ABSTRACT
The SAARC Food Bank (SFB) embodies collective efforts of South Asian countries to ensure food security at times of largescale disruptions in food availability. In view of the ever-rising food security concerns in South Asia, issues of proper operationalisation of the SFB have assumed critical importance. This chapter explores ways and means to overcome shortcomings in the conceptualisation and implementation of the SFB. Based on a comparative study of select international best practices and primary surveys, the chapter offers recommendations for determination of thresholds for disbursement during emergencies, modalities of distribution of SFB stock, design of pricing strategies, maintenance of quality food reserves, establishment of a dispute settlement mechanism and options for institutional tie-ups with similar outfits.
