Himalayan College of Agriculture Science and Technology (HICAST)

Himalayan College of Agriculture Science and Technology (HICAST) is a leading educational institution in Nepal that was established in 2002 with the aim of empowering the country's agriculture sector. The college is located in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, and is affiliated with Purbanchal University for Undergraduate and Postgraduate programs in Agriculture and Veterinary.

Importance of Agriculture in Nepal

Agriculture is the engine of growth for Nepal, and nearly 65 percent of the population depends on it. However, the country's agricultural sector has been facing various challenges, such as vicissitudes in national agricultural policies, ecological, economic, and politico-environmental factors, lack of interest to accept smart marketing systems, and science and technology-friendly agricultural practices. To diversify, modernize and enlarge the present state of agriculture in the Nepalese economy, there is a need to build human assets that are equipped with time-proven indigenous knowledge and rich biodiversity at the local level.

Building Human Assets for Agriculture

HICAST was established with a mission to build human assets that can effectively and efficiently manage available resources and opportunities and transform them into the realities of moving Nepal towards a hunger-free and prosperous society while achieving the global agenda of the Millennium Development Goals. The college comprises a dedicated community of agricultural and veterinary scientists, academics, and professionals who strive to provide sound academic practices among its teachers, students, and other stakeholders.

Academic Practices at HICAST

At HICAST, academic practices are not limited to classrooms only. The college provides students with opportunities to interact with real-life situations in the community, on farms, and at the teaching/research laboratory benches, followed by an intensive internship period in the field. The examination process is not just a sudden test or obstacle in the life of students but a continuous learning process that starts with the informal assessment of the student's attention, attitude, behavior, and state of mind to the subject matter and ends with the formal assessment of theoretical and practical knowledge and academic achievements both at the college and university level in each semester.

Vision

• HICAST envisions it to be a leading institution of academic excellence and innovations through eminent education, breakthrough research, and dynamic outreach programmes to contribute to the process of nation-building.

Mission :

• Develop proficient human resources to become future leaders in agriculture and allied sectors.
• Generate knowledge and develop technologies related to agriculture and allied sectors.
• Provide service and training to agricultural producers, entrepreneurs, and relevant stakeholders for enhancing the quality of life.

Objectives

• Foster the educational program by taking advantage of the organization’s strengths, and geographic location and utilizing the existing opportunities to respond to societal needs.
• Promote integrated research activities and development of appropriate agricultural, livestock, veterinary, and entrepreneurial practices in an effort to respond to the needs of the broader society.
• Offer extension and service programmes to the people in general and farmers and their organizations in particular.

Why Choose HICAST for Agricultural Education?

1. Highly Qualified and Experienced Faculties: HICAST boasts a rich collective of highly qualified and experienced faculties who have earned national and international reputations. These dedicated educators bring their expertise and knowledge to the classroom, ensuring that students receive a top-quality education.

2. Interactive and Practical Learning Approaches: At HICAST, education goes beyond traditional lectures. The college employs interactive and practical action-oriented learning approaches, allowing students to actively engage with the subject matter. This hands-on approach prepares students for real-world challenges in the field of agriculture.

3. Successful Graduates: HICAST has a track record of producing successful graduates. Over 350 students have graduated from the college, both with bachelor's and master's degrees. Many bachelor's graduates have furthered their education by pursuing master's degrees in developed countries, and some are even pursuing Ph.D. degrees. This speaks to the quality of education provided by HICAST.

4. Diverse Career Opportunities: Graduates of HICAST have been successful in securing employment in various sectors. They have been absorbed into government offices, NGOs, and international NGOs both within the country and abroad. This demonstrates the recognition and value placed on HICAST graduates in the professional world.

5. Networking and Collaboration: HICAST provides students with opportunities to network and collaborate with professionals in the agriculture industry. The college maintains connections with government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations, enabling students to gain practical experience and develop valuable contacts for future career prospects.

6. Commitment to Agricultural Revolution: HICAST is driven by its commitment to bring about an agricultural revolution through quality education. By nurturing competent and skilled professionals in the field of agriculture, the college aims to contribute to the growth and development of Nepal's agricultural sector, addressing the challenges and opportunities it faces.

Choosing HICAST for your agricultural education means benefiting from a distinguished faculty, engaging in practical learning experiences, and joining a network of successful alumni. The college's focus on excellence and its commitment to an agricultural revolution make it a compelling choice for those aspiring to make a difference in the agricultural industry.

Courses Offered:

Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Agriculture: The Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Agriculture program at HICAST provides students with a comprehensive understanding of agricultural sciences. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical training, students learn about various aspects of agriculture, including crop production, soil science, plant breeding, pest management, agricultural economics, and more. This program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to the sustainable development of Nepal's agricultural sector.

Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (BVSc AH): The Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry program focuses on veterinary medicine and animal husbandry. Students in this program learn about animal health, diseases, diagnosis, treatment, and management. They acquire practical skills in handling and caring for animals, as well as knowledge in areas such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and veterinary public health. Graduates of this program can pursue careers as veterinarians, working in private clinics, government agencies, research institutions, or animal welfare organizations.

M.Sc Dairy Technology: The M.Sc Dairy Technology program at HICAST is designed to equip students with specialized knowledge and skills in dairy science and technology. Students learn about milk production, processing, preservation, quality control, and dairy product development. They gain practical experience in dairy plant operations, milk testing, and analysis techniques. This program prepares students for careers in the dairy industry, including roles in dairy processing companies, quality control laboratories, research and development, and dairy product marketing.

M.Sc in Meat Technology: The M.Sc in Meat Technology program focuses on the science and technology of meat processing and preservation. Students learn about various aspects of meat science, including meat quality assessment, processing techniques, food safety and hygiene, packaging, and value-added meat products. Through practical training and industry exposure, students develop the necessary skills to work in meat processing companies, food research institutions, quality control laboratories, or pursue entrepreneurial ventures in the meat industry.

M.Sc Ag (Agri-Business Management): The M.Sc Ag (Agri-Business Management) program combines agricultural sciences with business management principles. Students in this program learn about agricultural economics, marketing, finance, supply chain management, entrepreneurship, and strategic management. They gain an understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in agribusiness and develop skills to effectively manage agricultural enterprises, agricultural cooperatives, or work in agricultural marketing and consulting firms. This program prepares students for leadership roles in the agricultural industry, where they can contribute to the growth and sustainability of agribusinesses.

Admission Guidelines:

Admission Guidelines for Himalayan College of Agriculture Science and Technology (HICAST):

Undergraduate Program:

1. B Sc (Hons) Agriculture:
   - Eligibility: Students who have successfully completed Intermediate in Science program NEB (+2 Science)/A Level, I.Sc., I.Sc.Ag., or equivalent grade with a minimum of 45% marks or GPA 2.0 in aggregate are eligible to apply.
   - Admission Process: Admission is based on the merit secured by the applicants in the entrance examination conducted by Purbanchal University.

2. B V Sc & A H (Veterinary Medicine):
   - Eligibility: Students who have successfully completed Intermediate in Science program NEB (+2 Science)/A Level, I.Sc., I.Sc.Ag., or equivalent (with at least 50% marks or C grade in Physics, Chemistry, Biology & English) with a minimum of 50% marks or GPA 2.40 in aggregate are eligible to apply.
   - Admission Process: Admission is based on the merit secured by the applicants in the entrance examination conducted by Purbanchal University.

Note: There is a special provision for admission of in-service candidates in governmental or other scholarships. However, such candidates also need to pass the university entrance examination.

Post-graduate Program:

Candidates seeking admission to the M.Sc. programs must meet the following criteria:
   - Eligibility: Candidates who have already passed the following examinations from Purbanchal University or any institute or university recognized by Purbanchal University are eligible to apply: B. Sc. (Agriculture, Animal Science, Food/Dairy Science, Biotechnology); B.V. Sc. & A.H.; B. Tech. (Food/Dairy).
   - Admission Process: Applicants need to appear in the entrance examination conducted by Purbanchal University. Selection of students for admission will be based on merit.

Application Procedure:

1. Meet the prerequisite requirements of the program as mentioned by the university, college, and other concerned authorities/institutions.
2. Complete the online application form.
3. Appear for the entrance exam and secure a place on the merit list.
4. Meet the admission criteria and details mentioned by HICAST/Purbanchal University.

Please note that specific admission criteria, deadlines, and procedures may be subject to change. It is advisable to refer to the official website of HICAST and Purbanchal University for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding admissions.

Collaborations of HICAST:

Himalayan College of Agriculture Science and Technology (HICAST) recognizes the importance of collaboration and has actively engaged in partnerships with various national and international institutions. Through public-private and private-private partnership approaches, HICAST aims to strengthen teaching, research, training, and information sharing in the field of agriculture. The college has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the following institutions:

Governmental Collaborations:

• Ministry of Agriculture Development (MoAD)/Government of Nepal
• Department of Agriculture/MoAD
• Department of Livestock Service/MoAD
• Nepal Agriculture Research Council/MoAD
• Department of Dairy Corporation/MoAD
• Department of Food Technology and Quality Control/MoAD

Private Collaborations:

• Nepal Dairy Pvt Ltd, Kathmandu
• Laxmi Dairy Pvt Ltd, Lalitpur
• Valley Cold Store Pvt Ltd, Kathmandu
• Nepal Sausage Industry Pvt Ltd, Kathmandu
• Organic Farmers Cooperative, Thimi, Bhaktapur

Non-Governmental Collaborations:

• WOREC, Nepal, Kathmandu

International Collaborations:

• University of Florida, USA
• Agricultural University of Hebei, People’s Republic of China

These collaborations enable HICAST to foster synergistic relationships, share resources, and leverage expertise for the benefit of students, faculty, and the agricultural community. Through these partnerships, HICAST promotes research collaboration, facilitates training programs, and encourages the exchange of knowledge and best practices in agriculture.

For those interested in entering into an agreement for collaborative work with HICAST, it is encouraged to contact the concerned departments in person, by phone, or through email. Further information can be obtained by contacting HICAST at the following phone numbers: (+977) 01-5195050, (+977) 01-5195341 or through email at infohicast@gmail.com and info@hicast.edu.np.