Nepal Agricultural Research Council

Purpose: The study investigates how graduate students assess institutional improvement needs while determining how students and alumni support institutional development at People’s Campus. Methodology: The researchers used a qualitative exploratory research design to investigate their research question. Data were collected from 154 graduates from BBM, BBA, BBS, and MBS programs through two open-ended questions that asked for (i) institutional improvement suggestions and recommendations, and (ii) student and alumni potential contributions. The researchers analyzed the responses through inductive thematic analysis according to Braun and Clarke's 2006 analytical framework. The researchers identified and interpreted themes from academic programs to analyze how graduate perspectives differed between programs. Findings: The study results show that undergraduate students who completed their Bachelor of Business Management and Bachelor of Business Administration programs at the university give priority to learning through real-world experiences and participating in extracurricular activities, and using technological resources, but they mainly contribute to the university through their roles as mentors and their ability to share knowledge. BBS graduates state that they need structured learning environments that support all students while providing academic assistance because their contributions stem from their dedication to volunteer work and peer mentoring, and their commitment to supporting institutional needs. The postgraduate graduates from MBS programs demonstrate their commitment to systemwide enhancements by showing dedication to improving governance and digitalization, career services, and research engagement while they actively participate in professional organizations and strategic planning. Cross-program evaluation shows that campus facilities, hygiene standards, and administrative response times create common problems that decrease student satisfaction and institutional effectiveness. Originality/Value: The research delivers qualitative findings about graduate student expectations and alumni participation in Nepalese higher education, which has not yet been adequately studied by existing literature. The study presents solutions to enhance academic programs and university facilities through its examination of graduate experiences from various study programs, which contribute to institutional development through their structured alumni participation process. Paper Type: Empirical Research-based Analysis.

Accelerating research investment and breeding innovation is critical to strengthening food system resilience and tackling the escalating food crisis across the Global South. To deliver transformative impact, rice breeding programs must transition into modern, focused, and data-driven systems that drive both financial and operational efficiency. Until recently, systematic cost assessment of rice breeding pipelines, crucial for strategic resource allocation, faster genetic gains, and enhanced varietal development, has been largely overlooked. To bridge this gap, we developed the Unified Global Costing Framework for Rice Breeding (UGCF-Rice), a standardized system for data collection, cross-program benchmarking, identifying key cost drivers, efficiency gaps, and opportunities for optimization. The framework's effectiveness was demonstrated through case studies costing four National Agricultural Research and Extension System (NARES) rice breeding pipelines in South Asia (India and Nepal) and Sub-Saharan Africa (Tanzania and Ghana), using UGCF-Rice in conjunction with the University of Queensland's Breeding Program Costing Tool (UQ-BPCT). This comprehensive analysis revealed that rice breeding pipeline costs ranged from USD 26,781 to 39,221, excluding institutional overheads and cross-cutting charges. Costing of two restructured pipelines integrating speed breeding technologies, demonstrated that strategic modernization can greatly enhance efficiency, achieving a 2.3-fold reduction in breeding cycle time, a 17-24-fold increase in throughput (fixed lines per cross), and a 1.6-20-fold reduction in land use compared to conventional breeding. This global costing framework establishes a data-driven foundation for strategic research investment and optimization, empowering policymakers, donors, and breeders to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and impact in rice breeding. Building on these insights, we propose an integrated "Cost-efficient Rice Breeding and Innovation Model" to empower NARES for global impact.

Natural calamities, disease and pest, and unpredictable weather possess a high risk in livestock farming and cost a heavy loss to the farmers. Livestock insurance is one of the important strategies to reduce the risks related to livestock production. To assess the adoption process and impact of livestock insurance on dairy farmers, a study was conducted at Chitwan district among the 98 farmers (insured and non insured) sampled using stratified random sampling. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the socio-economic and demographic variables of insurer and non-insured farmers. Pro bit model regression was used to analyze the impact of different variables on adoption of livestock insurance. In addition, t-test was also done to compare the numeric mean value of the variables of two categories of respondent, insured and non-insured. The Pro bit model results revealed that the age, gender, income from livestock, awareness about insurance and awareness of subsidy on insurance have a significant (p<.05) effect on the adoption of livestock insurance. The result of Chi-square test suggests that members of a farmers group/cooperatives, subsidy, loan and members of community agents have a significant (p<.05) effect on the adoption of the livestock insurance. The study underscores the need for a strategic policy to promote livestock insurance in Chitwan district. Both the government and non-life insurance companies must prioritize enhancing farmer awareness and understanding through targeted advertising and training to establish credibility and reliability. These findings will be helpful for the improvement of different livestock insurance policy and programs implemented by different government bodies and insurance companies.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) in poultry presents a significant zoonotic concern, as certain pathogenic strains particularly ETEC (Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli) can be transmitted from poultry to humans through direct contact, environmental contamination, or the food chain, especially via undercooked poultry meat or contaminated produce. The objective of this study was to separate, biochemically identify, and molecularly characterize E. coli from samples of poultry feces and intestine. A total of 150 samples (50 intestinal, 100 feces) were collected from Dinajpur broiler farms and transported to the Department of Microbiology, HSTU, Dinajpur, in an ice box with PBS while maintaining aseptic conditions. In Nutrient Agar Colonies were observed and further sub cultured on MacConkey agar and then on selective media Eosin Methylene Blue Agar (EMB agar) at 37°C for 24 hours before undergoing biochemical tests such as Motility indole Urease (MIU), Simmons citrate, Indole, Methyl Red and Triple sugar Iron (TSI) utilization. Bacterial confirmation was performed followed by PCR-based confirmation including genomic DNA isolation and gel electrophoresis. Isolates confirmed as E. coli were serotyped and further characterized by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) targeting the E. coli primer gene. The overall prevalence of E. coli was 69.33 %, with a higher isolation rate from fecal samples (73%) than intestine samples (62%). There weren't many samples used for PCR. PCR produced bands that were positive during the analysis. In the future, more intestinal and fecal samples from different areas will be examined for research purposes.

This study compared the effectiveness of CIDR (Controlled Internal Drug Release)-PGF2α protocol in terms of the duration of CIDR placement for the treatment of anestrus in buffaloes during low breeding season. Anestrous Murrah-cross buffaloes were randomly assigned to two Treatment groups. In Group 1 (T1, n = 15), a CIDR was inserted intravaginally for 7 days, while in Group 2 (T2, n = 15), the CIDR was inserted for 9 days. Each buffalo in both groups received an injection of a PGF2α analogue, cloprostenol (500 μg), 24 h before CIDR removal. Artificial insemination (AI) was performed twice, at 60 and 72 h after CIDR removal. Ovarian cyclicity status during CIDR insertion and the size of the corpus luteum (CL) on 7th day after AI were assessed using transrectal ultrasonography. Body condition score (BCS), endoparasitic infection, anemic score, suckling status and lactation stage were recorded. Pregnancy was diagnosed two months after AI. No significant differences were found between two Treatment groups regarding estrus induction, ovulation and pregnancy outcomes. The overall estrus induction, ovulation and pregnancy rates were 81%, 93% and 26%, respectively. The ovarian cyclicity status at CIDR insertion affected the ovulation and pregnancy outcome. Additionally, the size of CL one week after AI had an influence on pregnancy outcome (P=0.03). In conclusion, the ovarian status at CIDR insertion and the CL size one week after AI, but not the duration of CIDR placement, influenced the success of CIDR-PGF2α protocol in treating anestrus in buffaloes during low breeding season.

Background: In the context of rapid urbanization and rising municipal solid waste generation, solid waste segregation is crucial for effective management; however, poorly researched behavioral issues in the developing world, including Nepal, hinder its implementation. Purpose: This research examines the psychological, social, and ethical drivers of household waste-segregation behavior in Itahari Sub-Metropolitan City, utilizing a combined framework that integrates the Extended Theory of Planned Behavior (ETPB) and the Norm Activation Model (NAM). Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional survey was conducted, in which 502 households were chosen by using stratified random sampling from urban and semi-urban wards. The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) technique, using SmartPLS4, was employed to analyze both measurement and structural models. Findings: Based on its findings, it has been observed that behavioral attitude, subjective norms, perceived control over behavior, moral obligation, and moral obligation judgment play a critical role in determining the willingness to segregate waste, which, in turn, significantly influences the observability of segregation behavior. Knowledge of environmental outcomes has no substantive effect on intention. It does not have a positive impact on behavior, but a weak yet significant negative relationship with practice indicates the existence of an awareness-behavior gap. These findings underscore the importance of developing moral responsibility, social norms, and perceived self-efficacy rather than relying solely on awareness-based interventions. Conclusion: The paper thus concludes that sustainable household waste segregation behavior in Nepal can be promoted through culture-based, psychologically informed, and infrastructure-based initiatives that extend beyond typical educational campaigns. Keywords: Solid waste, Segregation, Intention Behavior, PLS-SEM

Query fever, also known as an endemic zoonotic disease, is primarily thought to infect humans through ruminants. Coxiella burnetii, an obligate intracellular bacterial pathogen with a global distribution, causes Coxiellosis. The present study aims to examine the prevalence of C. burnetii and associated risk factors for an epidemiological study. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 88 goats’ serum samples obtained from National Goat Research Program, Agriculture Research Council, Nepal. Two serum samples out of eighty-eight (88) were confirmed to be positive for C. burnetii, indicating a prevalence of 2.27%. The risk factors for Q. fever, such as age, physiological status, tick infestation, body condition score (BCS), history of abortion, health status, and stock source showed no significant correlation with the results. In conclusion, there was a prevalence of C. burnetii in this research area. Further investigation into farm workers and locality using interventional methods is necessary from a One Health perspective.

BackgroundAdolescent suicidality currently ranks as the third leading cause of death among adolescents, affecting global adolescent population, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Nepal. This study explores the assessment of suicidality as an adverse event in adolescent mental health research in Nepal and outlines practical strategies for integrating suicide management protocols into mental health surveys in LMICs. It offers guidance on suicide risk assessment and referral pathways for vulnerable adolescents and contribute to suicide prevention efforts.MethodsThis study, a part of a cross-sectional survey with 490 adolescents aged 13–15 in public secondary schools in Kathmandu valley, used a three step approach of the Suicide Management Protocol (SMP) to identify and manage participants at risk of suicidality. Using the specific item under the measurement of mental health among adolescents and young people at the population level (MMAPP) tool followed by administering the suicide screening tool, those at risk of suicidality were identified by the researchers. Clinical assessments were then conducted by the psychosocial counsellor to categorize risk levels using Beck Suicide Intent Scale (BSIS) and provided appropriate management according to the severity.ResultsOf total 490 participants, while the single item under the MMAPP assessment identified 33 (6.7%) participants at risk, further screening using the suicide screening tool confirmed 25(5.1%) as positives, by the researchers. The psychosocial counsellor clinically assessed the 25 participants screened as suicide risk positive and found that 10 (40%) as high risk, 8 (32%) as moderate, and 7 (28%) as low risk. The clinical management of the cases at a differing level of risk was then managed as per the designated clinical pathways by developing protective behavior and reducing suicide related risk factors. All the participants were found to be safe and functioning normally through the course of clinical management, ranging from 2 to 6 sessions.ConclusionsOverall, integrating suicidality measures in mental health surveys was found to be effective suicide assessment and preventive strategy for adolescents in Nepal. Developing suicide management protocols within mental health surveys is essential and feasible for real-time monitoring and response to suicidal behavior among at-risk populations in LMICs, including Nepal.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-025-24943-y.

Leaf trichomes in plants act as the first line of physical defence against herbivory, in addition to many other reported functions. Although trichomes have been found to vary intraspecifically and can be induced by herbivory, their interactive effects under additional factors, such as plant age and abaxial vs. adaxial leaf surfaces, are less understood. Here, using five common tomato varieties, we explored the effects of these factors and their interactions on trichome type and density. We quantified the densities of Type VI glandular trichomes, non-glandular trichomes, and total trichomes on abaxial and adaxial leaf surfaces, and total leaf trichomes with and without herbivory by Spodoptera exigua at both vegetative and reproductive stages. Further, we also tested whether the time taken to initiate feeding by S. exigua larvae could be influenced by the number of trichomes on the adaxial and abaxial surfaces. The results showed that there is significant variation in trichome density among varieties and leaf surfaces. Also, there were differences in herbivory-induced trichome production, with variable responses across varieties and growth stages. Bioassay results showed that insects took longer to initiate feeding on the abaxial leaf surface than on the adaxial surface, potentially due to the higher density of non-glandular trichomes on the abaxial side. Collectively, we report that the regulation and development of trichomes on the leaf surface of tomatoes is governed by multiple factors, with potential consequences for herbivore feeding, suggesting how physical defences play a significant role in insect–plant interactions.

Radio, as an audio medium, requires clear and concise scripting. It speaks directly to individuals, creating a personal bond between broadcaster and listener. News and current affairs remain central to radio journalism, and news bulletins play an important role in promoting languages, particularly indigenous or minority ones such as Limbu. However, with the rise of new media and technology, radio listenership has declined. This study examined Limbu news on radio for two purposes: to assess its current state and explore ways it can adapt in a rapidly evolving media environment. Guided by cultural imperialism and technological determinism theories, the research analyzed how dominant cultures and advancing technologies influence minority languages. A multi-method approach was used-15 days of content analysis, along with interviews and observations involving Limbu news listeners, producers, and presenters. Systematic questions explored listenership, popularity, usefulness, and audience feedback. Findings reveal more challenges than opportunities, largely due to declining daily use of the mother tongue and the dominance of new media. Nonetheless, strategic adaptation- embracing the internet and digital platforms- could enable Limbu radio news not only to survive but to expand its reach and relevance.