National Forage and Grassland Research Centre, Nepal

National Forage and Grasslands Research Centre (NFGRC/Nepal)
Chabahil Adarsh Basti Marg, 162/55
P.O. Box 10245, Kathmandu
Tel: 00977-1-4460861
E-mail: NFGRC.nepal@gmail.com
www:http://nfgrcnepal.blogspot.com

1.0 Background:
Livestock is an essential component of the subsistence farming systems in Nepal. Over 90 percent (30,17,500 households) are involved in agricultural activities and almost all households rear some kind of livestock. It is one of the major occupations especially in the high altitude regions where crop production is limited due to low temperature and lack of suitable agricultural lands. Livestock population per unit of agricultural land is highest in Nepal. Majority of the animals are underfed and in half starved conditions leading towards low livestock production and productivity. Conventional believe that livestock thrives on agricultural by-products and grazing on natural resources created numerous problems related with poor fodder supply and deterioration on the natural resources especially the vegetation and bio-diversity conservation. Farmers' deep knowledge on traditional fodder tree plantations, availability of extensive native pasturelands and rich sources of diversified pasture species are poorly explored and needs to give due priority. National Forage and Grasslands Research Centre is a registered non-governmental organisation and established in 1994 (BS 2051) for the conservation and improvements of forage and grasslands through research and development in the country.

2.0 Goal and Objectives:
The goal of the NFGRC/Nepal is to improve the living standards of the livestock herders' through sustainable use of forage and grasslands resources. The specific objectives include:
· Conservation and sustainable management of forage resources.
· Innovation and application of appropriate technologies related to forage and livestock development.
· Establishment of working-linkage with similar organisation at national / international level.
· Publications of research/extension materials.

Reg. No.: 293/17/051

3.0 Activities:
The major activities of NFGRC/Nepal are as follows:
· Carry out research in the field of forage, pastures, duel- purpose crops and livestock improvements.
· Conduct environmental impact assessment especially created by wild/domestic animals.
· Organise seminars, workshops, and training programmes on forage, grasslands, livestock and environment-related field.
· Deliver consultancy services in the above areas.
· Publish research papers, journals, books, booklets and others.

4.0 Resources:
4.1 Professional manpower:
Professional manpower of national/international level is one of the core resources of the NFGRC/Nepal. The eminent and renowned personalities with a wide range of experiences in the areas of their expertise are affiliated with the Centre. Lists of professionals directly associated with the Centre are as follows:

· Mr. Rameshwar Singh Pande: Livestock and Forage Expert, holds M Agr Sc (Honours) in Plant Science from New Zealand. Mr. Pande has published 3 books and over 20 research papers on fodder, pasture and livestock improvement. He has served over 25 years in Governmental as well as International Non-Governmental Organisations.
· Dr Naba Raj Debkota, PhD, Associated Professor, Tribhuvan University, Institute of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Rampur

Mr. Bishnu K.C: Development Planning and Management Expert, holds M A. (Economics) from TU Nepal. Mr. K.C. has over 10 years professional experience including governmental as well as International Non-Governmental Organisations.
· Mr. Yogendra Raut: Pasture Ecologist, holds, M Sc Ag (Pasture Ecology). Mr. Raut has served over 20 years including governmental as well as International Non-Governmental Organisations.
· Dr. Udaya Singh: Animal Science/Veterinary Expert, holds M V Sc from India. Dr Singh is a well reputed Planner/Administrator and served as a Director General of Agriculture and Livestock Department respectively.
· Mr. Raj Kumar Roka: Forester/Environmentalist, holds B Sc Forestry from TU Nepal.
· Ms. Sumitra Pande: Gender Specialist, holds MA from TU Nepal.

4.2 Physical resources:
NFGRC/Nepal has a well equipped office with library and computer facilities and a participatory field research station at different ecological zones viz. Terai (Sunsari), mid-hill (Syanja) and high hills (Rasuwa/Sindhupalchok).

5.0 Present activities:
· On-farm trials on perennial legumes for dry matter production and seed yield.
· Experiment on year round fodder production using herbaceous and tree fodder.
· Study on performance of various fodder crop native/exotic for high altitude regions.
· Survey and review on feeds and forage resources of Nepal.

6.0 Publications:
· Reference book "Feeds and Fodder Development in Nepal (Nepali) 1996". National Forage and Grasslands Research Centre, Kathmandu.
· Reference materials "Fodder and Pasture Development in Nepal 1997". Published jointly with Udaya Research and Development Services, Kathmandu, Nepal.