Seventh UPA symposium Started on 12th August by IAAS Lamjung and RDTECH Lamjung. I am currently studying in this instutution and presenting my paper during the symposium. The theme of this year symposium is "Strenthening Agriculture Research, Extension and Education Linkage: Action for Change

Sustained growth in agricultural production and productivity is highly essential for overall development with stability of an economy. Over past years, an accelerated growth in agricultural sector has been accomplished thereby reducing the rural urban socio-economic disparities along with containing the magnitude of poverty and unemployment problems in the economy. In addition to this, an enhanced agricultural production contributes in lessening the burden of dependence on the foreign sector economy. Agriculture as the primary sector has the immense value to the secondary and tertiary sector. Above all, being a vital sector it maintains and sustains the survival of human beings and animals.

Seventh UPA Symposium attempts to highlight agriculture transformation in Nepal and will focus on understanding its structure and dimensions. The various contemporary research, and extension activities generate opportunities for rural development. The symposium also attempts to discuss the possibilities that could be generated through molding agriculture so it could act as a catalyst for poverty eradication and overall rural development.

Objectives
To identify and understand various aspects of agriculture and livestock resources among the academic professionals from national and international arena
To mind map the current agricultural strategies, policies and programs imparting the current implementation of agriculture development
To enhance the ability of students to present their knowledge and skills in the field of agriculture education, research and extension
To develop the common understanding among the scientist, researcher, professor and field level professional
To enhance the network among governmental, non-governmental, developmental agencies, entrepreneurs, job holders, and job providers.

Thematic areas
Theme-I: Agriculture transformation through research and innovation
Agriculture transformation and rural infrastructure development
Crop improvement
Cropping pattern, land utilization, improve cultivation practices
Soil and water conservation issues
Crop intensification
Biotic and abiotic stress management in crop.

Theme-II: Horticulture and plant protection
Phytohormone and improved nursery technique
Management of disease and pest by use of chemical and eco-friendly methods.
Residuals chemical pesticide use in vegetables.
Improved mushroom cultivation practices

Theme-III: Livestock and fishery development
Comparative study of commercial and subsistence goat farming in mid hills of Nepal
Productivity analysis of integrated fish farming
Economy of fish faming

Theme-IV: Transformation of Agriculture: Policies and Governance
Agricultural pricing and insurance policy Custom hiring and subsidy impact
Participation of private sector in agricultural development
Marketing policy: co-operative marketing polices of Governments and value addition
Agricultural input: finance, fertilizers, pesticides, seeds, etc.
Comparative study of traditional knowledge in agriculture
Political economy of education sector in Nepal
Agricultural Transformation for employment and growth
Gender and women participation in agricultural development


Theme-V: Department of Soil Agri-engineering and environment science
Nitrogen management in soil.
Water Management and Irrigation
Bio-char use in vegetables production
Waste management
Agro-biodiversity loss and plant diversity

Expected output of 7th Symposium
Documentation of suggestions pertaining to overall concept of managing rural resources on the basis of presented papers. This will support implementation of suggestions for academic development, research, extension, training schemes and projects.
Other specific output expected are as follows:
-Results and finding of the undergraduate practical assessment will be shared.
-Recommended Policy and technology will be validated.
-Network building and identification of areas for collaboration, co-operation and partnership.
-Finalize and incorporate the findings of the paper and suggest policy incorporation.