PLANT BREEDING AND GENETICS SOCIETY OF NEPAL

https://plantbreeding.org.np

Background

Agriculture and forestry stand as pivotal sectors for sustainable development. Genetics, agrobiodiversity, seed science, breeding, biotechnology, and biostatistics emerge as critical disciplines that significantly contribute to the advancement of agriculture and forestry. Collaboration among disciplinary groups is imperative to foster expertise, drive innovation, advance scientific knowledge, and ultimately ensure food security, nutrition, health, sustainable business practices, and environmental conservation. The establishment of various organizations and societies is indispensable to attain excellence in agriculture and forestry. Professionals within these fields aspire to remain dynamic and abreast of the latest knowledge and technological advancements, yet they often encounter various challenges and obstacles during their professional journeys. A collective approach is generally deemed the most effective strategy to achieve success in these target disciplines. In Nepal's agricultural sector, the Nepal Krishi Association (NKA) emerged as the first non-governmental, non-political, and non-profit organization which was formed in 1960 and registered in 1964. Since then, over 25 similar organizations (societies) have been established in the agriculture and forestry sectors. In 2006, Nepal Agricultural Federation (NAF) was formed as an umbrella organization and PBaGSoN is the member of NAF.

Genetics and breeding stand as the forefront sciences in agriculture and forestry; however, their advancement in Nepal is constrained by limited experts who are dispersed across the country and abroad. The inception of a dedicated society began with the First Plant Breeder Meet (Plant Breeding Seminar) held on January 17, 1999, in Lumle, Kaski, which raised awareness among breeders for the need to form a professional society. Subsequently, the Second Plant Breeders Meet, convened on March 28, 2000, in Lumle, initiated the formation of the Plant Breeding Society. An ad hoc committee, chaired by Dr. Madhusudan Prasad Upadhyay, was established to formalize a professional organization serving as a common platform for breeders in 2058 BS. Later, during the Plant Breeders' Seminar and Plant Breeders' Meet on 2074 BS/09/12 in Khumaltar, a seven-member founding committee, led by Bimal Kumar Baniya was formed. The Legislation (Bidhan) was drafted in 2058 BS, revised in 2062 BS (the name of society was Plant Breeding Society of Nepal) and finalized in 2074 BS. This committee officially registered the Plant Breeding and Genetics Society of Nepal (PBaGSoN) at the District Administration Office, Lalitpur, on 2076 BS/04/30, with registration number 5688. PBaGSoN operates as a non-governmental, non-political, and non-profit organization.
 

Aim and Objectives

Aim

The primary aim of PBaGSoN is to establish a unified platform where experts and members can converge, safeguarding their professional integrity while elevating the quality of their contributions. By doing so, the society seeks to advance a shared objective: fostering the economic development of the country through the enhancement of the agricultural and forestry sectors. PBaGSoN endeavors to achieve this overarching goal by promoting progress in key disciplines such as plant genetics, agrobiodiversity, seed science, breeding, biotechnology, and biostatistics. Through collaboration and knowledge exchange within these domains, PBaGSoN aspires to drive innovation, improve standards, and ultimately contribute to the sustainable growth and prosperity of the agricultural and forestry industries, aligning with the broader aims of national economic development.

Objectives

The PBaGSoN is committed to several key objectives aimed at advancing agriculture and forestry while ensuring the welfare and professional rights of its members:

• Support Research and Development: PBaGSoN provides support for research and development initiatives in agriculture and forestry, fostering innovation and progress in these crucial sectors.
• Advance Key Disciplines: The society actively promotes advancements in plant genetics, breeding, agrobiodiversity, biotechnology, seed science, and biostatistics, contributing to the improvement of agricultural practices and outcomes.
• Protect Professional Rights: PBaGSoN endeavors to protect and uphold the professional rights, dignity, integrity, and welfare of its members, ensuring a conducive environment for their work and contributions.
• Policy Suggestions: PBaGSoN offers recommendations to the Government of Nepal (GoN) and other organizations, aiding in the formulation of policies and the resolution of issues pertinent to agriculture.

• Organize Workshops and Seminars: The society arranges national and international workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on agricultural science and technology, facilitating knowledge exchange and problem-solving to enhance agricultural production and productivity.
• Publish Information Resources: PBaGSoN publishes agriculture-related booklets, compendia of research findings, scientific journals, and proceedings, serving as valuable resources for farmers, extension workers, scientists, students, and other stakeholders.
• Facilitate Knowledge Sharing: Various programs are organized to facilitate the sharing of research experiences among members and to coordinate their activities with national and international institutions, fostering collaboration and synergy.
• Provide Consultancy Services: PBaGSoN offers consultancy services to domestic and foreign institutions as needed, leveraging the expertise of its members to address specific challenges and opportunities.
• Promote Cooperation: The society actively seeks to exchange cooperation with various agriculture-related organizations and other professional institutions, fostering cordial relationships and enhancing collective efforts toward agricultural development.

History

Scope and Subject Areas

PBaGSoN, with its mission dedicated to the betterment of its members and fostering advancements in six key subject areas—genetics, agrobiodiversity, seed science, breeding, biotechnology, and biostatistics (GAS-3B)—boasts a comprehensive scope. The society is committed to facilitating improvement and innovation within these domains, aiming to enhance agricultural and forestry practices and contribute to sustainable development. With a cadre of experts proficient in these six areas, PBaGSoN operates on both national and international fronts, offering specialized knowledge and guidance to address various challenges and opportunities. Its expertise extends primarily to crops, forages, and various plant species, underscoring its relevance and applicability across diverse agricultural and forestry landscapes. By harnessing the collective wisdom and experience of its members, PBaGSoN strives to advance research, promote best practices, and drive positive change in agriculture and forestry, thereby fulfilling its mission to serve its members and foster progress in key subject areas crucial for agricultural and forestry development.

Memberships and Fees

The PBaGSoN offers memberships in five distinct categories: General, Life, Associate, Benefactor, and Honorary (as given below).

Membership Fee

Regular Activities and Achievements

The society consistently hosts talk programs, conventions, interaction sessions, training sessions, visits, awards ceremonies for scientists and farmers, and publishes journals and proceedings. Based on its legislation (Bidhan), general assembly should be organized annually (AGM, annual general meeting). Conventions are held every three years. PBaGSoN has been significantly contributing to the development of plant genetics, agrobiodiversity, seed science, breeding, biotechnology, and biostatistics (GAS-3B). Expertise is offered to the Government of Nepal (GoN) and various organizations and individuals. Any issues, problems, and concerns related to these six disciplines are addressed by PBaGSoN. The society actively participates in various policy and decision-making forums, including disciplinary meetings, and collaborates with other societies, government organizations (GOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), private companies, universities, etc. Members of this society can play crucial roles by being part of different committees, groups, task forces, etc at national and international levels.

Publication

PBaGSoN publishes a scientific journal, books, briefing paper, strategy and vision, proceedings, reports, etc.

Financial Resources

The society utilizes its financial resources generated from membership fees, diverse publications, seminars, conferences, symposia, exhibitions, commercial advertisements, consultancy services from individuals, governmental or non-governmental organizations at both national and international levels, as well as other income streams including donations, grants, etc.

Members and Committee

In Nepal, there are over 250 experts across various disciplines within GAS-3B, each playing a crucial role in the functioning of this society. PBaGSoN issues membership certificates and IDs to its members. The 7-member founder committee, known as the Ad-hoc Executive Committee, in the leadership of Bimal Kumar Baniya, was established during the Plant Breeders’ Seminar and Plant Breeders’ Meet on 2074 BS/09/12. However, due to various circumstances, the society was unable to convene a general assembly following its registration at the District Administration Office in Lalitpur. The General Assembly held in 2079 BS/09/11 elected an Executive Committee in the president of Dr Bal Krishna Joshi to serve the society for the period of 2022 to 2025. This committee comprises nine members, including a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and five additional members, elected every three years. Moreover, there is provision for the formation of an advisory committee, various subcommittees, and task forces. The Executive Committee has the authority to establish rules, regulations, and guidelines as needed to streamline and execute the society's activities.

https://plantbreeding.org.np