Nepal Agricultural Research Council

Background
Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), which came into being in 1991, was set up with the goal of promoting research work in the field of agriculture. The new organisation was started with the institutional facilities of the then National Agricultural Research and Services Centre (NARSC) which had been serving in Nepal as a prime agricultural research organization in Nepal since 1985. The organisation functioned under the Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture.

NARC had been established as an autonomous organization under "Nepal Agricultural Research Council Act - 1991". The goal behind its establishment was to provide an efficient, effective and dynamic agriculture research system in the kingdom of Nepal to give a boost to the economic level of the people involved in agriculture. Objectives

To conduct high level studies and researches on various aspects of agriculture To identify the existing problems in agriculture and find out measures to solve To assist His Majesty's Government in the formulation of agricultural policies and strategies Functions and Responsibilities Conduct high level research work on various fields of agriculture required in the line with the national agricultural policies, Prioritize studies and researches to be conducted, Provide research and consultancy services to its clients, Coordinate, monitor and evaluate the agriculture research activities in Nepal, Document research activities Activities Implement research programs, by itself or in collaboration with other institutions, on: Cereals and Cash Crops Horticulture Livestock and Animal Health Fisheries Pasture & Fodder Agro-Forestry/Farm-Forestry Soil & Irrigation Management Botany and Bio-Technology Entomology, Plant Pathology & Plant Protection Farming Systems Agri-Extension Agri-Economic and Marketing Food Science; and Other subjects related to agriculture Implement research with a focus on generation of agricultural technology suitable for various agro-climates of Nepal. Provide client-oriented contract out research services to the farmers, agri-extensionists and agro-entrepreneurs. Conduct research works to increase long-term-agricultural productivity without depleting the environment. Financial Resources Grants from His Majesty's Government Grants from national and international donor agencies and governments Funds obtained from research or consultancy services Organizational Setup Executive Board NARC, at present, is governed by fourteen-member Executive Board, chaired by Honorable Minister for Agriculture. The Board comprises of Minister for Agriculture -Chairperson Member, National Planning Commission -Member Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture -Member Director General, Department of Agriculture Development (DOAD) -Member Joint Secretary, Ministry of Finance -Member Dean, Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS) -Member Dean, Institute of Forestry -Member Representatives from Agricultural Scientists (Two) -Members Representatives from farmers (Two) -Members Representatives from Agri-Entrepreneurs (Two) -Members Executive Director, NARC -Member-Secretary