Agriculture and Forestry University has undertaken a comprehensive curriculum revision, focusing on market relevance and practical application. The university, aligning with the national and international context, introduced the new curriculum in 2073.
The university, collaborating with expert professors from India and America and consulting with Nepali experts and farmers, shaped the revised curriculum.
Dr. Subir Singh, Executive Director of the University's Curriculum Development Center, shared that the BSc in Agriculture, Bachelor in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry, Bachelor in Fisheries Science, and Bachelor in Forestry programs have undergone revisions, effective from the current academic session.
While veterinary medicine entails a five-year study, other faculties now have a four-year duration. Dr. Singh noted that the previous curriculum had 30 to 33 percent experimental content, whereas the new curriculum boosted this to 40 percent. Students will engage directly with farmers during experimental studies, focusing on current environmental changes, disease identification, research methods, and the integration of information technology.
Additionally, the curriculum includes elements such as yoga, physical exercise, physical education, and moral education to alleviate student stress.
In its formulation, the curriculum underwent continuous discussion with professors, students, employers, and farmers from other universities. The emphasis was placed on foundational studies in the first and second years, followed by a curriculum designed to align with skills and technology in subsequent years.
The implemented curriculum's evaluation has commenced, including assessments by Tuskegee University professors in America. Feedback from students is actively sought online, and 1,095 students are currently enrolled in the new course.
Professor Dr. Arjun Kumar Shrestha, Dean of the University's Faculty of Agriculture, believes the new curriculum will enhance student attraction, creating a workforce with global market utility. He emphasizes the importance of producing practical and market-oriented professionals, aligning with the evolving times. This marks the third curriculum revision since the university's establishment, showcasing a comprehensive effort to retain local talent and prevent the migration of young professionals."
