The inaugural session of the initial conference gathering agricultural scientists from both domestic and international realms has commenced at the Agriculture and Forestry University. Simultaneously, the university has also launched its First Graduate Conference today, with National Assembly member Bimala Rai Paudyal inaugurating the workshop.
During the inauguration of the workshop, scheduled to run until Mangsir 09, Member Rai expressed that the active participation of the younger generation in the study and research of agriculture sends a positive signal. She emphasized that the disparity between the technology employed in the agricultural sector and the current market technology is hindering farmers from addressing their challenges effectively.
Ram Kumar Phuyal, the Acting Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission, stated that the government is extending comprehensive support for the advancement of the agricultural sector in Nepal. He disclosed that the commission has given priority to projects within the agricultural domain.
Dr. Nar Bikram Thapa, Vice Chairman of the Planning Commission for the Bagmati State Government, emphasized the importance of the Agriculture and Forestry University in spearheading new breakthroughs in the realm of agriculture.
Narayan Prasad Adhikari, the Head of the District Coordination Committee Chitwan, Co-Chairman of the Cooperative Development Board Mitraraj Dawadi, Professor Arjun Kumar Shrestha, the Dean of the Agriculture Faculty at the University, Ganesh Raj Joshi, Former Commissioner of the Abuse of Authority Investigation Commission, Rudi Van Dael from the Asian Development Bank, Basu Dev Kafle, the Program Director of ASDP, along with other participants, engaged in discussions addressing challenges and potential solutions within the agricultural sector in Nepal. They expressed optimism that the conference would serve as a significant milestone.
The conference, convened under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Punya Prasad Regmi, the vice chancellor of the university, has attracted the participation of three hundred scientists from both domestic and international backgrounds. As outlined by the program coordinator and research director, Rishi Ram Kattel, the event will feature the presentation of 113 research papers by agricultural scientists from Nepal, India, the United States, Japan, Canada, Taiwan, and various other nations.
Similarly, delegates from diverse donor organizations, such as the Asian Development Bank, World Food Organization, Agricultural Research Council, University Grants Commission, as well as research institutions specializing in agriculture, forestry, and education, took part in the conference.
During the conference, there will be group discussions covering a range of topics, with students, professors, and policymakers presenting research papers on agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, veterinary science, and fisheries along with their findings. Additionally, a special paper addressing climate change and its scientific management will be presented.
The conference is being attended by students and faculty members from the Agriculture and Forestry University, professors from Tribhuvan University and Purbanchal University, as well as researchers, students, organizational representatives, and professors with a focus on agricultural research.
