Himalayan College of Agricultural Sciences & Technology

BACKGROUND Being predominantly an agricultural country, the contribution of the agriculture sector in the Nepalese economy needs no over emphasis. Despite the emphasis placed on agricultural development, the performance of this sector is far from satisfactory. Nepalese agriculture still today is characterized by traditional and subsistence farming. Coupled with this, there is an acute shortage of trained human resources in agriculture. Over the years, there has been a steady increase in the demand of the qualified agriculturists, veterinarians, dairy technologist, and meat technologist. His Majesty's Government of Nepal has often given first priority to agriculture in its development planning for poverty reduction. Keeping this in view, Himalayan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (HICAST) has been established with a mission of producing competent human resources able to catalyze the overall process of sustainable development, and in particular the process of agricultural development as well as the promotion of agro-based industries and marketing. HICAST is a service-oriented non-profit making academic institution. PHILOSOPHY OF HICAST The philosophy of HICAST is to help strengthen national agricultural research and development systems by producing the technical human resources needed to effectively manage research, development and training. OBJECTIVES • Produce academically and practically competent graduates (with bachelor and master degrees) in the field of agriculture, veterinary sciences, and food/dairy/meat technology. • Provide the students with adequate opportunities and new vision to cope with the challenge of the new millennium. • Enhance linkages with the national and international institutions, and conduct collaborative and participatory research, training and workshops/ seminars. • Develop the college into a center of academic excellence to promote and attain sustainable livelihood and mutual respect among the people with diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. • Publish and disseminate useful literatures in various subjects from the perspectives of farming communities, students, academics and development workers. FOUNDER MEMBERS Chairperson Dr. Binayak P.Rajbhandari Members Mr. Mana Raj Kolachhapati Dr. Mohan Kharel Mr. Shreeram Pokharel Mr. Bidur Prasad Chaulagain Mr. Beda Nidhi Dahal Ms. Meena Pandit Dr. Yogesh Hari Shrestha Ms. Sagun Bista Dr. Naba Raj Devkota Dr. Neeraj Narayan Joshi Mr. Sarba Raj Khadka Ms. Rashmi Dhaubhadel Mr. Dilli Ram Baral Dr. Rebati Man Shrestha