All the members of ARDL extend a huge congratulation Amzad San

It was an enriching and transformative experience for me to participate in the 4th biennial International Scientific Conference organized by the Association of Nepalese Agricultural Professionals of Americas (NAPA) from May 24-26, 2024, at Maritime Conference Center, Linthicum Heights, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. I was very excited to participate in the conference because it had the theme of “Climate-Smart and Innovative Agriculture,” which complied with my research interest and the Graduate School of Innovation and Practices for Smart Society (SMASo) objective, where I enrolled. This conference consists of various sessions such as panel discussions, student writing contests, student oral and poster presentations, professional development workshops, professional oral and poster presentations, agricultural poem competitions, and some extracurricular activities such as gulf and TT game competitions. Since it was the scientific forum for students, researchers, academicians, planners, policymakers, and professionals who are engaged in different aspects, including teaching, research, extension, rural development, and entrepreneurial activities in the field of agriculture and allied sciences, I had the opportunity to broaden and sharpen my understanding and knowledge to conduct more sound and impactful research for society, especially in the field of agriculture. 

I presented the paper “Examining the adaptation strategies for climate change and determinants of crop insurance participation in a global context: A systematic literature review.” It was a valuable moment where I received constructive feedback that I believe will help me complete my research in a more detailed and scientific manner. In the meantime, I participated in a poster presentation event where I learned about different research designs and ideas for more informative and precise posters.  I also got an opportunity to visit urban gardening for biodiversity, food security, and well-being, supported by the University of Maryland's Eastern Shore (UMES), where I observed the different kinds of plantation and gardening methods in climate-smart ways. 

Furthermore, the presentations by invited speakers offered deeper insights into the global significance of agriculture, various issues of global agriculture, and the importance of innovation in agriculture. Panel discussions covered critical topics such as the brain drain problem in Nepal and its impact on the agricultural sector, global food security through agricultural transformation, and early career development in agriculture and allied sciences. The solutions and ways forward provided by these discussions were helpful for me in understanding the problems of the agricultural economy of Nepal from different aspects. Finally, it was a delightful experience for me. Besides academic activities, I got 3rd place in the TT competition, which was also a good memory. 

Participating in the NERPS 2024 Conference held at Hiroshima University, Japan, from March 6-9, 2024, was an immensely enriching experience. As a presenter on the topic "The Impact of Gender-Specific Migration on Household Poverty in Lao PDR: Comparing Migrant and Non-Migrant Households," I had the unique opportunity to share my research findings with a diverse group of scholars and practitioners from around the world.

The conference provided an exceptional platform for intellectual exchange and networking. Engaging with dozens of researchers was truly inspiring. The feedback and recommendations I received were incredibly valuable, offering new perspectives and insights that will undoubtedly enhance the quality and depth of my research.

In conclusion, the NERPS Conference was not only a milestone in my academic journey but also a pivotal moment for professional growth and collaboration. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of it and look forward to applying the insights gained to my ongoing research on the socio-economic impacts of migration in Lao PDR.

 This is what students have to share

We wish you will enjoy the academic life throughout your study period.

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The Network for Education and Research on Peace and Sustainability (NERPS) Conference was held in Thailand from February 28 to March 3, 2023, and was organized by Hiroshima University and the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT).   

The conference's context was centered on the intersection of peace and sustainability. Nine concurrent sessions of the conference were held during those days. It is crucial to conduct research on topics that integrate peace and sustainability components in order to handle the complex concerns that come with global transformations that emerge on several levels in terms of the environment, society, politics, and the economy. I found many interesting research topics from the family issue as the role of women in society and how it influences children's education to financial inclusion and many aspects of environmental issues.  

I had a chance not just to listen as a participant and learn a lot from many sessions, but I also presented my research progress in a Sustainable Agriculture parallel session for the international environment and professional researchers. We had rich discussions and suggestions which helped me improve my work. I am grateful to the organizers of the NERPS Conference. This Conference was a great way to expand my knowledge, connect with other professionals, and gain new insights into my field. It was important to take advantage of these opportunities to continue growing and developing my research skills. 

Roshan Pun (First year Master's Student) presented his review paper entitled "A Review on Land Consolidation for Farming in Nepal " in the conference. 

His experience is as follows

 3rd Biennial International Scientific Conference by NAPA in Atlanta, USA 

On 27-29th May, 2022, I had the opportunity to participate in the 3rd Biennial international scientific conference organized by the Association of Nepalese Agricultural Professionals of Americas (NAPA) held at Atlanta, USA. With the slogan advancing agriculture in a changing world, conferences have several interesting sessions and events. Participating in different sessions of the conference, I am happy to know about experts' views, research ideas and findings from different scholars from different Universities of USA, Japan and Nepal.  

There was a seniors round table, student oral presentation, professional oral presentation, plenary session, poster presentation, agri-poem competition, Nepal agriculture policy forum, research mini grant, industrial and academic job forum, joint family event and finally conference was concluded with a dinner and cultural night. 

I participated in the Student Oral presentation with my presentation titled A review on farmland consolidation in Nepal. Questions and issues upon my presentation made my study field much broader. I also participated in an agri-Poem competition, fortunately, I won the second prize in that Competition. 

Nepalese Agriculture Development policies and strategies were attended by senior personalities and policy makers from Nepal. Honorable Members from the National Planning Commission, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock development and others presentation and discussion provided an opportunity to learn about the impediments and direction of agricultural policy. Conclusion was there is not a problem with policies but in the implementation. Somehow their presentation has covered the Land Consolidation issues too, so this program will definitely contribute to my current field of research. 

In the seniors session with the experts who worked for a long time in the different fields, I got a chance to hear their experiences. The Navigating Career in Academia session also provided an opportunity to know the opportunities and challenges in universities in the United States. Overall, by participating in this program, I witnessed such a wonderful conference and discussed the Nepal’s context with very innovative topics. I have had a short but memorable weekends  with Nepalis in Atlanta, United States.