Association of Nepalese Agricultural Professionals of Americas (NAPA) is a non-profit, non-governmental, non-religious, and non-political professional organization. It was founded in 2016 with the mission to foster human welfare and environmental health through scientific and socio-economic innovations, developmental initiatives, capacity building, knowledge sharing, and charitable activities. Anyone with at least bachelor’s degree or equivalent in agricultural and/or allied sciences is eligible to join NAPA. With the great support from members and well-wishers, NAPA has, within four years of its establishment, evolved as a vibrant professional organization.
NAPA’s current programs in Nepal include, but not limited to, research mini-grants for strengthening research knowledge and skills in students and scholars (18 proposals amounting NRs. ~4,00,000), scholarships for academic excellence in numerous agricultural institutions (>35 scholarships of NRs. ~3,00,000), distance teaching/in-person guest lectures at agricultural universities/colleges, expert’s roster to facilitate networking and collaboration in research projects, and to provide expert service (teaching, research, policy, extension, and curriculum development) as needed. NAPA has conducted numerous national and international talk sessions/webinars and several bilateral discussions mostly in the United States and Nepal to identify the potential areas and possible strategies for cooperation and collaboration. Current scientific endeavors aim to serve Nepal’s agricultural stakeholders, including students, researchers, professionals, policymakers, and producers, through scientific resources such as book publication on Principles and Practices of Food Security: Sustainable, Sufficient, and Safe Food for Healthy Living in Nepal, scientific journal Global Journal of Agricultural and Allied Sciences (GJAAS), Research and Policy Briefs, and online quarterly newsletter Agri-Connection.
Founding president, Dr. Lila B. Karki, along with hardworking and dedicated committee officials and members provided a strong leadership to create institutional foundation of this professional society during the past two Executive Committee terms (2016-2018 and 2018-2020). NAPA has initiated some flagship programs (a few stated above) to serve its stakeholders and beyond. During its Annual General Meeting held virtually on May 24, 2020, newly elected Executive Committee took the oath of office for a two-year term (2020-2022).
The newly elected Committee envisions expanding its services while facilitating outcome-based research, teaching, and service projects in Nepal’s various agricultural sectors and simultaneously integrating it with other professional societies in the United States and beyond. NAPA’s contact details:
Website: http://www.napaamericas.org
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NepaleseAgriculturistAmericas
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