Overview
Mid-West University Graduate School of Agriculture and Forestry (MU-GSAF), established in 2023, located in Bheriganga-11, Ramghat, Surkhet, is a dedicated academic institution working to strengthen Nepal’s agricultural and forestry education.
MU-GSAF, established under the Mid-West University framework, offers an undergraduate program in Agriculture and aims to build a knowledgeable and skilled workforce to support local communities and national food systems.
MU-GSAF was founded in response to growing concerns over food security, declining agricultural productivity, and the need for well-trained professionals who can work directly with rural populations. The institution combines academic learning with practical fieldwork, addressing both the immediate and long-term needs of Nepal’s agriculture sector.
Academic Program
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSc Ag)
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Duration: 8 Semesters
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Total Seats: 48
The BSc Agriculture program is designed to provide students with foundational and advanced knowledge in crop science, soil management, animal husbandry, agribusiness, and related areas. The course emphasizes practical learning, with approximately 60% of the curriculum dedicated to field-based training, experiments, and laboratory work.
Students receive guidance from faculty members with academic and field experience, and they are encouraged to work on local challenges such as climate adaptation, low-yield farming, and food storage issues.
Why Agriculture Matters
Agriculture remains a vital part of Nepal’s economy and daily life, particularly in provinces like Karnali, where the majority of people still rely on farming for their livelihood. The region faces several challenges—land degradation, limited access to water, seasonal food shortages, and underdeveloped supply chains. These issues are deeply intertwined with public health, nutrition, and rural income.
MU-GSAF helps address these problems by preparing students to understand the science behind farming, while also teaching them how to apply this knowledge to real-world settings. The goal is not just to produce graduates but to prepare problem-solvers who can make a meaningful difference in their communities.
Local Context and Relevance
Karnali Province is known for its ecological richness and natural resources. The land supports a wide variety of crops, fruits, and medicinal plants. It is also suitable for livestock, including cattle, goats, and poultry. However, much of this potential remains untapped due to a lack of technical training and limited access to resources.
MU-GSAF plays an essential role in filling this gap. By operating from the heart of Karnali’s agricultural corridor, the school stays close to the people it serves. Its location also allows students to experience different farming conditions and learn how to adapt to local climates and terrains.
Research and Community Engagement
Research is an active part of learning at MU-GSAF. Students are involved in projects that focus on soil health, organic farming, pest control, irrigation, and crop productivity. These studies are not limited to classrooms or labs—they are often carried out on nearby farms or in partnership with local communities.
Community engagement is another critical aspect. The school conducts outreach programs in which faculty and students visit farming villages, offer training, and share applicable practices. This helps farmers access new ideas and also provides students with a deeper understanding of local knowledge systems.
Learning Environment and Facilities
Students at MU-GSAF benefit from a supportive learning environment that combines classroom instruction with hands-on practice. Facilities include:
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Practical laboratories for plant science, soil studies, and animal science
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Organic demonstration farms
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ICT-equipped classrooms
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Department of Organic Agriculture
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Community-based education programs
These resources provide students with the opportunity to apply what they have learned and develop confidence in working independently or with farming groups.
Academic Collaboration and Exchange
MU-GSAF is part of Mid-West University’s broader academic system, which is connected to institutions in Nepal and abroad. These partnerships promote joint research, faculty exchange, and student mobility.
Some of the partner institutions include:
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University of Pavia (Italy)
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Morgan State University (USA)
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National Tsing Hua University (Taiwan)
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Indian Institute of Technology Indore (India)
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Daffodil International University (Bangladesh)
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Lumbini Technological University (Nepal)
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Purbanchal University (Nepal)
These collaborations help widen students’ academic exposure and keep the institution aligned with global academic developments.
Admission Information
Application Process
Interested candidates can apply through either of the following methods:
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Online: Visit entrance.mu.edu.np and fill in the application form.
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Offline: Submit applications at the Dean’s Office in Surkhet or through the designated contact points at Ramghat and MICD Kathmandu.
An entrance exam is required, and admission is based on academic background and exam performance. Applicants must have completed 10+2 or equivalent studies in science or agriculture.
Institutional Goals
MU-GSAF was built with a long-term view of supporting Nepal’s efforts in food security, rural development, and agricultural self-sufficiency. Rather than follow a one-size-fits-all model, the school adapts its teaching to the specific needs of Karnali and similar regions.
Its vision is to create a generation of graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also rooted in community service, practical understanding, and environmental responsibility. These graduates can work in government services, NGOs, research institutions, or even start their own agricultural ventures.
Contact Details
Graduate School of Agriculture and Forestry (MU-GSAF)
Mid-West University
Bheriganga-11, Ramghat, Surkhet, Nepal
Website: www.mugsaf.edu.np
Email: gsaf@mu.edu.np
Contact Numbers: 083-590458, 9855046517, 9855046295, 9868098731 and 9849415272
