Interview

2081 Magh 19 (February 2, 2025)

Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), Faculty of Agriculture, is organizing an international conference titled “International Conference on Agricultural Transformation for Sustainable Food System – 2025” from Magh 20 to 22 (February 2-4, 2025) at its campus in Rampur, Chitwan.

This conference, the first of its kind in Nepal, will feature experts from the USA, South Korea, Taiwan, Norway, and Nepal. Various scholars and specialists will present research papers on different agricultural topics. To gain insights into the conference’s preparations and its potential positive impact, journalist Krishna Prasad Khanal from Shrikhabar Online Media conducted an interview with Prof. Dr. Arjun Kumar Shrestha, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, AFU. Below is an excerpt from the conversation:

Dr. Shrestha, you are coordinating an international conference on a crucial topic. Could you share details about the preparations?

•  Prof. Dr. Arjun Kumar Shrestha: Thank you! Yes, under the initiative of Agriculture and Forestry University, we are organizing this international conference at Rampur, Chitwan. As the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, I am responsible for coordinating the event. The conference will feature renowned scientists from Nepal, the USA, South Korea, Norway, and Taiwan as keynote speakers. Special addresses will be delivered by Pradyumna Pokharel and Ramsharan Timilsina, and various research presentations will be made.

=  What types of presentations can we expect in this conference?

• Prof. Dr. Shrestha: The primary objective of this conference is to address challenges in agriculture and explore possible solutions. Hence, the presentations will focus on relevant topics. More than 50 researchers, policymakers, and professors, along with over 500 participants, will attend the event. Organizations such as FAO, ICIMOD, and CIMMYT will also take part. Discussions will revolve around climate-resilient agriculture, natural resource management, sustainable development, agricultural innovations, and policy-making. The conference will particularly emphasize food system transformation and nutritional security.

=Journalist: What are the key sessions planned for this event?

• Prof. Dr. Shrestha: The conference will be structured into nine sessions covering various crucial topics such as: Agriculture and Climate Resilience Biodiversity and Soil Health Public-Private Partnerships Mountain Food Systems Additionally, panel discussions will be conducted on these topics. The event will feature 60 research presentations, covering subjects like: Climate Change Soil Health Pest and Disease Management Agricultural Economics Fisheries and Livestock Alternative Crops

=  Could you explain the significance of this event?

• Prof. Dr. Shrestha: That’s an excellent question. The relevance of this event lies in its focus on the agricultural sector, which is deeply connected to the livelihoods of around 58% of Nepal’s population and contributes approximately 25% to the national GDP. Agriculture and Forestry University was established with the mission of advancing education, research, and extension in agriculture. National and international conferences like this play a crucial role in achieving these goals. Through this event, we aim to explore global agricultural efforts and identify potential opportunities for Nepal’s agricultural transformation. This conference will provide a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and policy dialogue to enhance food security and sustainable farming practices worldwide.

(Note: Journalist Krishna Prasad Khanal is a member of the Agriculture Journalists’ Association, Bagmati Province, and a council member of the Nepal Journalists’ Association, Bagmati Province.)