Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU)

Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU) was established in Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal, in 2010 and is the first technical university in the country. The AFU aims to produce a highly skilled workforce that is required to work on quality research and development in agriculture. AFU aims to develop agriculture, aquaculture, livestock, and forestry, promoting rural people's socio-economic conditions through research, quality teaching, and extension. The mission of AFU is to produce a competent workforce to enhance research education and development in agriculture, veterinary, forestry, fisheries, and allied disciplines.

This AFU was founded by merging Rampur Campus, Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), and Forestry Campus, Hetauda of the Institute of Forestry of the Tribhuvan University of Nepal. In addition to the existing academic programs, the university started a four-year BSc in Fisheries, MSc in Biotechnology, MSc in Weed Science, MSc in Seed Technology, MSc in Agribusiness Management, and PhD programs in Developmental Studies.

AFU started the College of Natural Resource Management, a constituent college at Purunchaur Kaski, Pokhara, in 2016. In the academic year 2017/18, it established the College of Natural Resource Management, Marin Kapilakot, Sindhuli. Nine other constituent colleges are in the pipeline to develop a BSc Agriculture and BSc Forestry program. In the future, AFU plans to establish a BSc in agriculture and engineering, a BSc in Horticulture, and a Master's in Dairy Technology.

AFU established the Agriculture Science Center (ASC) in Palung in 2016 and 3 other ASCs at Kalikot, Gorkha, and Dhading. These centers will demonstrate the new technologies to the farmers and act as the platform for training and research activities.  LEE (Learning Experiential Exposure) program started in B.Sc. Ag. and B.Sc. Forestry from this year in the last Semester. Prime Minister Agricultural Modernization Project (PMAMP) of the Ministry of Agriculture Development supports this program by sending the students to Zones and Super-zones. In addition, AFU conducts plant clinics, animal health camps, and IPM schools in the farmer's field. AFU has also installed a seed processing plant and produces quality seeds for farmers.

The university currently has 107 faculty members and 255 support staff. Its current student population is 1883, including 1471 undergraduate students, 367 MSc students, and 45 PhD scholars in different disciplines. Nearly 35 % of students are female.

The university's faculty members collaborate with national and international institutions and agencies on various research and developmental activities. They focus their research on increasing the production and productivity of agricultural commodities, post-harvest technology, enhancing the shelf life of biodiversity conservation and food products, local innovation, and adopting participatory approaches to improving the sustainable livelihood systems of farming communities. Postgraduate students contribute thesis research to generate knowledge and technologies to address the nation's agriculture, livestock, and forestry issues.

Studying agriculture in Nepal is highly attractive. Improving society's awareness of the role of agriculture in our daily lives can significantly enhance the sector's image. Therefore, the number of students choosing this particular field of study is increasing yearly.

The various classrooms, farm buildings, laboratories, student dormitories, and residential buildings need renovations. The university needs more support from national and international human resources and infrastructure development. Since it is a new university, the faculty, and students must also get more exposure to learn how great universities work and become more meaningful to their societies. Faculty and student exchange would benefit both parties in the long run.

Vision, Mission, Goals, and Objectives

Vision

AFU aims to become a leading land-grant university that contributes to making Nepal a food—and nutrition-secure, climate-resilient, economically vibrant, and socially equitable nation through education, research, and community engagement.

Mission

AFU is committed to improving the quality of life of Nepalese people through teaching, research, and extension of agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and forestry.

Goal

The AFU aims to transform agriculture and the allied sector through education, research, and practical innovation. This will contribute to environmental conservation, sustainable food production, and the socio-economic development of agricultural communities.

Objectives

The main goal of the AFU is to equip students with thorough knowledge, practical skills, and innovative learning outcomes that allow them to make significant contributions to agriculture, animal sciences, veterinary sciences, fisheries, and forestry.

AFU aims to achieve the following objectives:

Academic Excellence: AFU is dedicated to offering exceptional educational programs in agriculture and related fields. We aim to ensure that students receive a thorough education that prepares them to become highly qualified professionals. We strive to equip them with the skills to manage their enterprises and assume leadership positions in the agricultural and allied sectors. The AFU aims to give students a deep understanding of farming principles, sustainable practices, and cutting-edge technologies.

Research Advancement: AFU is dedicated to pioneering research in agriculture, animal sciences, fisheries, and forestry. It addresses pressing challenges and develops innovative solutions. The university promotes interdisciplinary research collaborations to enhance the scientific knowledge base, drive technological advancements, and improve agricultural practices.

Skill Development: AFU is dedicated to enhancing students' practical skills and experiences through fieldwork, internships, and hands-on learning opportunities. The university fosters a supportive environment that encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, helping students develop the skills necessary for success in various agricultural careers.

Industry Relevance: AFU maintains strong collaborations with industry partners, farmers, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that its programs and research align with the needs of the agriculture and allied sectors. By staying connected to the industry, the university aims to produce well-prepared graduates who can address practical challenges and make meaningful contributions to the development of these sectors.

Sustainable Practices: AFU promotes sustainable agricultural practices and related fields, emphasizing environmental conservation, resource efficiency, and social equity. The AFU aims to educate students about the importance of sustainable agriculture and equip them with the in-depth knowledge and skills to implement environmentally friendly farming techniques and contribute to creating a more sustainable food system.

Community Engagement: AFU actively engages with local communities, rural populations, and relevant stakeholders through various programs, outreach initiatives, and knowledge dissemination activities, including enhancing agricultural science centers. The university is committed to being a reliable resource that offers valuable information, expertise, and support to farmers, policymakers, and the wider community.

The Agricultural University aims to play a crucial role in advancing the agricultural sector by pursuing these objectives. It focuses on producing skilled professionals, generating innovative research, and promoting sustainable practices that contribute to the overall development and prosperity of communities reliant on agriculture, animal husbandry, and forestry.

Faculties

• Faculty of Agriculture (FOA)

• Faculty of Animal Science, Veterinary Science, and Fisheries (FAVF)

• Faculty of Forestry (FOF)

Departments of Faculty of Animal Science, Veterinary Science, and Fisheries (FAVF):

• Livestock Production and Management

• Animal Nutrition and Fodder Production

• Aquaculture

• Aquatic Resource Management

• Veterinary Medicine and Public Health

• Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology

• Veterinary Surgery and Pharmacology

• Veterinary Theriogenology

• Veterinary Anatomy, Physiology & Biochemistry

• Animal Breeding and Biotechnology

• Veterinary Pathology and Clinics

College and Departments of Faculty of Agriculture (FOA):

• College of Natural Resource Management, Puranchaur, Kaski

• College of Natural Resource Management, Tikapur, Kailali

• College of Natural Resource Management - Marin, Kapilakot, Sindhuli

• College of Natural Resource Management, Pakhribas, Dhankuta

• College of Natural Resource Management, Bardibas, Mahottari

• College of Natural Resource Management, Khajura, Banke

• College of Natural Resource Management, Madichaur, Rolpa

• College of Natural Resource Management, Dullu, Dailekh

• Department of Agribotany and Conservation Ecology

• Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management

• Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology

• Department of Agronomy

• Department of Entomology

• Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding

• Department of Horticulture

• Department of Plant Pathology

• Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering

• Department of Rural Sociology and Development Studies

• Center for Biotechnology

Departments of Faculty of Forestry (FOF):

• Department of Basic Science and Humanities

• Department of Ecology and Environmental Science

• Department of Forest Products Utilization

• Department of Forest Survey and Engineering

• Department of Natural Resource Management

• Department of Silviculture and Forest Biology

• Department of Soil and Watershed Management

• Department of Wildlife and Protected Reserve

Contact Details:

Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU)

Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal

Phone: +977-56-591655, +977-56-591777, +977-56-56-591514

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.afu.edu.np