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

23/12/2025

Regional Launch of CIRDAP-REEDS International Rural Development Innovation Challenge-2026 at Hyderabad,India

CIRDAP, in partnership with the Rural Economic and Educational Development Society (REEDS), has officially launched the India regional edition of the International Rural Development Innovation Challenge 2026 in Hyderabad, India on 22 December 2025.

Anchored on the theme “One Innovation. Endless Change. Countless Smiles.”, the initiative aims to identify, recognize, and promote proven rural innovations that have created measurable impact at the grassroots level and show strong potential for scale and replication across Asia and the Pacific.

The event brought together policymakers, development practitioners, academicians, and civil society leaders working in the rural development ecosystem.

The programme was honored by the presence of Honorable Minister Smt. D. Anasuya Seethakka for Panchayati Raj and Rural Development and Honorable Member of Legislative Assembly of Bellampalli Shri G. Vinod of Government of Telangana,India ,Dr. G. Narendra Kumar, IAS, Director General of the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, attended as Chief Guest, along with Dr. P. Chandra Shekara, Director General of CIRDAP and Mr. M. Ravindra Vikram, Chairman of the Rural Economic and Educational Development Society.

The Innovation Challenge will be supported by an international compendium of selected innovations and an International Conference proposed to be held in Sri Lanka in June 2026. The programme concluded with an open house discussion and media interaction, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Ravi K. Reddy, Secretary of the Rural Economic and Educational Development Society.

The International Rural Development Innovation Challenge 2026 invites practitioners, institutions, entrepreneurs, researchers, development professionals, and grassroots innovators to participate and showcase impactful rural innovations with the potential for wider replication.

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



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22/12/2025

CIRDAP-REEDS Upcoming Rural Development Innovation Challenge – 2026

The Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP), in collaboration with the Rural Economic and Educational Development Society (REEDS), is preparing to launch an exciting new initiative titled the Rural Development Innovation Challenge. This upcoming programme aims to identify, support and promote groundbreaking ideas that can transform rural lives across CIRDAP’s fifteen Member Countries in Asia and Pacific Region.

Rural communities across Asia and the Pacific continue to face multiple and interconnected challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate risks, limited access to education and healthcare, poor infrastructure, lack of digital connectivity, and restricted employment opportunities leading to youth migration. Recognizing these pressing issues, the Innovation Challenge will serve as a platform to inspire creative solutions and practical models that can address these challenges and contribute to sustainable rural transformation.
The CIRDAP-REEDS Innovation Challenge will call for submissions from experts, agencies, ministries, non-governmental organizations, research institutions, and individuals from CIRDAP Member Countries. Entries may include innovative technologies, processes, policy models, success stories, or community-based initiatives that demonstrate measurable impact and potential for scaling up.

Through this initiative, CIRDAP seeks to:

• Encourage innovation and creativity in tackling rural challenges.
• Promote low-cost, high-impact, and inclusive solutions.
• Empower women, youth, indigenous peoples, and vulnerable groups.
• Advance progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Innovation Challenge will offer recognition, awards, and opportunities for collaboration, spotlighting the most outstanding rural innovations emerging from within CIRDAP Member Countries. Last date of submission : 28 February 2026.

For details please click the link below:

https://cirdap.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/CIRDAP-International-Rural-Development-Innovation-Challenge-2026-Final.pdf

Stay tuned for more updates on how to participate in this upcoming initiative that promises to bring “One Innovation. Endless Change. Countless Smiles.”

For future announcements and details, please contact:
communication_officer@cirdap.org



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

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21/12/2025

Global Best Practices in Agricultural Cooperatives: DG CIRDAP participation at International Workshop in New Delhi, India

The Director General of the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific, His Excellency Dr. P. Chandra Shekara, participated as a panelist in the International Workshop on “Best Practices in Agricultural Cooperatives in the Global Arena: Empowering Cooperatives in India for Sustainable Economic Growth and Rural Transformation,” held during 15–16 December 2025 at the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences Complex, New Delhi, India.

The international workshop was jointly organized by the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research in the context of the United Nations declaring 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives under the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World.”

During the workshop, Dr. P. Chandra Shekara made a presentation on sharing best practices in agricultural cooperatives from cooperatives across CIRDAP Member Countries. His presentation highlighted successful experiences, lessons learned, and innovative cooperative models that contribute to sustainable economic growth and rural transformation.

The workshop provided a valuable platform for leaders of agricultural cooperatives from India and the global community to exchange knowledge on leadership, governance, management, and sustainability of cooperatives, while strengthening international collaboration in the cooperative sector.

Naas India
Indian Council of Agricultural Research
Krishi Jagran



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20/12/2025

Voices of Rural Women: A Special Message from Mrs. W.W.M.M.G.S. Chandramalli Wijerathna, Sri Lanka

As part of CIRDAP’s celebration of the International Day of Rural Women 2025, CIRDAP is truly honored to feature Mrs. W.W.M.M.G.S. Chandramalli Wijerathna, Entrepreneur, Bambarakiriella, Rathtota, Matale, Sri Lanka.

Watch her inspiring message shared during our online celebration here 👇

https://youtu.be/zIwgMyOmDiM?si=sJ5dcw7QMoBPY2Vb



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

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Voices of Rural Women: A Special Message from Mrs. W.W.M.M.G.S. Chandramalli Wijerathna, Sri LankaAs part of CIRDAP’s celebration of the International Day of...

19/12/2025

Voices of Rural Women: A Special Message from Mrs. Sajida Mumtaz, Pakistan

As part of CIRDAP’s celebration of the International Day of Rural Women 2025, CIRDAP was truly honored to feature Mrs. Sajida Mumtaz, Business Woman & Community Leader, Resource Person, Pakistan.

Watch her inspiring message shared during our online celebration here 👇

https://youtu.be/x-yTAi9eQYA?si=yBtWGjKIfjPAqgSy

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



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Voices of Rural Women: A Special Message from Mrs. Sajida Mumtaz, PakistanAs part of CIRDAP’s celebration of the International Day of Rural Women 2025, we we...

18/12/2025

Voices of Rural Women: A Special Message from Mrs. Maryam. Hemmat Pour, IR Iran

As part of CIRDAP’s celebration of the International Day of Rural Women 2025, we were truly honored to feature Mrs. Maryam. Hemmat Pour, Pioneer in Rural Entrepreneurship & Rural Development in Mod, Sarbisheh County, South Khorasan Province, IR Iran.

Watch her inspiring message shared during our online celebration here 👇

https://youtu.be/Oh0bJIFVE9k?si=Xb9MBFweCFdx2goO

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



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Voices of Rural Women: A Special Message from Mrs. Maryam. Hemmat Pour, IR IranAs part of CIRDAP’s celebration of the International Day of Rural Women 2025, ...

17/12/2025

You want to Partner: CIRDAP Launches the Project Facilitation Centre (PFC)

Ready to make your rural development dream a reality by transforming rural ideas into real impact?

The Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) proudly presents the Project Facilitation Centre (PFC), a forward looking initiative designed to empower and support our network of partners across member countries!

This dynamic platform is your central hub for collaboration and innovation. We work to ensure that your transformative ideas are turned into impactful actions that drive inclusive and sustainable growth.

The Project Facilitation Centre strengthens your capacity by:
• Unlocking access to global funding opportunities.
• Mobilizing essential resources for your project.
• Streamlining project planning and implementation processes.
• Fostering coordination to enhance rural livelihoods.

Do not let your transformative ideas wait! Submit your project proposal, and we will facilitate it on your behalf with our Development Partners!

Operational Guideline for CIRDAP Project Facilitation Centre (PFC)
Please click the link below:

https://cirdap.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/PFC-Operational-Guide_final.pdf

For more information or inquiries, contact us at: director_research@cirdap.org



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

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16/12/2025

🇧🇩 Celebrating the Spirit of Victory! 🇧🇩

On this historic 16th December, CIRDAP extends its warmest greetings and heartiest congratulations to the people of our host country, Bangladesh, on their 54th Victory Day.

Today, we honor the immense sacrifices and the unwavering courage of the martyrs and freedom fighters who paved the way for an independent and sovereign nation. Their legacy continues to inspire us as we work toward a future of prosperity, equity, and sustainable rural development across the Asia-Pacific region.

As an intergovernmental organization headquartered in Dhaka, we take great pride in witnessing Bangladesh’s incredible journey of growth, resilience, and transformation.

May the spirit of the Great Liberation War guide us toward a world free from hunger and poverty.

16/12/2025

Director General of CIRDAP, HE. Dr. P. Chandra Shekara, delivered a virtual keynote address at the Research Week Ceremony 2025 in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The event will be organized by the Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO) on 17 December 2025.

Dr. Shekara’s address highlighted the importance of integrated rural development and regional cooperation in addressing global agricultural and food security challenges.

▶️ Watch the full keynote speech here:

📺 https://youtu.be/UiboLdG1kvg?si=IhdWPiZYY4KtYj2F

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



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Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

15/12/2025

Voices of Rural Women: A Special Message from Mrs. Sangeeta Dalai, India

As part of CIRDAP’s celebration of the International Day of Rural Women 2025, CIRDAP is truly honored to feature Mrs. Sangeeta Dalai, Entrepreneur, Community leader and Change-maker, India

Watch her inspiring message shared during our online celebration here 👇

https://youtu.be/U6uxdaWdMN8?si=l7j9JMZ4b1QkY7T0

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



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Voices of Rural Women: A Special Message from Mrs. Sangeeta Dalai, IndiaAs part of CIRDAP’s celebration of the International Day of Rural Women 2025, CIRDAP ...

14/12/2025

Kenya’s Digital Evolution: Key Insights Shared at CIRDAP Knowledge Series 48

CIRDAP successfully hosted the Knowledge Series 48 – Webinar on “Agriculture Development in Kenya: Learnings for Asia and the Pacific” on 11 December 2025. The session highlighted how Kenya’s digital-led transformation is reshaping its agricultural landscape and offering practical lessons for countries across the Asia-Pacific region.

The webinar was presented by Dr. Agnes Oywaya-Nkurumwa, Associate Professor of Agricultural Extension at Egerton University, Kenya. She shared how Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda is driving a shift from traditional agricultural practices toward a dynamic Digital Ecosystem, strengthened Climate Resilience, and Smart Market Access.

Key insights included:
• The rise of mobile-based platforms that connect farmers to finance, advisory services, and digital records.
• The use of satellite data to provide timely insurance support to pastoral communities.
• Modern logistics systems that link farmers directly to markets, reducing post-harvest losses and creating opportunities for women and youth.

The webinar was attended by His Excellency Dr. P. Chandra Shekara, Director General of CIRDAP, along with experts and participants from CIRDAP Member Countries, including a high number of representatives from Myanmar.

CIRDAP extends its appreciation to all participants for contributing to this enriching knowledge-sharing experience.

Egerton University
Krishi Jagran



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