New Delhi, Mar 5: Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar will inaugurate an International Conference on ‘Science-based agricultural transformation towards alleviation of hunger and poverty in SAARC countries’ here today.

A three-day meet will discuss the regional agrarian situation, encompassing food insecurity and poverty and suggest necessary policy and programme shifts to meet the Millennium Development Goals.

About 100 farmers from eight members of SAARC region (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka), farm ministers and agricultural scientists are expected to participate in the event.

Renowned agricultural scientist and member of Rajya Sabha M S Swaminathan said, "The need of the hour is to fight hunger and step up food supply in the world. Otherwise, poor people will further be withdrawn from access to basic food because of the rising commodity prices in the global market".

The event is being organised by the Indian Farmers Fertiliser and Cooperative Ltd, IFFCO Foundation along with Indian Council of Agricultural Research. (ANI)