| Association of Nepalese Agricultural Professionals of Americas (NAPA) |
NAPA Research Mini-Grant (RMG) Program
Background
Founded in 2016, the Association of Nepalese Agricultural Professionals of Americas (NAPA) is a not-for-profit, non-governmental, non-religious, and non-political professional organization that aspires to contribute to agricultural transformation for food security. The Research and Capacity Building Committee (RCBC) of NAPA has been launching a competitive Research Mini-Grant (RMG) program since 2019 to support applied research projects on Agricultural and Allied Sciences (AAS) in Nepal.
Objective(s)
The RMG program intends to provide funding and advisory support to post-secondary students in Nepal to conduct high-impact research in the field of AAS. The studies are expected to address knowledge gaps and contribute to innovations toward the development of economically viable, socially just, and environmentally sustainable plant and animal-based agricultural systems and natural resource management.
Funding amount and areas
NAPA plans to support research proposals of up to NRs 40,000 each for a proposal as a sole or matching fund. In this call, RCBC considers proposals in diverse, specialized, and interdisciplinary areas of AAS contributing to enhancing the knowledge base, defining challenges, and identifying opportunities for technological, socioeconomic, and policy interventions. Priorities will be given to studies focusing on prospective under-utilized resources (for example, plant and animal species, local landraces/breeds), climate change, waste management, renewable energy, adaptive technologies, and value-addition and niche-based opportunities.
Eligibility
This call for proposals is specifically for students from post-secondary academic and vocational institutions. All undergraduate/vocational school students’ research projects that require monetary and advisory support are eligible. Students must have at least one year remaining before graduation to complete the proposed study. However, undergraduate seniors can be eligible if this project is adopted as their intern project and is certified by the university/institution.
How to apply?
- Follow the online proposal form for each section including Project Title, Background, Research Hypothesis and Objectives, Methodology, Deliverables and Expected Outcomes, Timeline, responsibility of key personnel, and Budget. (Form is available at: https://forms.gle/MfLf8ZbY8uXVZ3hA6)
- Proposals must be accompanied by a recommendation letter from the student’s advisor(s) explaining his/her academic standing and ability to conduct the proposed study.
- The recommendation letter shall also provide the advisor’s full commitment to serve as the resident advisor to the student for the duration of the project.
- Investigators proposing collaboration/partnership with other eligible institutions/entities should include letter(s) of support from the collaborating institution(s).
- An advisor can submit a recommendation letter for only one student or group of students working on the sample proposal.
Terms and conditions
- Proposals not adhering to the Call for Proposal guidelines will not be considered.
- Project duration shall be 12 months including the submission of the summary report to NAPA.
- Selected projects may be extended for the second year on a case-by-case basis (at no additional cost to NAPA) if unforeseen situations like natural disasters and/or institutional shutdowns hinder the research progress. RCBC must be notified in advance if such situations arise.
- No grant money can be spent on Indirect Costs (institutional administration and other fees).
- Grant money shall not be used to renovate or refurbish research, education, or extension/outreach space; to purchase or install fixed equipment in such a place; or to plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct buildings or facilities.
Timeline
- Extended Proposal Submission Deadline: November 15th, 2024; 11:59 pm US Eastern Standard Time (New York Time)
- Awardees will be notified: on February 15, 2025
- Contracts with awardees: March 31, 2025
- Research duration: April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026
- Final report submission: April 15, 2026
Proposal evaluation criteria
- Background: Statement/significance of the problem, the rationale/justification of the study, literature review, and conceptual framework upon which the research builds (10 points)
- Innovativeness: originality in terms of new ideas and/or subject area (20 points)
- Hypothesis/objectives: Clarity in the research question/hypothesis which should be built logically from the problem statement (10 points)
- Methodology: Appropriate to address the research question(s) (20 points)
- Deliverables and expected outcomes: Measurable products or results from the proposed project (10 points)
- Timeline: Realistic timeline of the proposed project (10 points)
- Budget: The budget is appropriate, realistic, and justified, and a matching fund is available when the total proposed budget is greater than the ceiling provided by NAPA (10 points)
- Expected impact: Research has the scientific rigor and potential to make an impact or serve as a model for future research initiatives (10 points)
For any additional information, please contact:
Dr. Santosh Dhakal
Chair, RCBC, NAPA
Email:research@napaamericas.org
Dr. Uma Karki
President, NAPA
Email: president@napaamericas.org
Have more questions about the application process? This video may answer some of the basic Q&A about RMG. The video is the recording of the RMG-2020 discussion session.
2024 Grant Cycle: Awarded Grants (Total: 11)
Title: Study on performance of different banana pseudo stem sap doses with different medium in propagation of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) by cutting
- Awardee: Mr. Niraj Chaudhary
- Local advisor: Dr. Arjun Kumar Shrestha
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Khusi Ram Tiwari
Title: Utilization of agricultural wastes for the production of single cell protein through algae source inside Kathmandu Valley
- Awardee: Mr. Bishal Sharma
- Local advisor: Dr. Gorkha Raj Giri
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Ananta Acharya
Title: Screening and evaluation of drought tolerant finger millet landraces for enhanced climatic resilience
- Awardee: Mr. Shyam Kumar Singh
- Local advisor: Ms. Bharti Thapa
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Dilip Panthee
Title: Detection of zoonotic helminthiasis by coprological examination in monkeys and pigeons from Manakamana and Bhaktapur temples
- Awardee: Mr. Amit Poudel
- Local advisor: Dr. Chet Raj Pathak
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Santosh Dhakal
Title: Assessing the socio-economic dimensions of millet cultivation as a climate-resilient crop in Lamjung, Nepal
- Awardee: Ms. Sabina Pun
- Local advisor: Dr. Milan Bhattarai
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Santosh Pathak
Title: A study on lineage of indigenous buffaloes of hilly region of Nepal based on mitochondrial DNA testing
- Awardee: Ms. Arpana Hada
- Local advisor: Dr. Nirajan Bhattarai
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Drona Rasali
Title: Isolation and testing of essential oils from Tagetes patula for effectiveness against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes
- Awardee: Ms. Sadiksha Karkee
- Local advisor: Mr. Saroj Sapkota
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Megha Parajulee
Title: Evaluation of zero tillage (ZT) potato cultivation under rice straw mulch in Rajbiraj, Madhesh Province
- Awardee: Ms. Kanchan Kumari Thakur Bharti
- Local advisor: Dr. Shree Bhagawan Thakur
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Sushil Thapa
Title: Developing AI-assisted anemia guidance for precision health screening in goats
- Awardee: Mr. Manish Kumar Chaurasiya
- Local advisor: Dr. Arjun Pandit
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Sanjok Poudel
Title: Assessing the potential of urban agriculture for food security in Rampur, Chitwan
- Awardee: Ms. Sadikshya Sapkota
- Local advisor: Dr. Ujjal Tiwari
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Ramjee Ghimire
Title: Evaluation of efficacy of Trichoderma harzianum in controlling wilt in tomato caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici
- Awardee: Ms. Gaman Sharma
- Local advisor: Mr. Prashanta Kart Dahal
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Achala Nepal
2022 Grant Cycle: Awarded Grants (Total: 15)
Title: Documentation on Utilization of Neglected and Underutilized Crop Species in Chishankhugadhi Rural Municipality, Okhaldhunga
- Awardee: Manisha Koirala
- Local advisor: Subodh Khanal
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Lila Karki
Title: Are Pig Farms in Nepal Safe From African Swine Fever?
- Awardee: Sachin Shrestha
- Local advisor: Nishant Shah
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Ramjee Ghimire
Title: Efficacy of Different Botanical Against Red Pumpkin Beetle, Aulacophora foveicollis Infesting Cucumber in Sundarbazar, Lamjung
- Awardee: Govind Chataut
- Local advisor: Bishnu Dawadi
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Bishwo Adhikari
Title: Husbandry Practice, Gastrointestinal Parasite Prevalence, Welfare and Reproductive Status of Dairy Cattle in Chitwan, Nepal
- Awardee: Prasiddha Paudel
- Local advisor: Subir Singh
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Sushil Paudyal
Title: Screening of Nepalese Rice Landraces for Cooking Quality and Micronutrient Availability
- Awardee: Amrit Sharma
- Local advisor: Tej Narayan Bhusal
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Khushi Tiwari
Title: Quality Maintainance of Litchi Fruit (Litchi chinensis Sonn) Through Post Harvest Treatments in Bardibas
- Awardee: Tripti Shrestha
- Local advisor: Umesh Timilsina
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Shital Poudyal
Title: Effect of Different Seed Priming Techniques on Germination and Seedling Vigor of Summer Maize in Chitwan, Nepal
- Awardee: Saurav Pokhrel
- Local advisor: Suraj Singh Karkee
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Dilip Panthee
Title: Assessment of Mycelial Growth and Yield Attribute of Calocybe indica (Milky Mushroom) on Different Agricultural Substrates
- Awardee: Sunit Gotame
- Local advisor: Basistha Acharya
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Krishna Puri
Title: Biotransformation of Cellulose By Soil Bacteria Extracted From Roots of Medicinal Plants Growing in Different Regions of Nepal
- Awardee: Palsang Tamang
- Local advisor: Gorkha Raj Giri
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Shyam L. Kandel
Title: Evaluation of Major Agro-Meteorological Indices of Rapeseed Grown With Climate Change Adaptation Measures at Janaki Rural Municipality, Kailali, Nepal
- Awardee: Muna Thapa
- Local advisor: Lal Prasad Amgain
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Pramod Pokhrel
Title: Comparative Study on Multi-Roles of Home Gardening: Food Security, Biodiversity Conservation, Uplifting Women's Status, and Mitigating Climate Change Effect in Terai and Hills of Nepal
- Awardee: Prabina Bhujel
- Local advisor: Dinesh Bhatta
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Kripa Dhakal
Title: Growth Analysis of Broiler on Different Feed Additives Under the Effect of Blue and Green LED Lights in Tulsipur, Dang
- Awardee: Balaram Niure, Nischal Banjara, and Bibek Nyaupane
- Local advisor: Chhabi Kiran Adhikari
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Santosh Dhakal
Title: Effect of Nitrogen Management on Prevalence of Biotic Stress in Winter Maize at Paklihawa Campus, Nepal
- Awardee: Sudeep Gnyawali
- Local advisor: Biswas R. Bastola
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Nityananda Khanal
Title: Evaluation of Different Feed Types in the Growth and Survival of Mono-Sex Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Fry in Chitwan, Nepal
- Awardee: Aakriti Maraseni
- Local advisor: Neeta Parajulee Karki
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Megha N. Parajulee
Title: Impact of Climate Change on Apple Production in Mustang
- Awardee: Rojina Gauchan
- Local advisor: Subekshya Shrestha
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Sushil Thapa
2020 Grant Cycle: Awarded Grants (Total: 16)
Title: In-vitro Evaluation of Chemical Fungicides Against Pestalotia longisetula Causing Fruit and Crown Rot of Strawberry
- Awardee: Prashant Bhattarai, Tribhuvan University / Lamjung Campus, IAAS
- Local advisor: Ram Kumar Shrestha
- NAPA advisor: Megha Parajulee
Title: Evaluation of Growth and Yield Parameters of Local Landraces of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) to Azospirillum brasilense and Pseudomonas flourescens in Dang valley
- Awardee: Shishir Dahal, Tribhuvan University / Campus of Live Sciences, IAAS
- Local advisor: Siddalal Bohara
- NAPA advisor: Nitya Khanal
Title: Effect of seed treatment on germination and seedling health of summer season okra in Chitwan, Nepal using different plant extracts as bio fungicides
- Awardee: Anugya Bhattarai, Agriculture and Forestry University / Central Campus, AFU
- Local advisor: Ritesh Kumar Yadav
- NAPA advisor: Pradeep Wagle
Title: Characterization of Nepalese Sweet Potato Landraces (Ipomoea batatas L.) Using Morphological Markers for Food and Feed
- Awardee: Nabin Poudel, Agriculture and Forestry University / Central Campus, AFU
- Local advisor: Arjun Kumar Shrestha
- NAPA advisor: Dilip Panthee
Title: Effects of Rhizobium Inoculation Strains on Nodulation and Yield of Rice Beans (Vigna umbellate) Landraces in Rampur, Chitwan
- Awardee: Bidya Ojha, Agriculture and Forestry University / Central Campus, AFU
- Local advisor: Suman Dhakal
- NAPA advisor: Pramod Pokhrel
Title: Effect of Phosphorus on Differently Spaced Mung Bean (Vigna radiata) in Rainfed Condition
- Awardee: Pritam Thapa, Tribhuvan University / Lamjung Campus, IAAS
- Local advisor: Roshan Subedi
- NAPA advisor: Buddhi Gyawali
Title: Women Participation in Cardamom Production: A Study of Ilam District
- Awardee: Mahima Gotame, Tribhuvan University / Mahendra Ratna Multiple Campus
- Local advisor: Ganesh Bahadur Rawat
- NAPA advisor: Purna Kandel
Title: Variance Component Analysis Among Amaranthus Genotypes in Mid Hills of Nepal
- Awardee: Prabha Adhikari, Tribhuvan University / Lamjung Campus, IAAS
- Local advisor: Nav Raj Adhikari
- NAPA advisor: Khusi Tiwari
Title: Prevalence of Hemo Protozoans in Stray Dogs of Kathmandu District
- Awardee: Pramila Subedi, Agriculture and Forestry University / Veterinary Science and Fisheries, AFU
- Local advisor: Dr. Arjun Aryal
- NAPA advisor: Santosh Dhakal
Title: Effect of Rooting Hormones and Media on Vegetative Propagation of Bougainvillea glabra cv. Single Pink Through Hardwood Cutting
- Awardee: Jebina Shrestha, Tribhuvan University / Gauradaha Agriculture Campus, IAAS
- Local advisor: Nirajan Bhandari
- NAPA advisor: Sharad Marahatta
Title: Assessment of Mechanization Status of Paddy Production in the Western Nepal
- Awardee: Sagar Bhandari, Agriculture and Forestry University / Central Campus, AFU
- Local advisor: Pankaj Raj Dhital
- NAPA advisor: Aditya Khanal
Title: Integrated Nutrient Management in Sesame in Lamahi, Dang
- Awardee: Gaurav Thakur, Tribhuvan University / Prithu Technical College
- Local advisor: Krishna Aryal
- NAPA advisor: Kabindra Adhikari
Title: Prevalence of Fish Tapeworm (Diphyllobothrium latum) in Commercial Fish Farms of Chitwan District
- Awardee: Sampada Devkota, Agriculture and Forestry University / Central Campus, AFU
- Local advisor: Dr. Dilip Kumar Jha
- NAPA advisor: Uma Karkee
Title: Assessing the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Towards Rabies from Three Most Affected Districts of Nepal
- Awardee: Alok Dhakal, Tribhuvan University / Paklihawa Campus, IAAS
- Local advisor: Dr. Krishna Kaphle
- NAPA advisor: Ramjee Ghimire
Title: Productivity and Reproductive Performance of Yak and Their Cross Breeds in Lower Mustang of Nepal
- Awardee: Bijay Paudel, Agriculture and Forestry University / Veterinary Science and Fisheries, AFU
- Local advisor: Gokarna Gautam
- NAPA advisor: Sushil Paudyal
Title: Community Engagement in Livestock Development: A Study of National Agriculture Development Company (NADC), Salyan, Nepal
- Awardee: Susma Thapa, Agriculture and Forestry University / Veterinary Science and Fisheries, AFU
- Local advisor: Prem Bhandari
- NAPA advisor: Prem Bhandari
2019 Grant Cycle: Awarded Grants (Total: 15)
Title: Altitudinal Variation of Orthoptera Species Richness And Diversity in Rice Based Farming System In Western Nepal
- Awardee: Madan Subedi
- Local advisor: Bhola Gautam
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Megha N. Parajulee
Title: Study Of Existing Milk Production And Marketing Pattern Of Milk Produced By Dairy Cattle In Chitwan, Nepal
- Awardee: Iebu Devkota
- Local advisor: Dr. Hom Bahadur Basnet
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Uma Karki
Title: Effect of Different Weed Management Practices and Seed Priming on Weed Dynamics, and Yield of Dry Direct Seeded Rice.
- Awardee: Barsha Sharma
- Local advisor: Dr. Bishnu Bilas Adhikari
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Sushil Thapa
Title: Efficacy of Different Nitrogen Doses And Rhizobium Inoculation On The Yield And Nodulation Behaviour Of Soybean.
- Awardee: Manish Gautam
- Local advisor: Suman Dhakal
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Rajan Ghimire
Title: Antioxidant, alpha-amylase inhibition assay and quantification of major flavonoids daidzein and genistein in soybean and soyfoods found in Nepal
- Awardee: Dr. Bishnu Pandey
- Local advisor: Not applicable
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Buddhi Lamsal
Title: Response of Crop Density and Variety on Growth and Productivity of Spring Maize in Dang, Nepal
- Awardee: Rupak Karn
- Local advisor: Mahesh Regmi
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Nitya N. Khanal
Title: Effect of Plant Growth Regulators On Growth, Flowering And Yield Attributes Of Marigold (Tagetes Sp.)
- Awardee: Susmita Sigdel
- Local advisor: Bishal Shrestha
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Shiva Makaju
Title: Characterization and Evaluation of Nepalese Colocasia Landraces for Biodiversity Conservation
- Awardee: Dharmendra Kalauni
- Local advisor: Drs. Madhav Pandey & Arjun K. Shrestha
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Ananta Acharya
Title: Post Production and Its Feasibility With Marketing of Ginger in Salyan District
- Awardee: Shirsti Updhyaya
- Local advisor: Dr. Om Prakash Singh
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Lila B. Karki
Title: Influence of foliar application of gibberellic acid and naphthalene acetic acid on growth, development, quality, yield, fruit anatomy and seed setting of tomato (var. Srijana) under protected cultivation
- Awardee: Ritesh Kumar Jha
- Local advisor: Dr. Arjun K Shrestha
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Shyam Kandel
Title: Management of root knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) in tomato
- Awardee: Barsha Bastola
- Local advisor: Ganesh Rawat
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Mukti Ghimire
Title: Varietal Evaluation Of Promising Maize Genotypes In Mid Hills Of Nepal
- Awardee: Bipin Neupane
- Local advisor: Ankur Poudel
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Pradeep Wagle
Title: Germplasm Evaluation of Vegetable Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) In dang district
- Awardee: Astha Acharya and team
- Local advisor: Manoj Basnet
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Prem Bhandari
Title: Effect of different types of fertilizers on viramin C content of cauliflower (Brassica oleraceae var. botrytis) in Dang district
- Awardee: Jaya Sharma and team
- Local advisor: Manoj Basnet
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Prem Bhandari
Title: Study on effect of phosphorus on growth and flowering of Marigold
- Awardee: Indu Regmi and team
- Local advisor: Manoj Basnet
- NAPA advisor: Dr. Prem Bhandari