming and The Rise of Trade Intelligence.

Besides the informative lectures by the eminent resource persons, the participants also visited several advanced agricultural institutions and companies showcasing Korea’s smart agriculture. These visits gace wider exposure to the participants to Agricultural heritage and ICT applications, Indoor vertical farming and smart horticulture, Smart Animal Husbandry ICT Practices, ICT-driven livestock production, IoT, AI, and automation in smart farming, youth training and incubation in smart farming and Robotics and AI-powered greenhouse solutions.

The training programme successfully achieved its objectives by blending academic lectures, field exposure, and interactive discussions. It underscored the role of digital technologies in advancing agriculture and rural development, while laying the groundwork for enhanced cooperation between Korea and AARDO member countries. The programme concluded with a review, reflection sessions, experience sharing, and a felicitation and farewell ceremony.

International Training Workshop on “Unlocking Agrifood Innovation: From Sensors to Smart Farms”, R.O. China Taiwan

1–5 September 2025

The International Training Workshop on “Unlocking Agrifood Innovation: From Sensors to Smart Farms” was successfully organized in the Republic of China (Taiwan) from 1–5 September 2025, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), Food and Fertilizer Technology Center (FFTC), and Japan’s National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO). The programme was organized in a hybrid mode, allowing both in person and virtual participation. It provided a unique platform for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and cross-learning, focusing on the application of innovative technologies to strengthen agrifood systems across Asia and Africa. A total of 8 participants from 7 AARDO member countries namely, Bangladesh, Ghana, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Morocco, and Zambia, along with one AARDO official, travelled to the Republic of China (Taiwan).

The inaugural session, held on 1 September 2025, was graced by eminent dignitaries who highlighted the importance of innovation and collaboration in agriculture, Dr. Joong-I Hu, Hon’ble Deputy Minister, Ministry of Agriculture, Republic of China (Taiwan), Dr. Kyuma Kazuo, President of National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO, Japan), H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General, AARDO, delivered their remarks virtually, while Ting-Fang Hsieh, Director General, Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) and Dr. Su-San Chang, Director, Food and Fertilizer Technology Center (FFTC), delivered their remarks in person. The opening remarks provided a comprehensive overview of the workshop, outlining its objectives, scope, and significance. The dignitaries emphasized the need for innovative approaches, regional cooperation, and knowledge sharing to address the challenges facing modern agriculture. It was highlighted that the workshop would facilitate the exchange of best practices, introduce participants to cutting-edge technologies, and strengthen the capacity of stakeholders to implement sustainable and efficient agri-food systems in their respective countries.

During the workshop, participants engaged in a series of lectures, presentations, and interactive panel discussions designed to bridge the gap between research-driven innovation and practical adoption by farmers. Discussions revolved around the role of smart sensing systems, digital agriculture solutions, and other innovative technologies in enhancing productivity, sustainability, and resilience of rural agricultural systems. It was underscored that technology has to be accessible and practical for farmers and rural communities, so that innovation could translate into tangible benefits on the ground. Key highlights of the workshop also included a Poster and Exhibition on Smart Sensing Technologies in Asia, showcasing innovative applications of sensors and data-driven solutions in agriculture, and a visit to Taiwan Smart Agriweek 2025 at the Nangang Trade Exhibition Hall, which was insightful and in some cases an eye-opener about the latest developments and innovations in agritech.

Participants also benefited from field and institutional visits that offered first-hand exposure to modern agricultural technologies and sustainable practices. These included the Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), the Agricultural Technology Research Institute (ATRI), the YesHealth vertical farming facility, the Taocheng Shichai Vegetable Smart Irrigation System, and the Chang Sheng Tea Factory. These visits demonstrated the integration of advanced technologies in vertical farming, precision irrigation, crop management, and innovative processing techniques, providing practical lessons for participants to consider in their home countries.

During the valedictory Session, Dr. Su-San Chang, Director, FFTC, and the Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Republic of China (Taiwan), delivered closing remarks, emphasizing the significance of knowledge sharing, innovation, and collaboration in advancing agrifood systems. The Director General also generously conveyed that the Ministry of Agriculture, Republic of China (Taiwan), was willing to extend support for the transfer of agricultural technology to AARDO member countries, further strengthening cooperation and capacity building in the region. On behalf of AARDO, Mr. Kamal Dhameja, Head of Administration and CBDP Division, extended sincere gratitude to the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Ministry of Agriculture, TARI, FFTC, and NARO for their generous support and collaboration for the successful organization of the international training workshop.

The workshop successfully concluded with the awarding of certificates to participants, who provided positive feedback on the relevance, quality, and practical value of the training. This reinforced the impact of the programme and its role in promoting knowledge sharing, innovation, and cross-border collaboration in agriculture. Participants’ enthusiastic engagement and contributions from experts strengthened the spirit of cooperation among AARDO member countries. Moving forward, AARDO remains committed to building such collaborative platforms, enabling member countries to translate knowledge and technology into practical actions that benefit farmers, rural communities, and future generations.

Sustainable Agricultural Practices For Developing Nations: A Way Forward,Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K), Uttar Pradesh, India

25-28 August 2025

The African Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO), in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur), successfully organised a four-day Online International Training Programme on “Sustainable Agricultural Practices for Developing Nations: A Way Forward” from 25 - 28 August 2025. The programme aimed to promote innovative, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural practices suited to the needs of developing countries across Asia and Africa.

The programme witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 110 registered participants representing 19 AARDO Member Countries, namely Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, India, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Liberia, Mauritius, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, R.O. China (Taiwan), Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tunisia, and Zambia. Participation also included two Associate Members from ABS Sudan (Ekkiccima) and four Eligible Member Countries—Ecuador, Kuwait, Madagascar, and Myanmar—reflecting the programme’s wide regional outreach.

The inaugural session was held on 25 August 2025 and was graced by Prof. J. Ramkumar, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Design, IIT Kanpur. In his opening remarks, Prof. Ramkumar thanked AARDO for initiating this collaborative effort, welcomed the participants, and provided an overview of the programme structure. He also highlighted IIT Kanpur’s research initiatives and innovations in sustainable agriculture.

The technical sessions over four days focused on key themes, including Sustainability and Agriculture: Trends and Future, Life Cycle Assessment of Agricultural Produce, Innovation for Sustainable Agriculture through Start-ups in North India, Simple Statistics for Agriculturists and Sustainability Rating, Sustainable Agricultural Design Examples, Experimental Design for Sustainable Agriculture, and Soil-to-Software Approaches with Case Studies.

The sessions were delivered by distinguished experts, including Prof. J. Ramkumar and Dr. Amandeep Singh Oberoi (IIT Kanpur), Dr. Prabhkiran Kaur (Punjab Technical University, Amritsar), Dr. Manjinder Kaur (Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala), and Mr. Gaurav Gupta (Wipro, California, USA). The resource persons enriched the programme with multidisciplinary perspectives, combining theoretical frameworks with practical, real-world applications.

The programme concluded on 28 August 2025 with a valedictory session chaired by Dr. Amandeep Singh Oberoi, Programme Coordinator, IIT Kanpur. He expressed sincere appreciation to H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General, AARDO, for his guidance and continued support. Participants shared positive feedback, highlighting the programme’s relevance, quality of content, and its role in promoting cross-country learning and collaboration.

The training programme marked a significant milestone in strengthening capacities of agricultural professionals from developing nations by equipping them with sustainable solutions, innovative tools, and forward-looking approaches for resilient agricultural development.

International Training Programme on “Inclusive Rural and Regional Development in Malaysia”, Institute for Rural Advancement (INFRA), Langkawi, Malaysia

15 - 22 July 2025

AARDO and INFRA organized the above titled International Training Programme at Langkawi, Malaysia. The Inauguration of the programme was held on 15th July 2025, graced by Mr. Abd Jalil Islmail, Director, Institute of Rural Advancement (INFRA), an officer from AARDO and other Officials from INFRA were present on this occasion.

The programme was attended by nineteen (19) participants from Bangladesh, Egypt, Eswatini, Gambia, Ghana, India, Jordan Kenya, R O Korea, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Zambia, and Associate Member KRC besides an official from AARDO.

The programme included various technical sessions and exposure visits on the theme. During the various technical sessions, pertinent issues such as Government of Malaysia (Policy and Structure), Overview of Malaysia’s Rural Development Policy 2030; Tourism Development in Rural Areas, Strengthening Rural Economy Through Agriculture & Agro-Based Industry in Malaysia; Regional Development in Malaysia, land Development- Regional Development Authority Model, Initiatives for Rural Entrepreneurs in Malaysia, Empowering Women in Entrepreneurship: The Success Stories of MARA, Empowering Community through Cooperative in Malaysia, Rural Institution: Structure And Mechanism Towards Developing Rural Community (INFRA) were addressed by the eminent resource persons & experts from the various government agencies/institutions of Malaysia.

Besides the technical session, the participants also had inspiring field visits and local tour to Langkawi. Moreover, the participants experienced two nights with a local in the village of Langkawi, and could better understand the concept for promoting rural tourism and home stay. The participants prepared a comprehensive action plans and validated by the peers and a panel of Ministry of Rural and Regional Development.

The programme successfully concluded on 22nd July 2025 by a valedictory ceremony, graced by H.E the Secretary General, AARDO and Datuk Muhd. Khair Razman Mohamed Annuar, Secretary General, Ministry of Rural and Regional Development Govt of Malaysia and Mr Abd Jalil Ismail, Director INFRA, besides other officials from INFRA and MRRD, with appreciation for the impressive and well-organized programme which not only provided exposure to the policies and programmes of Malaysia but also a glimpse of successful models of rural transformation.

During the closing session, the Director INFRA presented the welcome address followed by the speech of H E Dr Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General, AARDO. During his address, he thanked the esteemed Government of Malaysia, MRRD and INFRA for organizing the wonderful programme. He also praised the rural transformation programme and policies of Rural Development in Malaysia. He reiterated that Malaysia has been a founding member of AARDO and organized various Organizational and Technical Activities for the benefit of members. He sincerely thanked the esteemed Government and remained hopeful that the collaboration would be further strengthened.

Datuk Muhd. Khair Razman Mohamed Annuar, Secretary-General, Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), Government of Malaysia presented the closing speech followed by the felicitation ceremony. During his address, he mentioned this year's programme was aligned with Malaysia's upcoming Asean chairmanship in 2025. In that context Langkawi was chosen as the venue. Participants stayed at rural homestays to experience firsthand the lifestyle and development of local communities He also indicated that MRRD has implemented a rural development program which includes elements of the Technical Education and Vocational Training (TVET) Program, entrepreneurship, and socio-economic development to minimize migration from rural to urban areas. He hoped that AARDO could forge collaboration with ASEAN countries which also emphasize sustainable rural development in line with the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 (SDG2030).

During the closing session, the participants also expressed their appreciation for the well organized programme in Malaysia. They highlighted that the programme not only gave them valuable exposure to the country’s policies and initiative but also showcased successful practical models of inclusive rural and regional development in Malaysia. As such they were having lots of takeaways for rural transformation in their respective countries.

International Online Training Programme on “Agri-Business Through Cooperative Business Model”, Vaikunth Mehta National Institute of Cooperative Management (VAMNICOM), India

07-10 July 2025

AARDO, in collaboration with Vaikunth Mehta National Institute of Cooperative Management (VAMNICOM), organized an international online training programme on “Agri-business through Cooperative Business Model” during 07-10 July 2025.

The inaugural session began with the address by Dr. D. Ravi, Programme Director, welcoming all the participants and introducing the core objectives of the programme. He emphasized the importance of cooperative business models in fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth, especially in rural areas.

This training programme was registered by a total of two-hundred and fourteen (214) participants from twenty six (26) AARDO member countries namely, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, India, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Tunisia, Zambia and four (04) from Eligible Member Countries namely Netherlands, Philippines, Togo and Vietnam.

The program featured a series of insightful technical sessions delivered by distinguished resource persons and faculty members from VAMNICOM, each bringing expertise in critical areas of the role that cooperatives play in the growth of agribusiness. The training programme was structured around key learning sessions and offered participants valuable insights into the integral role of cooperatives and rural development institutions in promoting socio-economic welfare, ethical trade, financial inclusion, and sustainable practices.

The four days technical sessions were largely focused on: providing administration skills, human resources and technological innovations in cooperatives; preparation of the business plans both farm & non-farm credit requirements; to identify potentials in agriculture and rural financing sector by enabling the farmer to be part of a business plan in which everything can be tapped into the growing market including capacity building and technology transfer and to sensitize the participants that transition of Cooperative Societies can act as a single window for credit as well as services with the help of sustainable business development plans.

During the welcome address by Dr. Suva Kanta Mohanty, Director of VAMNICOM, he expressed gratitude towards AARDO and its team for their continued partnership and in bringing forth impactful educational initiatives. He emphasised the importance of cooperative business models in fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth, especially in rural areas. The session was graced by H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General of AARDO. During his inaugural address, H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh extended his deepest appreciation to Mr. Siddharth Jain, IAS, Joint Secretary, Indian Ministry of Cooperation and thanked Dr. Suva Kanti Mohanty, Director, VAMNICOM, Dr. D Ravi and his team for continued partnership with AARDO. He added that this collaboration has resulted in the creation of a dynamic platform, bringing together experts, practitioners, and professionals across Africa and Asia, to exchange knowledge and ideas.

He also highlighted the significance of agribusiness as a key driver of economic growth and emphasized the role of cooperatives in promoting sustainable and inclusive agri-based value chains. He noted that the cooperative model, grounded in democracy, equity, and solidarity has the transformative potential to uplift rural communities by fostering collaboration, value addition, and greater market access. Dr. Nardeosingh further emphasized the significance of cross-border collaboration in rural development, stressing the shared challenges and opportunities that both African and Asian nations face in promoting agricultural cooperation. His remarks highlighted the role of such platforms in building stronger networks for sustainable development.

After that, esteemed policymakers and dignitaries, also commenced the programme, particularly noting the crucial role of cooperatives in driving innovation, growth, and equity in the agribusiness sector. They highlighted that, when properly harnessed, cooperatives could help create a sustainable, inclusive, and empowering future for agribusiness. By embracing these principles and fostering collaboration, we could build a stronger, more prosperous agricultural ecosystem.

The valedictory session of the programme, held on 10th July 2025, was successfully concluded by Dr. Suva Kanta Mohanty, Director of VAMNICOM & CICTAB, and Dr. D. Ravi, Faculty at VAMNICOM. Both expressed sincere gratitude to the resource persons from AARDO, participants, and partner institutions for their active engagement and invaluable contributions throughout the programme. The session received highly positive feedback from participants, who appreciated the depth of knowledge shared.

International Online Webinar On Smart Tribal Farming: Achieving Sustainable Agriculture & Livelihood Opportunities, To Commemorate UN World Rural Development Day

6 July 2025

The online webinar on “Smart Tribal Farming: Achieving Sustainable Agriculture & Livelihood Opportunities” was held on 06th July 2025 to commemorate World Rural Development Day 2025 organised by Shobhit University in partnership with AARDO and CIRDAP.

The event convened experts, policymakers, and development professionals from across Africa and Asia, highlighting the strategies for rural prosperity aligned with India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The session began with an insightful Welcome Address by Prof. Moni Madaswamy, Chairman of CAIRS, who extended a warm welcome to all participants. He emphasized the importance of empowering tribal farmers with innovative tools and knowledge to enhance their farming practices and boost productivity. He further highlighted the significance of aligning the Skill India and Make India initiatives with the vision of Smart Tribal Farming, ensuring rural prosperity.

Following this, H.E. Dr. Chandra Shekara, Director General of CIRDAP, delivered a special address where he underscored the role of rural development organizations in fostering sustainable farming practices and stressing the need for supportive policies that integrate technology with agriculture, focusing on environmental sustainability and community empowerment.

During an address by H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General of AARDO, congratulated the authorities of Shobhit University for convening the prestigious and impressive International Webinar on “Smart Tribal Farming: Achieving Sustainable Agriculture and Livelihood Opportunities”, jointly organised by Shobhit University in collaboration with AARDO and the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP). He presented a strategic vision for Smart Tribal Farming as a catalyst for sustainable rural development and the role of digital technologies and data-driven approaches in empowering tribal farmers. Aligning with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, centred on Youth, the Poor, Women, and Farmers, he mentioned that vision for Smart Tribal Farming is not just about enhancing agricultural productivity, but also about creating resilient livelihoods, and ensuring the sustainability of tribal communities for generations to come. Further, he highlighted the importance of merging innovation with indigenous knowledge to create inclusive, resilient, and sustainable farming systems.

H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh concluded his address by attaching importance of inclusive innovation that uplifts communities, strengthens local economies, and protects ecosystems. Thereafter, Hon'ble Kunwar Shekhar Vijendra, Chancellor of Shobhit University, highlighted as to how Smart Tribal Farming could be a key enabler of agricultural self-sufficiency and sustainable rural development. His address called for collaborative efforts to create scalable solutions for tribal communities.

The session concluded with Vote of Thanks by Ms. Hurain Jannat, Communication Officer at CIRDAP, who expressed her gratitude to all speakers, participants, and partners for their contributions to this important dialogue on the future of tribal farming.

International Online Training Programme on “Social Mobilization and Community Engagement for Rural Development”, AHK National Centre for Rural Development (AHKNCRD), Islamabad, Pakistan

23-26 June, 2025

Social mobilization is a dynamic and strategic process that has a broader community engagement, and brings together a wide range of stakeholders-including governments, policymakers, community leaders, NGOs and the private sector to build collaborative networks to collectively address some critical issues while being guided by core principles such as empowerment, equity, sustainability, integration, collaboration, participation, action, and a bottom-up approach. By harnessing the collective strength of communities and stakeholders, social mobilization becomes a powerful engine for change-ensuring that local voices are not only heard, but are instrumental in shaping and sustaining solutions.

In recognition of the critical importance of community engagement for Rural Development, AARDO, in collaboration with its Regional Office and the Akhtar Hameed Khan National Centre for Rural Development (AHKNCRD), Government of Pakistan, organized this International Online Training Programme at AHKNCRD, Islamabad, Pakistan, during 23-26 June 2025. The programme has shared experiences and enhanced knowledge and capacity of participants to analyze the role of social mobilization and community engagement in rural development. The programme was attended by eighty-two (82) participants from nineteen (19) AARDO member countries, namely Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, Eswatini, Gambia, Ghana, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Zambia, and the host country, Pakistan. In addition, participants from three (03) potential member countries, namely Nepal, Philippines and South Africa attended the programme.

The programme was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General, AARDO on 23 June 2025. The session was also graced by Mr. Israr Mohammad Khan, Director General, AHKNCRD, & Honorary Regional Representative of AARDO for South and Central Asia, Islamabad, Pakistan. Subsequently, dignitaries delivered their opening addresses.

During the course of deliberations, important issues such as: i) Essentials of Social Mobilization and Community Engagement; ii) Role of Social Organizers; ii) Tools and Techniques for Social Mobilization; iii) Livelihood Enhancement and Protection Project for the Poorest; iv) Social Mobilization for Human and Institutional Development & Revitalization; v) Role of Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) in Poverty Alleviation; and vi) World’s Best Practices in Social Mobilization and Community Engagement for Rural Development were elucidated. The programme was highly participatory & interactive with enthusiastic questions & answers sessions The objectives of the programme were achieved fully.

The concluding session of the programme, held on 26 June 2025, was attended by Mr. Mubasshir Zaman Khan, Deputy Director, AHKNCRD and Dr. Khushnood Ali, Head, Research Division & Programme Coordinator, AARDO who delivered valedictory addresses. Mr. Bilal Raza, Assistant Director, AHKNCRD presented a brief report on the programme and extended vote of thank. While extending their gratitude to the organizers, especially to H.E. the Secretary General, AARDO and Director General, AHKNCRD, participants shared their experiences and gave important feedback on the programme.

Study Visit Programme for a Senior-Level Delegation from Malaysia to the Research Institutions in India on “Millets Specially Sorghum & Quinoa Cultivation”

22 - 28 June 2025

Under AARDO’s study visits programme, following a request from the Ministry of Regional and Rural Development, Government of Malaysia, the above study visit was arranged by AARDO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of the Republic of India, during 22-28 June 2025. The main objectives of the study visit programme were to: i) enhance technical knowledge on sorghum & quinoa cultivation (advance practices in breeding techniques, pest and disease management, agronomic practices and climate-resilient varieties of sorghum/quinoa); ii) study the usage of machinery for sorghum & quinoa cultivation and harvesting; iii) examine the use of technologies in post-harvest handling, processing and storage of sorghum & quinoa; iv) interact and gain local farmers planting experiences; and v) understand and explore the possibilities of collaborative and training with research institutions.

The delegation was headed by Mr. Thiyagu Bin Devarajan, Senior Research Officer, Industrial Crop Research Centre, Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Government of Malaysia. He was accompanied by Mrs. Nurhazwani Mustaffer and Mrs. Amyita Witty Ugap, Senior Research Officers, MARDI, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. During the visit, delegates visited various premier institutions such as Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) & ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI) in New Delhi; and ICAR- Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), FPOs and Start-ups in India.

The visit commenced with a productive discussion at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in New Delhi, where opportunities for future collaboration-especially in millet projects such as sorghum-with institutes like IARI and IIMR facilitated by AARDO were explored. The delegation then visited the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), where the Joint Director provided a comprehensive overview of millet-related research and development initiatives at the Institute in Pusa, New Delhi.

The delegation called on Joint Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India in the afternoon of 23 June 2025, where a discussion session was held with senior officials of the Ministry. The delegation also visited AARDO headquarters and had fruitful discussions with H.E. the Secretary General AARDO.

On 25 June 2025, the delegates flew to Hyderabad and had working sessions at ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), which included technical presentations on sorghum varietal development, agronomic practices, pest and disease management, and post-harvest machinery. The delegation also received insights into Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and business incubation models spearheaded by IIMR. A subsequent visit to ICRISAT featured campus tours and expert-led sessions on sorghum breeding, genomics, physiology, and soil health, along with discussions with entomologists and pathologists, and a visit to the Agribusiness Innovation Platform. The study visit programme concluded on 27 June 2025. The objectives of the visit were achieved fully. The outcome of the study visit has enabled the delegates to learn from approaches, strategies, and policies of rural and agricultural development in India. The Malaysian delegation has acquired & enhanced practical knowledge and experience in millets production and value addition happening in India for adaptation and replication in Malaysia.

AARDO Celebrates World Environment Day 2025 with Commitment and Action, New Delhi, June 5, 2025

5 June 2025

The African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) marked World Environment Day 2025 with a spirited celebration of Symbolic tree-planting ceremony, in the lush garden of the AARDO premises at its headquarters in New Delhi, reinforcing its unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of the Assistant Secretary General, who joined the AARDO staff in observing this globally significant occasion.

AARDO family came together for a series of interactive activities aimed at promoting eco-consciousness and responsible environmental practices. Staff members took turns planting saplings like Amla (Gooseberry) and Bael (Wood Apple), their hands in the soil symbolizing a commitment not just to nature, but to future generations. The sight of colleagues coming together, smiling and sharing stories as they planted trees, brought alive the organization’s green values in the most genuine and heartfelt way.

As the world rallies to address climate and environmental challenges, AARDO continues to stand at the forefront, fostering collaboration and innovation in rural development while safeguarding the planet for future generations.

AARDO-DRC Online Regional Workshop on “Geographical Information System (GIS) and its Application in Agriculture” (Arabic language), Desert Research Center (DRC), Egypt

5-8 May 2025

African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO), in collaboration with the Desert Research Center (DRC), organized an online regional workshop in Arabic language entitled “Geographical Information System (GIS) and its Application in Agriculture” during 5-8 May 2025.

This online regional workshop got overwhelming response from the Arabic speaking member/eligible member countries, as it had, as many as, one hundred and thirty four (134) participants from 10 AARDO Members countries, namely Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Sudan, Syria, and Tunisia; and one (1) international organization, namely Arab Organization for Agricultural Development, who all attended this program.

The broad objectives of the programme were to enhance participants’ knowledge about: (i) understanding the fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing Techniques; (ii) analyzing and utilizing data to support agricultural management decisions; (iii) exploring the role of GIS in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and (iv) best practices for applying Remote Sensing and GIS technology in agriculture.

The opening session of the workshop was held on 5 May 2025. Distinguished speakers at the inaugural session included Mr. Rami Qtaishat, Assistant Secretary General of the African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO), Professor Dr. Ghada Hegazy, Vice President of the Desert Research Center (DRC), and Ms. Ameerah Taj El-din, Director General of International Relations, Ministry of Social Solidarity, Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt. The inaugural session concluded with a group photo session (screenshots).

Ms. Ameerah Taj El-Din extended a warm welcome to the participants, expressing appreciation for AARDO, its Regional Office in Cairo, and the DRC for their continuous efforts in organizing regional and international workshops. She emphasized the importance of such initiatives in strengthening institutional capacities, promoting skill development, and encouraging the exchange of knowledge and best practices among member states. She also underscored the workshops’ role in driving sustainable rural and agricultural development. Speaking on behalf of the DRC Director, Professor Dr. Ghada Hegazy highlighted the long-standing cooperation between AARDO and the DRC. She emphasized the significance of GIS and remote sensing as vital tools in agricultural development, enabling better decision-making and efficient resource management. Dr. Hegazy also acknowledged the capabilities of the DRC's Remote Sensing and GIS Unit, established in 1988, as a hub of technical expertise and innovation.

In his address, Mr. Rami Qtaishat, Assistant Secretary General of the African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO), welcomed the dignitaries and participants and appreciated the host institute, Desert Research Center (DRC) and AARDO regional office for their collaboration and cooperation for organizing this workshop. Thereafter, he underscored the pivotal role of modern technologies in advancing the agricultural sector. He emphasized that these technologies are crucial for boosting productivity and ensuring sustainability. Specifically, Assistant Secretary General highlighted the role of remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), as indispensable tools, stating that these technologies are vital for comprehensive analysis of agricultural land, accurate climate change predictions, and efficient resource management. Furthermore, he noted important contribution of remote sensing and GIS application in agriculture to achieving the strategic objectives outlined in the AARDO Strategic Framework. The application of remote sensing and GIS directly supports sustainable agricultural development by facilitating improved natural resource management. Accordingly, Assistant Secretary General stressed that the workshop would feature experts demonstrating the practical applications of these technologies, illustrating their potential to enhance agricultural production, minimize waste, and strengthen food security. He concluded by encouraging active participation and insightful discussions from all attendees, urging them to develop practical recommendations to support and develop the agricultural sector in their respective countries.

During the technical sessions of the workshop, eminent experts/resource persons from the Desert Research Center (DRC), Egypt covered pertinent issues related to the subject of the workshop, which, inter alia, included topics like, Introduction to Remote Sensing Technologies and Classification; Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geometric Correction of Satellite Imagery; Supervised and Unsupervised Classification of Spatial Data; and Monitoring Soil Fertility Using Satellite Data. They also explained different ways of application of remote sensing and GIs in the field of agriculture.

The workshop successfully achieved its objective by significantly boosting participants' knowledge and skills in GIS application in agriculture. This was accomplished through engaging expert lectures and presentations that provided valuable insights. It is expected that the participants will apply these acquired GIS skills in their work, which will lead to tangible and intangible benefits, including enhanced yield production, improved crop quality, and ultimately, ensuring food safety.

The workshop successfully concluded on 8 May 2025, with closing remarks by Mr. Mohamed Hassan Rashwan, Honorary Regional Representative of AARDO for North & Eastern Africa, and Mr. Mohammad Naimuddin, Translation Officer (Arabic) and Program Coordinator from AARDO. Mr. Rashwan extended his gratitude to AARDO, the Secretary General, and the Assistant Secretary General for their invaluable contributions and patronage, which were instrumental in the success of the programs. He also acknowledged the participants and the DRC, particularly its professors, for their insightful knowledge sharing, which significantly enriched the program.

Following this, Mr. Mohammad Naimuddin thanked all participants, DRC professors, and everyone contributed in organizing the successful workshop. He encouraged participants to maintain connections, share knowledge, and exchange experiences. Mr. Naimuddin further invited them to explore AARDO's website and social media pages for updates on programs and activities, specifically highlighting the Affordable Technology Menu (ATM) as a resource for technological solutions benefiting rural communities in member countries. He concluded by wishing everyone success in their future endeavours.

On this occasion, several participants also presented their feedback including the enhancement of their knowledge base and expressed gratitude to AARDO, its Regional Office in Cairo, and the Desert Research Center (DRC), Egypt for organizing this workshop in Arabic language.

International Training Programme on “Lead Poisoning and SDGs: Tackling a Health and Development Crisis in Asia and Africa”, Advanced Study Institute of Asia (ASIA)

28 April – 1 May 2025

The African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO), in collaboration with the Advanced Study Institute of Asia (ASIA), successfully hosted a four-day International Training Programme from April 28 to May 1, 2025, focused on the pressing issue of lead poisoning and its impact on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in Africa and Asia.

The training programme was formally inaugurated by Dr. Indu Bhushan, Vice Chairperson of ASIA, in the presence of distinguished panelists and international experts. In her keynote she emphasized the need for multi-sectoral collaboration, stronger enforcement of safety standards, and targeted interventions in both public and rural settings. Prof. Amogh Rai, Research Director at ASIA, highlighted how weak regulations and local economic pressures contribute to persistent lead exposure, stressing the impressive return on investment—$155 for every dollar spent—in enforcing lead safety standards. The session commenced with a welcome video and opening remarks by Ms. Neeti Goutam from the ASIA team, who introduced the ASIA–AARDO partnership and outlined the critical links between lead exposure and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The four-day event brought together 72 participants from 22 countries, including Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, India, Jordan, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Zambia along with four eligible member countries, namely, Netherland, Saudi Arabia, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. The programme served as a vital platform to address the intersection of environmental health and sustainable development, with a particular focus on the impacts of lead exposure on public health, education, poverty, and inequality.

Through expert-led presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, the training explored the devastating effects of lead poisoning, particularly among children and women of reproductive age. Participants examined its implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Case studies from countries like Ghana, Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Philippines showcased both the scale of the problem and grassroots interventions that have led to policy change and improved health outcomes.

The programme featured renowned global experts and panelists from institutions such as SGT University (India), ESDO (Bangladesh), AIIMS (India), PGIMER Chandigarh, University of Warwick (UK), Keck School of Medicine (USA), University of Namibia, and environmental NGOs across Asia and Africa. Presentations addressed scientific evidence, grassroots interventions, policy reforms, and urgent calls for multi-sectoral collaboration.

Speakers highlighted the need for stronger regulations, widespread blood lead level screening, community awareness, and integrated approaches that bridge health, education, and environmental policy. The programme emphasized that lead poisoning is not just a medical issue, but a developmental crisis affecting future generations. The program concluded on 1 May with remarks from Dr. Sanjeeb Behera, Head IEC Division, AARDO with a call for collective action: to strengthen regulatory enforcement, promote safer manufacturing and disposal practices, initiate public awareness campaigns, and foster international cooperation to create a lead-free future. The training reaffirmed the critical role of multi-stakeholder engagement in achieving equitable and sustainable progress toward the SDGs in Asia and Africa.

A heartfelt vote of thanks was delivered by Ms. Shipra Agarwal (ASIA), acknowledging the efforts of all participants, speakers, and organizers in making the event impactful and action-oriented.

International Workshop cum Training Programme on “Irrigation System and Water Management”, AHK-NCRD, Islamabad, Pakistan

08-18 April 2025

African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO), in collaboration with Akhtar Hameed Khan National Centre for Rural Development (AHKNCRD), Govt of Pakistan organized the above titled international workshop cum training programme, during 08-18 April 2025. The programme has familiarized and updated participants with the present situation of water resources, management of water resources, different methods/technologies for efficient use of water, government policies, strategies and governance-related issues. It has enabled the participants to share their relevant experiences and suggest measures for rectifying the shortcomings in water resource management.

The programme was attended by 20 participants from 13 AARDO member countries, namely, Bangladesh, Eswatini, Gambia, Ghana, Jordan, Kenya, Liberia, Mauritius, Nigeria, Namibia, Oman, Sri Lanka and host country Pakistan.

The inaugural ceremony was virtually graced by H. E. Dr Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General AARDO, as chief guest. While, Mr Israr Mohammad Khan, Director General AHK-NCRD welcomed the delegates of the diplomatic corps and the training participants. Mr. Rami Qtaishat, the Assistant Secretary General, AARDO, also virtually graced the occasion.

While delivering his address, Mr. Israr Mohammad Khan, Director General AHK-NCRD, apprised the participants about the performance and contribution of AHK-NCRD for the cause of rural development and poverty alleviation in Pakistan and other AARDO member countries, through collaboration with AARDO. He vowed that AHK-NCRD would continue its efforts for bringing improvement in irrigation system and water management, also would ensure conducive learning environment and comfortable stay for the participants of the training workshop.

During his virtual address, H. E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General, AARDO, expressed his appreciation for the strong partnership between AARDO and AHK-NCRD, terming it a model of South-South and triangular cooperation. He applauded the tireless efforts of the AHK-NCRD team under the dynamic leadership of DG AHK-NCRD, for successfully organizing a number of programmes, relevant to AARDO members. The Secretary General emphasized its significance in achieving sustainable agricultural practices and ensuring food security amidst increasing climate-related challenges. He also lauded Pakistan’s continued engagement with AARDO and reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to supporting member countries through knowledge-sharing and capacity building.

The session was also attended by members of diplomatic corps, including Bangladesh, Kenya, Nigeria and Jordan, as well as distinguished guests belonging to various government departments and nation-building organizations, including Dr. Zafar Iqbal Qadir, Former Director General, AHK-NCRD.

In his address, Dr. Zafar Iqbal Qadir, Former DG, AHK-NCRD expressed great honor at the inaugural ceremony of this training workshop. He welcomed the participants from AARDO member countries and commended the efforts of AARDO officials, for organizing the event in Pakistan. He mentioned that with agriculture at its core, Pakistan was facing water stress aggravated by climate change.

The diverse expertise and experience brought a global perspective to the discussions, enhanced conversations and learning by providing various perspectives, growth opportunities, cumulative knowledge and cost-effective approaches to tackling water issues and optimizing irrigation systems in Africa and Asia. The training course successfully increased participants' understanding of the urgent challenges created by the scarcity of water resources, exacerbated by the growing demands resulting from rapid population growth and expansion of industrialization and other sectors. The participants also visited various prominent sites such as NARC Rawal Lake Watershed Management site, Dharabi Dam, Chakwal, BARI Chakwal, Soil and water conservation research Institute, Chakwal, Water & Power Development Authority (WAPDA), Tarbela Dam. These visits provided participants with hands-on experience with state-of-the-art technologies, construction timelines, and operational insights from the officers supervising these sites.

The programme concluded on April 17, 2025, with a felicitation ceremony. The closing speech was delivered by Mr. Israr Muhammad Khan, Director General, AHK -NCRD, who reiterated the importance of the training and its usefulness to address water resource challenges in the modern era.

Liaison Committee 84th Session

23rd April 2025

The 84th Session of the Liaison Committee of African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) was held on 23rd April 2025 at the Royal Plaza Hotel, New Delhi, India. This session witnessed the transition of office bearers of the Liaison Committee. The Session commenced under the chairmanship of Mrs. Sakrata Lamini Iddrisu, Acting High Commissioner of Republic of Ghana to India and the Hon’ble Chairperson of the Liaison Committee. H. E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General, AARDO attended the meeting as Member Secretary to the Liaison Committee. The Session was attended by twenty-nine (29) delegates from twenty-two (22) member countries, namely, Republic of China (Taiwan), Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Iraq, Jordan, Republic of Korea, Lebanon, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Zambia. The meeting was also attended by IWMI as Observer and by Mr. Rami Qtaishat, Assistant Secretary General, AARDO.

The Session began with the address of H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General, AARDO, who warmly welcomed the chairperson and other distinguished delegates to the 84th Session, followed by the address of Mrs. Sakrata Lamini Iddrisu, Acting High Commissioner of Republic of Ghana to India. The quorum being complete, the Business Session started with the adoption of the Provisional Agenda, followed by the handing over of Chairmanship and Vice Chairmanship of the AARDO Liaison Committee. The new Chairman of the Liaison Committee, Mr. Lal Chhandama, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of Republic of India, took over the charge of the Chairmanship of Liaison Committee, for the Triennium 2025-2027, pursuant to the election of Republic of India as the President of AARDO, during the 21st General Session of AARDO Conference, held in February 2025. Similarly, the Acting High Commissioner of Republic of Ghana to India and the representative of the esteemed High Commission of Malaysia, assumed the offices of the Vice-Chairperson of Liaison Committee from Africa and Asia, respectively. The Secretary General and other distinguished delegates thanked the outgoing Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons before extending a warm welcome to the new Chairperson and two Vice-Chairpersons of the Liaison Committee.

Mr. Lal Chhandama, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of Republic of India, and the Hon’ble Chairman of the AARDO Liaison Committee, made an incoming statement after assuming the charge of the office of the Chairman. Thereafter, the Committee proceeded with the adoption of the Summary Report of the 83rd Session of Liaison Committee by the House and was apprised of the follow-up actions taken/proposed to be taken by the AARDO Secretariat on the decisions/recommendations of the 83rd Session of Liaison Committee. The Committee equally took note of the review of AARDO activities relating to the Human Resource Development (HRD) Programmes, Development Pilot Projects and the Regional Offices. The Committee was also informed about the status of Membership Contribution and initiatives taken by the AARDO Secretariat to strengthen the Member Relations and expand membership of AARDO for the period, July – December 2024. It equally took cognizance of the projected programmes of AARDO scheduled to be held/being held from January to June 2025.

Moreover, the Committee decided to hold its next (85th) Session on 09 October 2025 and, accordingly approved a list of Special Invitees to attend therein, as Observers. Several agenda items were presented using comprehensive audio-visual ppt. presentations.

During the Business Session, the AARDO Secretariat, in its endeavours to promote technology awareness and transfer, organized a presentation in collaboration with ‘Techno Essence Solutions Private Limited (TES)’ on "Proposals and Collaboration Possibilities with AARDO Committee Members", which highlighted the application of geospatial technologies for mapping and monitoring rural infrastructure projects, emphasizing improved resource management and allocation.

The meeting concluded with a note of thanks to the participating delegates, by H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardesosingh, Secretary General, AARDO and Mr. Lal Chhandama, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of Republic of India, and the Hon’ble Chairman of the Liaison committee of AARDO. Lastly, a group photograph of the distinguished delegates was captured, followed by lunch.

Executive Committee: 78th Session

24 February 2025

The 78th Session of the Executive Committee of AARDO was held at Hotel Lalit, New Delhi, India on 24 February 2025. This was the first session of the 21st Executive Committee. The Session was chaired by Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India and Hon’ble President of the Executive Committee of AARDO.

The meeting was attended by all thirteen members of the Executive Committee, namely, i) People's Republic of Bangladesh, ii) Republic of China (Taiwan), iii) Arab Republic of Egypt, iv) Republic of Ghana, v) Republic of India, vi) Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, vii) Republic of Kenya, viii) Malaysia, ix) Republic of Mauritius, x) Republic of Namibia, xi) State of Palestine, xii) Syrian Arab Republic and xiii) Republic of Zambia. His Excellency Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General, AARDO, attended the meeting as Member Secretary to the Executive Committee. After adoption of the provisional agenda, the Executive Committee, among others, approved the appointment of the auditors of the Organization for the years 2025, 2026 and 2027. With regard to venue for hosting the 79th Session of the Executive Committee some time in last quarter of 2025 or first quarter of 2026, after discussion, it was decided that the member countries willing to host the subsequent Executive Committee, will inform the AARDO Secretariat within three months.

AARDO Conference: 21st General Session

21 - 24 February 2025

The 21st General Session of the African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) Conference was held in the Lalit Hotel, New Delhi, India from 21st to 24th February 2025. The inaugural session of the Conference began with the National Anthem of India as the Conference was inaugurated by H. E. Shri. Jagdeep Dhankhar, Vice President of Republic of India, who was the Chief Guest of the event. The two Vice-Presidents of AARDO, namely, H. E. Datuk Hajah Rubiah Binti Haji Wang, Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Government of Malaysia from Asia and H.E. Mr. Kamel Galal, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt from Africa share the dais with the honourable Chief Guest. Further, H.E. Shri. Chandra S. Pemmasani, Minister of State for Rural Development and Communication, Government of India was equally present at the dais. H.E. Dr Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General, AARDO solemnly welcomed the Chief Guest, H. E. Shri. Jagdeep Dhankhar, Vice President of Republic of India; the Vice-Presidents of AARDO, Hon`ble Ministers and delegates from AARDO member countries.

The 21st General Session of the AARDO Conference was attended by twenty seven (27) member countries, namely: (i) People’s Republic of Bangladesh, (ii) Republic of China (Taiwan), (iii) Arab Republic of Egypt, (iv) Kingdom of Eswatini, (v) Republic of Gambia, (vi) Republic of Ghana, (vii) Republic of India, (viii) Republic of Iraq, (ix) Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, (x) Republic of Kenya, (xi) Republic of Korea, (xii) Republic of Liberia, (xiii) State of Libya, (xiv) Malaysia, (xv) Republic of Malawi, (xvi) Republic of Mauritius, (xvii) Kingdom of Morocco, (xviii) Republic of Namibia, (xix) Federal Republic of Nigeria, (xx) Sultanate of Oman, (xxi) Islamic Republic of Pakistan, (xxii) State of Palestine, (xxiii) Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, (xxiv) Republic of the Sudan, (xxv) Syrian Arab Republic, (xxvi) Republic of Tunisia and (xxvii) Republic of Zambia. Besides, Korean Rural Community Corporation (KRC), Republic of Korea attended the Conference as an Associate member. The Honorary Representatives of the Regional Offices of AARDO for the Far East, Republic of Korea and for the West Africa, Republic of Ghana also attended the Conference.

The inaugural function was followed by presentation of Country Statements by the following Honourable Ministers of the AARDO member countries: i) H.E. Shri. Chandra S. Pemmasani, Minister of State for Rural Development and Communication, Government of India; ii) H.E. Mr. Mandla Fana Tshawuka, Minister for Agriculture, Kingdom of Eswatini; ii) H.E. Mr. F. Sakila Nyumalin, Sr., Minister for Internal Affairs, Republic of Liberia; iv) H.E. Mr. Sayed Muhammad Aadil AMEER MEEA, Minister for Industry, SME and Cooperatives, Republic of Mauritius; v) H.E. Mr. Ezzeddine Ben Cheikh, Minister for Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries, Republic of Tunisia; vi) H.E. Ms. Wen Gane Tu, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Agriculture, Republic of China (Taiwan); and vii) H.E. Mrs. Rubiah Binti Wang, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Rural and Regional Development, Malaysia.

The Conference commenced its Business Session under the presidentship of Mr. Louis Obeng, Ag. High Commissioner, representing the Hon'ble Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Republic of Ghana and Hon`ble President of the AARDO Conference.

After adoption of the Provisional Agenda, the following office bearers were unanimously elected for the triennium 2025-2027: the Hon`ble Minister of Rural Development, Government of India as the President; Hon`ble Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Government of Republic of Ghana as the Vice-President of AARDO from Africa and Hon'ble Minister for Rural and Regional Development, Government of Malaysia as the Vice-President of AARDO from Asia, as recommended by the 77th Session of the Executive Committee. The newly elected dignitaries assumed the charge of their respective offices, accordingly.

The AARDO Conference formally confirmed the admission of two new members in AARDO, namely, Kingdom of Eswaitin as full member and Ekiti Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture from Federal Republic of Nigeria as associate member. It also reviewed the activities of AARDO , Member Relations, collaboration with International and Regional organizations for the triennium 2021-2023 and extended year 2024.

It approved the review of Membership Contribution for the triennium 2021-2023 and extended year 2024 and updated position of AARDO Corpus Fund, along with the report of the Fund Management Committee. With regard to the scale of membership contribution for 2025-2027, the AARDO Conference constituted a sub-committee to comprehensively and holistically assess matters relating to finance, budget, membership contribution, debt recovery and corpus fund of AARDO, as per, an approved Terms of Reference.

The AARDO Conference took note of all supports extended by various governments for implementing the Work Programme as well as enhanced financial contribution from esteemed Government of India for the capacity building programme of AARDO member countries. Further, an additional contribution to AARDO Corpus Fund from Republic of China (Taiwan) was noted by the Conference.

Moreover, the Conference approved the Work Programme of AARDO for 2025-2027 and amendments in the Constitution and the Rules of Procedures of AARDO. As a follow up, the Secretariat will carry out the necessary modifications. It also ratified the service contract the Secretary General of AARDO.

The Conference unanimously elected the 21st Executive Committee of AARDO for the triennium 2025-2027 as per the following composition: (i) Republic of India as the President; (ii) Republic of Ghana as the Vice President from Africa; and (iii) Malaysia as the Vice President from Asia. Further, (iv)Arab Republic of Egypt, (v) Republic of Kenya, (vi) Republic of Mauritius, (vii) Republic of Namibia, and (viii) Republic of Zambia, as members from Africa, and (ix) People's Republic of Bangladesh, (x) Republic of China (Taiwan), (xi) Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (xii) State of Palestine, and (xiii) Syrian Arab Republic, as members from Asia.

The Conference unanimously accepted, in principal, the offer of Government of Republic of India to host the next (22nd) AARDO Conference to be held in the last quarter of 2027 and alternative venue could be either Republic of Liberia or Republic of Kenya or Republic of Iraq.

In consonance with AARDO’s technology awareness and transfer initiatives, two presentations were arranged with AVPL Venture Ltd and Krishi Jagran. The first presentation on Pioneering the Drone Ecosystem was delivered by AVPL International (AITMC Ventures Ltd.) during the Business Session of the 21st AARDO Conference. The second presentation, by Krishi Jagran, took place on 23rd February 2025, aligning with the dinner hosted by the AARDO Secretariat.

AVPL International (AITMC Ventures Ltd.), founded in 2016, is a pioneer in drone technology, leading innovations across industries such as agriculture, geospatial intelligence, and disaster management. It equally operates a vast network of 50 Global Incubation & Skill Hubs (GISH) and 20 World Incubation & Skill Hubs (WISH), focusing on youth empowerment through skill development and technology and provides services in drone manufacturing, remote pilot training, and Drone as a Service (DaaS), including logistics, aerial mapping, and precision agriculture applications.

The representative of the AVPL Venture Ltd. elaborated on the potential of drones mainly in agriculture, health and education sector. He also explained various business models using drone technology to inter alia, map, survey, scan, spray and sow seed to improving farm production and productivity.

The adoption of drone technology in agriculture in AARDO member countries could enhance efficiency in soil analysis, seed sowing, crop spraying, and monitoring, leading to higher yields and reduced resources wastage. Entrepreneurship through precision agriculture and drones could build a drone-based ecosystem for rural development to foster sustainable growth and technological transformation.

The Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Krishi Jagran, one of world’s largest Agri Media Network (Limca book of records holder) dedicated to empowering farmers and promoting agricultural growth through information and innovation made a second presentation. Krishi Jagran plays a pivotal role in raising awareness about the importance of agriculture and in supporting the sustainable development of Indian farmers. The presentation was focused on the Millionaire Farmer of India (MFOI) Awards, which were launched in December 2023 by Krishi Jagran. This initiative represents a transformative step in recognizing the invaluable contributions of farmers, highlighting them not only as cultivators, but also as key drivers of agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship. The upcoming 3rd edition of the MFOI Awards, set to take place on 1st-3rd December 2025, will continue to support and empower farmers, with backing from agricultural institutions such as Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and state agricultural universities. AARDO member countries were invited to participate in the MFOI 3rd edition and to emulate such awards. By honouring the entrepreneurial spirit of farmers, the awards seek to change the narrative around farming, encouraging innovation, boosting financial prosperity, and helping farmers emerge as leaders and changemakers in evolving agricultural landscape. This initiative offers farmers greater visibility, recognition, and the opportunity to attract youngsters to thrive as successful entrepreneurs.

The two presentations factually highlighted transformative initiatives in the agricultural and technological sectors by focusing on pioneering drone technology. Whereas, the second presentation, emphasized the need to celebrate farmers as entrepreneurs and changemakers, and to foster innovation, prosperity, and sustainable development.

Executive Committee – 77th Session

19 - 20 February 2025

The 77th Session of Executive Committee of African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) was held on 19 - 20 February 2025 in the Hotel Lalit, New Delhi, India under the chairmanship of Mr. Amin Abdul-Rahaman, Chief Director, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Government of Republic of Ghana, and Honorable President of the Executive Committee. The Session was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Guest, H.E. Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India on 19th February 2025. Prior to the inauguration, H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General of AARDO delivered his Welcome Address, followed by the Address of the Hon`ble President of AARDO Executive Committee.

The meeting was attended by all thirteen (13) members of the Executive Committee, namely,(i) People's Republic of Bangladesh (ii) Republic of China (Taiwan), (iii) Arab Republic of Egypt (iv) Republic of Ghana, (v) Republic of India, (vi) Republic of Kenya, (vii) Malaysia, (viii) Republic of Mauritius, (ix) Republic of Namibia (x) State of Palestine, (xi) Islamic Republic of Pakistan, (xii) Republic of Tunisia and (xiii) Republic of Zambia. Delegations from the State of Libya and Republic of the Sudan attended the meeting, as Observers. His Excellency Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General, AARDO attended the meeting as Member Secretary to the Executive Committee.

After adoption of the Provisional Agenda, the Executive Committee approved the decisions/recommendations and suggestions of the 80th, 81st and 82nd Sessions of Liaison Committee and adopted their final reports and took note of that the report of the 83rd Session of Liaison Committee will be considered for formal approval by the subsequent session of the Executive Committee.

The Executive Committee recommended to the 21st General Session of AARDO Conference the Hon’ble Minister for Rural Development, Government of India for the President of AARDO and Hon'ble Minister for Rural and Regional Development, Government of Malaysia as the Vice-President of AARDO from Asia, for the triennium 2025-2027. Similarly, in accordance with the conventions, the outgoing President, Honourable Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Government of Republic of Ghana was recommended as the Vice-President of AARDO for Africa for the triennium 2025-2027.

The Committee also approved the Review of Activities, Membership Contribution, Member Relations and enhancement of collaborations with International/ Regional organizations for the period May 2023 – December 2024 and audited Income and Expenditure for 2023 and noted its financial position of AARDO as on 31 December 2024. The Committee took note of the position of AARDO Corpus Fund and recommended the Report of Fund Management Committee for consideration of the 21st AARDO Conference. It also ratified seven MoUs that AARDO signed with other organizations/institutions over the reporting period.

The Executive Committee ratified the Service Contract of the Secretary General of AARDO. It also consented to recommend to the 21st AARDO Conference to extend the term of the incumbent Assistant Secretary General in order to enable to be co-terminus the posts of Secretary General and Assistant Secretary General so as to ensure equity and fairness to both continents, Africa and Asia.

The Committee also recommended to the 21st AARDO Conference, the Work Programme for the triennium 2025-2027 and to set up a Sub-committee to comprehensively assess matters relating to finance, budget, membership contribution, debt recovery and corpus fund. The Committee further approved the principle of adopting Programme Based Budgeting (PBB).

International Conference on “Unleashing Prosperity Through Cooperatives: Digital Innovation and Value Chains” CICTAB, VAMNICOM, India

13 to 15 February 2025

The International Conference on “Unleashing Prosperity through Cooperatives: Digital Innovation and Value Chains” was held from February 13 to 15, 2025, at the VAMNICOM campus in Pune, India. It was organized by AARDO in collaboration with the Centre for International Co-operation and Training in Agricultural Banking (CICTAB) and the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India. It served as a platform to explodre the transformative potential of digital technologies in enhancing the role of cooperatives in sustainable development and inclusive prosperity.

The conference was inaugurated by Dr. Prasun Kumar Das, Secretary General of Asia-Pacific Rural and Agricultural Credit Association (APRACA), Bangkok, in the presence of esteemed dignitaries including Dr. G. Narendra Kumar, Director General, NIRD & PR), Dr. Bhimaraya Metri (Director, IIM Nagpur), Smt. Samadani Kiriwandeniya (Managing Director, SANASA, Sri Lanka), and Smt. Savitri Singh (Deputy CEO, National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI). The welcome address by Dr. Hema Yadav, Director of VAMNICOM, emphasized the critical role of technology and strategic market linkages in driving cooperative development. She highlighted that in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, embracing innovations such as AI, blockchain, mobile banking, and data analytics is essential for the growth and sustainability of cooperatives worldwide.

The conference successfully brought together 36 participants showcasing a global collaboration. The participating countries included Bangladesh, Gambia, Kenya, Liberia, Mauritius, Namibia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the host country, India. Of the 36 participants, six (6) were from AARDO’s member countries—Gambia, Kenya, Mauritius, Namibia, and Zambia and two participants represented the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP).

The conference featured global expert-led plenary sessions on digital innovations, cooperative governance, and sustainability. It showcased successful cooperative models through case studies and highlighted emerging trends in the exhibition pavilion. Networking sessions facilitated connections among leaders and policymakers, while a study visit to Pune District Cooperative Bank offered insights into financial inclusion, rural credit, and technology-driven banking solutions. The conference also featured traditional music, dance, and storytelling, celebrating the diverse cultural heritage of the cooperative movement.

The conference concluded on 15 February 2025 with a distinguished valedictory session presided over by Shri Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State for Cooperation & Civil Aviation, Government of India. In his powerful closing remarks, Shri Mohol underscored the transformative role of cooperatives, emphasizing that they are not just business entities, but powerful engines of social change. He highlighted the crucial role played by cooperatives in promoting financial inclusion, driving rural prosperity, and creating sustainable employment opportunities. By fostering community-driven development, cooperatives contribute significantly to reducing poverty, enhancing social cohesion, and empowering marginalized groups.

The conference successfully provided a platform for meaningful dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration, paving the way for a more resilient and digitally empowered cooperative movement.

AARDO-ENA Online Training Programme On “Tools for Environmental Sustainability Assessment in Agriculture” (In French Language), Ena, Meknes, Morocco

20 - 23 January 2025

AARDO, in collaboration with National School of Agriculture (ENA Meknes), Morocco, organized the above titled online training programme in French language. The programme specifically targeted Francophone AARDO Members and Prospective Member countries. The course provided participants with an in-depth understanding of environmental sustainability diagnostics for farming systems at the territorial level, using tools such as Evaluation of the Sustainability of Agricultural Holdings (EDEA) and Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE).

The inaugural ceremony of the programme was graced by H. E. Dr Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General, AARDO and Prof Said Amiri, Director, ENA Meknes, Morocco. During his inaugural address, H. E. the Secretary General stressed on innovation in agriculture and incorporating sustainability practices. The programme received an overwhelming response and attended by 115 participants from fourteen (14) francophone AARDO members and prospective member countries, namely, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Jordan, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritius, Morocco, Netherlands, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Sudan, Togo and Tunisia.

The key contents of the programme were to Introduction to sustainability diagnostics for agricultural holdings, Overview of EDEA and TAPE: principles, methodology, and application, Techniques for data collection and analysis using TAPE and EDEA, Structuring and organizing information for performance evaluation, Analysis of key sustainability indicators. The programme concluded on 23rd January with positive feedback from the participants.