Nepal - Himalayan College of Agriculture Sciences and Technology, Kalanki, Kathmandu
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Being predomminantly an agricultural country, the need of competent veterinarians is a must for economic growth of Nepal. Keeping this need in mind and releasing the gap in the field of standard Veterinary education a number of veterinarians felt the need of an Institute that would solely be dedicated to produce competent graduates in these fields. Thus HICAST was established in the dawn of new millenium, and the veterinary program started in the year 2001.
About Us
Nepal is an agricultural prime country. Nearly 67 percent of the total population is engaged in this sector for their livelihood. Obviously it is a major and common techno-economic activity in Nepal. Livestock is an integral part of agriculture production system and at present it is contributing nearly 31 percent to the Agricultural Gross Domestic Products (AGDP). Livestock Master Plan (LMP) (1993) and Agriculture Perspective Plan (1995) have indicated encouraging prospect of livestock sector with the incremental production of achieving the highest target level around 45 percent of AGDP by the year 2015.
Nepal at present is relatively far behind in its human resources, particularly in highly technical field like veterinary and animal production, high quality professionals are the need of the nation.
According to FAO nearly 30-40 % protein production in developing countries is lost due to livestock diseases. Various studies have shown that livestock /poultry diseases has been causing a sharp decline in livestock production and thereby depriving the nation with more than one billion rupees worth per annum. Furthermore, there is a critical shortage of fodder and pasture in most of the areas. Improvement in the fodder, pasture and animal health situations in Nepal would therefore have visible impact in the livestock production resulting in:
- The increased household incoming generation;
- Substantial support to poverty alleviation;
- Improved nutritional status of the people along with additional economic support; and
- Increased opportunity for the export of high quality livestock products.
The Himalayan Collage of Agriculture Science & Technology (HICAST), affiliated with Purbanchal University, has therefore started Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V. SC & A.H.) course. This college is the result of the initiation of highly qualified and experienced subject matter teachers and specialists.
Scope and Opportunities for the Veterinarians
There are many job opportunities for the veterinary graduates in the governmental and non-governmental and private institutions /industries. Enough options are there for running own livestock product-based enterprises and /or private consultancy /advisory services in the country. HICAST is fully committed and capable to produce high quality competent graduates in veterinary science.
Veterinary Doctors are closely associated with different livestock production related problems, which are beyond the knowledge and skill of our farmers. The livestock production system both in the rural and commercial sectors cannot be productive and effective without veterinary support.
Knowledge-based production and health management support can make the enterprise successful. Production of clean and hygienic livestock product is essential for general health and nutrition of the population. Prevention of zoonotic diseases is another important field related with public health and eventually make the saying "Healthy Animal, Healthy Man, And Healthy Nation" a reality. Indeed, this is the ultimate goal of the nation. HICAST if therefore providing an excellent opportunity today for the leaders of tomorrow to devote themselves for the achievement of this national goal.
Eligibility
Student who have successfully completed intermediate of science programme (10 +2 (Science), I.SC., or I.Sc.Ag.) with at least 50 percent are eligible to apply for this programme. Admission is based on the merit secured by the applicants in the entrance examination conducted by Purbanchal University.
There is a special provision for admission of in-service candidates in governmental or other institutional scholarship.
Education
HICAST teaches:
Bachelor Programs
- Bachelor in Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandary (B.V.Sc. & A.H.)- 5 years program
- Bachelor in Agriculture (B.Sc. Ag). Hons. - 4 years program
Masters Program
- MSc Dairy Technology
- MSc Meat Technology
PHILOSOPHY OF HICAST
The philosophy of HICAST is to help strengthen national research and development systems by producing the technical human resources needed to effectively manage research, development and training.
OBJECTIVES
- Produce academically and practically competent graduates (with bachelor and master degrees) in the field of veterinary sciences, and food/dairy/meat technology.
- Provide the students with adequate opportunities and new vision to cope with the challenge of the new millennium.
- Enhance linkages with the national and international institutions, and conduct collaborative and participatory research, training and workshops/ seminars.
- Develop the college into a center of academic excellence to promote and attain sustainable livelihood and mutual respect among the people with diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
- Publish and disseminate useful literatures in various subjects from the perspectives of farming communities, students, academics and development worker.
For the syllabus and other information, please contact HICAST administration.
Current Research
HICAST has been involved in various leading researches of the country. Students are generally given opportunity to be a member of these research programs.
Students are required to conduct a mini research in the final year of veterinary science program and have to defend it.
Clinical Services
HICAST has its own veterinary teaching hospital providing services to large animals, pet animals and poultry. Also it has its own farms for better experience of the students.
Generally our students are provided with the opportunity to assist and practice from 3rd year in the various top most clinics of the capital with the top most veterinarians.
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