Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP)

31/10/2026

CIRDAP Signs MoU with Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD), Indonesia to Strengthen Cooperation in Agricultural and Rural Development

🤝 The Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD), Indonesia, on 26 October 2026 in Bandung, Indonesia, marking another step towards strengthening regional cooperation in sustainable agricultural and rural development.

The MoU was signed by H.E. Dr. P. Chandra Shekara, Director General of CIRDAP, and Prof. Arief Sjamsulaksan Kartasasmita, PhD, Rector of Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD) in the presence of Chief Guest H.E. Mr. Febrian Alphyanto Ruddyard, Vice Minister of National Development Planning of Indonesia (Bappenas), during the inaugural ceremony of the CIRDAP–NAM CSSTC–SSTC International Training Programme on “Building Resilient Smallholder Livelihoods: Climate-Smart Solutions for Food, Nutrition and Income Security.”

The signing ceremony took place in the presence of delegates from 14 CIRDAP Member Countries, representatives of NAM CSSTC, officials from the Ministry of State Secretariat and Ministry of National Development Planning of Indonesia, and faculty members and representatives of UNPAD and the Padjadjaran Centre for Sweet Potato Research and Innovation Excellence (PRAISE).

The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in agricultural transformation, climate resilience, food security, sustainable livelihoods and rural development across CIRDAP Member Countries. Through this agreement, both institutions will work together to promote joint research, capacity building, knowledge exchange and the transfer of appropriate, affordable and innovative technologies.

Universitas Padjadjaran
Krishi Jagran



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30/10/2026

From the Classroom to the Field: Learning Climate-Smart Solutions with Farming Communities in Indonesia

The collaborative SSTC International Training Programme on ‘Building Resilient Smallholder Livelihoods: Climate-Smart Solutions for Food, Nutrition and Income Security’ brought learning to life through a field-based learning experience with farming communities in Cilembu, West Java, Indonesia on 28 October, 2026.

Discovering Local Agricultural Excellence
A field visit to Cilembu, renowned for its distinctive sweet potatoes, locally known as Ubi Cilembu, offered international executives’ valuable insights into community-based farming practices, local agricultural knowledge, and opportunities for strengthening smallholder livelihoods.

Bridging Research and Practice
The programme continued with an interactive session on the activities of the Padjadjaran Centre for Sweet Potato Research and Innovation Excellence (PRAISE) and a laboratory visit at Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD), Bandung, Indonesia. Participants explored sweet potato research, agricultural innovation, research roadmaps, and practical approaches to translating scientific knowledge into sustainable agricultural solutions.

These field-based and research-oriented experiences highlighted the importance of connecting farmers, researchers, and institutions to advance climate-smart agriculture, strengthen food and nutrition security, and build resilient rural communities.
The ongoing international training programme was inaugurated on 26 October 2026 and is being jointly organized by the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP), the Non-Aligned Movement Centre for South-South Technical Cooperation (NAM CSSTC), the Ministry of State Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia, and PRAISE, Bandung, Indonesia.

🌏 Learning from communities. Connecting knowledge with innovation. Building resilient rural futures.



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29/10/2026

📚 CIRDAP Unveils Book on Community-Driven Sustainable Rural Livelihoods in Bandung, Indonesia

The Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) launched the book “Community-Driven Sustainable Rural Livelihood Models in Asia-Pacific” on 26 October 2026 in Bandung, Indonesia. The publication was unveiled during the inaugural ceremony of the SSTC International Training Programme on “Building Resilient Smallholder Livelihoods: Climate-Smart Solutions for Food, Nutrition and Income Security.”

The book was officially released by H.E. Ambassador M. Chandra Widya Yudha, Executive Director of NAM CSSTC, in the presence of H.E. Dr. P. Chandra Shekara, Director General of CIRDAP; Prof. Arief Sjamsulaksan Kartasasmita, Rector of Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD); Dr. Venkatamallu Thadaboina, Programme Officer (Learning), CIRDAP; and Mr. Joko Tulodo from the Ministry of State Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia. The ceremony was attended by delegates from 14 CIRDAP member countries, government officials, development partners, and representatives of academic institutions.

📚 Edited by Dr. Venkatamallu Thadaboina and Dr. P. Chandra Shekara, the book brings together contributions from 14 authors, sharing experiences and practical approaches to sustainable rural development across the Asia-Pacific region.

The publication is an outcome of the CIRDAP-NIRDPR Collaborative International Training Programme on “Community-Driven Approaches for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods,” held from 13 to 18 April 2026 in Hyderabad, India.

Drawing on experiences from different countries, the book covers participatory governance, sustainable agriculture, women's empowerment, rural entrepreneurship, youth skills development, cooperatives, and livelihood security. It highlights how local participation, community ownership, and strong institutions can help improve livelihoods and create more resilient rural communities.

The launch reflects CIRDAP's continued efforts to encourage knowledge sharing and regional cooperation, while promoting practical, community-led solutions for sustainable rural development.

📖 Read the full book here:
https://cirdap.org/Community-Driven-Sustainable-Rural-Livelihoods-Models-in-Asia-Pacific

Krishi Jagran
NIRDPR-National Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj




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28/10/2026

CIRDAP–NAM CSSTC-SSTC Knowledge Circuit Dialogue on Indonesia

The CIRDAP–NAM CSSTC-SSTC International Training Programme in Indonesia transitioned into a Knowledge Circuit Dialogue on Policies, Programmes, Institutions, Innovations and Impact of Rural Development in Indonesia on 26 October 2026, explored the country’s rural development initiatives from both institutional and grassroots perspectives.

The dialogue was co-chaired by H.E. Dr P. Chandra Shekara, Director General of CIRDAP, and H.E. Ambassador M. Chandra W. Yudha, Executive Director of NAM CSSTC, Jakarta. It was moderated by Dr. Venkatamallu Thadaboina, Programme Officer (Learning), CIRDAP.

The dialogue featured three presentations by Mr. Joko Tulodo, Head of the South-South and Triangular Cooperation Working Group at the Ministry of State Secretariat of Indonesia, explained the Ministry's initiatives, especially the funding of capacity building programmes in Indonesia and other member countries. Mr. Syafi Satya Sakti, Assistant Director for Programme at NAM CSSTC, highlighted the Centre's activities across its member countries, with a special focus on programmes conducted in 2025 and 2026. Mr. Ahmed Joe Hara, Head of the Indonesian Sweet Potato Farmers Agribusiness Association, presented the association's value addition activities and direct marketing arrangements with different countries.

By linking institutional approaches with grassroots experiences, the dialogue highlighted the importance of South-South and Triangular Cooperation in strengthening rural livelihoods, promoting agricultural innovation and creating better market opportunities for rural communities.



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27/10/2026

🌏 CIRDAP–NAM CSSTC-SSTC INTERNATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMME INAUGURATED IN INDONESIA

📍 Bandung, Indonesia | 26 October 2026

SSTC INTERNATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMME ON BUILDING RESILIENT LIVELIHOODS: CLIMATE-SMART SOLUTIONS FOR FOOD, NUTRITION AND INCOME SECURITY

The Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP), in collaboration with the Non-Aligned Movement Centre for South-South Technical Cooperation (NAM CSSTC), the Ministry of State Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia and Padjadjaran Centre for Sweet Potato Research and Innovation Excellence (PRAISE), Bandung, Indonesia inaugurated the Collaborative International Training Programme on “Building Resilient Smallholder Livelihoods: Climate-Smart Solutions for Food, Nutrition and Income Security” in Bandung, Indonesia, on 26 October 2026.

The training brought together, including delegates from 14 CIRDAP member countries namely Bangladesh, Fiji, India, Indonesia, IR Iran, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand & Vietnam. Besides this, the inaugural ceremony was joined by the officials from NAM CSSTC, Officers of Ministry of State Secretariat and Ministry of National Development Planning of the Republic of Indonesia, faculty members and representatives of PRAISE and Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD).

The ceremony featured a welcome address by Prof. Arief Sjamsulaksan Kartasasmita, Rector of UNPAD, followed by addresses from H.E. Dr. P. Chandra Shekara, Director General of CIRDAP; Ambassador H.E. M. Chandra Widya Yudha, Executive Director of NAM CSSTC; and Mrs. Sari Harjanti, Expert Staff to the Minister of State Secretariat for Political Communication and Public Relations. The inaugural address was delivered by Chief Guest H.E. Mr. Febrian Alphyanto Ruddyard, Vice Minister of National Development Planning of Indonesia (Bappenas).

In his address, the Director General of CIRDAP underscored the interdependence of food and nutritional security, agricultural sustainability, and farmers’ income security. He emphasized that food and nutritional security depend on sustainable agriculture, while farmers’ income security is essential to sustaining their engagement in the sector. He highlighted climate-smart livelihoods as a vital pathway to sustainable development and stressed that, as climate change transcends national boundaries, regional cooperation and mutual learning are indispensable to building resilient rural communities.

The Chief Guest highlighted Indonesia’s National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN 2025–2029) and Bappenas’s strategic priorities for climate-smart agriculture, including solar-powered irrigation, efficient fertilizer use, climate-resilient crop varieties, accessible crop insurance, and financing opportunities for community-based micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

The ceremony also marked two significant milestones: the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between CIRDAP and Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD) to strengthen institutional cooperation, and the release of the book titled ‘Community-Driven Sustainable Rural Livelihood Models in Asia-Pacific’.

Scheduled for 26–30 October 2026, the training programme provides a regional platform for sharing good practices, strengthening institutional capacities, and advancing South-South and triangular cooperation towards climate-resilient agriculture, improved food and nutritional security, and sustainable smallholder livelihoods across the Asia-Pacific region.

🌱 One Region. Shared Knowledge. Resilient Livelihoods. Sustainable Futures.



Indonesian Embassy Dhaka
Universitas Padjadjaran
Krishi Jagran

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26/10/2026

Connecting Rural Innovators with Policymakers: CIRDAP–HARTI Innovators Policy Makers Interface in Sri Lanka

🌏 The Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP), in collaboration with the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute (HARTI), Sri Lanka, convened the Innovators Policy Makers Interface during the Asia Pacific Conference on Innovations in Rural Development on 7 October 2026 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The inaugural ceremony was graced by Her Excellency Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Honourable Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, as Chief Guest.

🤝 The session was chaired by H.E. Dr. P. Chandra Shekara, Director General of CIRDAP, with Dr. A. L. Sandika, Director of HARTI, as Co-Chair and respective country representatives serving as additional Co-Chairs. Dr. Ganga Dutta Acharya, Director Research, CIRDAP, moderated the session.

💡 Selected innovators presented their solutions and exchanged views with policymakers, government representatives and participants from CIRDAP Member Countries. The presentations featured:

🔹 Mozhdeh Ketabi (IR Iran): From Land Consolidation to Local Branding through Capacity Building

🔹 Saifullah Manwar (Bangladesh): CARBODIT: A Community-Based Digital Carbon Finance Model for Rural Empowerment

🔹 Charan Bhogavalli (India): GramiGO – Smart Rural Delivery & Local Commerce Network

🔹 Dr. Thinakaran Narayanan (Malaysia): PryoFuel Rural

🔹 M. Dasuni Maheshika (Sri Lanka): Walking Cooler, a Low-Cost, Zero-Energy Mobile Cold Storage Solution for Smallholder Farmers

🔹 Khuất Duy Học (Viet Nam): Digital Farmer 4.0 Platform

🔹 Dr. Bindu M. P. (India): CHINMAYA – Rural Action Network (C-RAN)

🔹 Nafesa Anzum Helaly (Bangladesh): ECOLERY: A Replicable Women-Led Rural Green Economy Model

🔹 Umair Nawaz (Pakistan): AgriConnect KOPIA: A Low-Cost ICT Advisory and Feedback Model

🔹 Jeremy M. Balisacan (Philippines): Eco_Protek: A Rural Microbial Innovation Driving Circular Agriculture, Food Security, and Environmental Resilience

🔹 Dr. Bimal Kumar Nirmal (Nepal): Digital Agri-Connect Nepal (DAC-Nepal)

🔹 Chanatip Boonchalee (Thailand): Community-Based Fisheries Lifestyle Tourism Concept

🔹 Ary Andreas Toelle (Indonesia): DOI Gampang: Digital Transformation for Rural Economy

🔹 Dr. Ouanh Phomvisith (Lao PDR): Forest to Foreign Fork: Sustainable Expansion of Wild Red Mushroom

🔹 Dr. Anjula Sachintha Mahaliyana (Sri Lanka): Village Biofactories: A Decentralized High-Value Aquatic Plant Export Model

🔹 Dr. (Eng.) A. K. P. Arandara (Sri Lanka): Transforming Construction and Demolition Waste into Sustainable Rural Road Infrastructure

🔹 Harankaha Thennahelage Priyantha Kumara Ekanayaka (Sri Lanka): EcoKola: A Community-Managed, Banana Leaf Eco-Packaging Network

The interface encouraged meaningful dialogue between innovators and policymakers, highlighting opportunities to scale promising grassroots solutions, strengthen rural livelihoods and foster sustainable development across the Asia Pacific region.




Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute
Rural Economic and Educational Development Society - REEDS NGO, Hyderabad
Krishi Jagran

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25/10/2026

Recognising Excellence in Rural Innovation: CIRDAP–REEDS Awards 2026 at the Asia-Pacific Conference in Sri Lanka

The Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP), in collaboration with Rural Economic and Educational Development Society (REEDS), India, recognised 18 outstanding innovators at the CIRDAP–HARTI Asia-Pacific Conference on Innovations in Rural Development, held on 7 October 2026 at in Colombo, Sri Lanka graced by Her Excellency Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Hon. Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, as the Chief Guest.

A key highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of awards and Certificate of Appreciation to 18 innovators from the CIRDAP REEDS International Rural Development Innovation Challenge 2026. Honourable K. D. Lal Kantha, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, handed over the awards. The award distribution was also attended by Mr. D. P. Wickramasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation; H.E. Dr. P. Chandra Shekara, Director General of CIRDAP; and Prof. A. L. Sandika, Director of the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute (HARTI).

Jointly organised by CIRDAP and REEDS India, the Challenge drew 187 entries from across the region. An International Jury Committee reviewed each one carefully and chose the most promising solutions in digital agriculture, climate smart livelihoods, circular economy, rural finance, sustainable fisheries, food security, agricultural value chains and community-based enterprise development.

The winners come from all 13 CIRDAP Member Countries: Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Viet Nam.

The award-winning innovations reflect the creativity and resourcefulness of rural communities across the Asia Pacific region. By bringing these solutions into the spotlight, CIRDAP and REEDS aim to encourage knowledge sharing, strengthen collaboration and support practical approaches to sustainable rural transformation.

Ministry of Agriculture , Sri Lanka
Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute
Rural Economic and Educational Development Society - REEDS NGO, Hyderabad
Krishi Jagran



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24/10/2026

Film on Award-Winning Rural Innovations Across Asia and the Pacific

CIRDAP, in collaboration with REEDS India, launched the International Rural Development Innovation Challenge 2026, receiving 187 submissions. Following an international jury’s evaluation, 18 outstanding innovations were selected for their potential to drive meaningful change in rural communities across the Asia-Pacific region.

🎬 The film showcases these award-winning innovations, presented at the CIRDAP-HARTI Asia-Pacific Conference on Innovations in Rural Development, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

▶️ Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/UdO26GdhBMA?si=24dYSnH1a2j-jp7b

Discover inspiring ideas and innovative approaches shaping a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient rural future.



Rural Economic and Educational Development Society - REEDS NGO, Hyderabad
Krishi Jagran

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The film showcases award-winning rural innovations presented at the...

23/10/2026

CIRDAP Marks the International Day of Rural Women with an In-house Celebration

The Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) observed the International Day of Rural Women through an in-house programme at the CIRDAP Garden on 15 October 2026. The event recognised the contributions of rural women to community development and sustainable livelihoods across the Asia-Pacific region.

Dr. Usharani Boruah, Librarian and Gender Coordinator, CIRDAP, delivered the welcome address. CIRDAP staff members subsequently shared their reflections on the roles, achievements and challenges of rural women, highlighting their importance in advancing sustainable development.

The programme concluded with remarks from H.E. Dr. P. Chandra Shekara, Director General, CIRDAP, underscoring the significance of recognising rural women's contributions to inclusive and sustainable rural development and the projects initiated by CIRDAP for prosperity of Rural Women.

Krishi Jagran



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22/10/2026

🌍 CIRDAP Knowledge Circuit | Rural Development in Sri Lanka

CIRDAP Knowledge Circuit Dialogue on Sri Lanka was held on 8 October 2026 in Colombo, following the Asia Pacific Conference on Innovations in Rural Development. The dialogue featured insightful presentations and discussions on Sri Lanka’s rural development policies, programmes, institutions, innovations, achievements and challenges.

The session was moderated by Dr. Ganga Dutta Acharya, Director Research, CIRDAP, and featured welcome remarks by Prof. A.L. Sandika, Director, HARTI, and opening remarks by H.E. Dr. P. Chandra Shekara, Director General, CIRDAP.

Sampath Manthrinayake, Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, Sri Lanka, presented an overview of the country’s rural development policies and programmes. Samadani Kiriwandeniya, Managing Director of SANASA International, Sri Lanka, shared insights into rural development institutions, innovations, achievements, opportunities and challenges.

A panel discussion on “Stakeholder Collaboration for Rural Entrepreneurships”, moderated by Dr. Fredrick Abeyratne of HARTI, brought together representatives from government, research institutions, the private sector, civil society and academia. The discussion highlighted the importance of collaborative approaches to strengthening rural entrepreneurship and advancing inclusive and sustainable rural development.

The Knowledge Circuit Dialogue provided a valuable platform for exchanging experiences, sharing good practices and exploring opportunities for stronger stakeholder collaboration in rural development in Sri Lanka and across the Asia Pacific region.

Ministry of Agriculture , Sri Lanka
Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute
Sanasa International
Krishi Jagran



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