AFU Chitwan Signs Startup Grants for 6 Student Groups

AFU Rampur Chitwan Signs Startup Grant Agreements for 6 Student Groups

Chitwan, Magh 12, 2082 — Startup business grant agreements have been signed for six student groups studying at the Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), Chitwan. With financial support from the University Grants Commission, seed capital grants ranging from Rs 200,000 to Rs 500,000 have been provided to six student groups.

The grants were provided to support innovative businesses formed by student teams of 3 to 5 members from the Faculty of Agriculture, the Faculty of Veterinary and Fisheries Science, the Faculty of Forestry, and constituent colleges under the university.

Grant Agreement Signing and Officials Present

According to Prof. Dr. Nirajan Bhattarai, Director of the university’s Research and Extension Directorate, the seed capital was provided in the presence of:

• Prof. Dr. Gyan Bahadur Thapa, Member Secretary, University Grants Commission

• Prof. Dr. Sharda Thapaliya, Vice Chancellor, Agriculture and Forestry University

• Prof. Dr. Pushkar Bahadur Pal, Registrar, Agriculture and Forestry University

• Deans from the three faculties

Statements by University and UGC Officials

Prof. Dr. Gyan Bahadur Thapa stated that, in the context of criticism that universities are producing only manpower that seeks jobs, he was pleased that the Agriculture and Forestry University is producing skilled and professional human resources capable of creating employment opportunities for others.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Sharda Thapaliya said such programs are being implemented to ensure that students and graduates become capable of providing employment rather than only seeking it. She added that the university has supported student proposals by investing in plans submitted with shared team ideas and perspectives.

She also stated that these initiatives will be continued in the future to encourage entrepreneurship and self-employment. She said the main objective is for students not to be limited to studying, taking jobs, or going abroad, but to create employment opportunities within the country.

Registrar Prof. Dr. Pushkar Pal said that startup support has been provided to selected student groups through a boot camp, in line with the university’s goal of developing students into business-minded and entrepreneurial individuals.

Selected Business Plans Approved for Seed Capital

Seed capital was provided after a panel of experts approved detailed business plans submitted by the student groups for the following ventures:

• Moringa powder production

• “Dhule achar” (pickle) from the eastern region

• Tissue culture of ornamental plants

• Agri-organic vermiwash

• Trichovermi compost

• Zero-waste fish product production

Funding Release Process

Deputy Director Dr. Ujwal Tiwari stated that student groups will initially receive 50 percent of the approved amount, and additional seed capital will be provided later based on business progress.

Boot Camp and Selection Process

Out of the business proposals submitted by students, 12 groups were selected in the initial screening. A four-day boot camp training was conducted through the “Business Incubation Center” to strengthen these groups for entrepreneurship.

Prof. Dr. Bhattarai said that the 12 selected groups were placed in the boot camp and trained by experts on how to prepare detailed business projects. From these, the six groups that submitted the best business projects were provided seed capital.

He added that the groups receiving seed capital will engage in production processes as per their business plans, and additional mentorship will also be provided by experts as needed.

Preparation for Dedicated Incubation Infrastructure

Prof. Dr. Bhattarai stated that there is a need to construct a separate physical structure within the university premises for the Business Incubation Center, and preparation for this is underway.

Previous Support for Student Groups

Earlier as well, the directorate had conducted boot camps and supported seven groups with seed capital to help them become entrepreneurial and self-reliant.