The Ohio State University (OSU), in partnership with Nepal’s National Innovation Center (NIC), has launched a two-year collaborative project aimed at reducing harmful crop residue burning in Nepal. This initiative is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service to explore alternative sustainable crop residue management options in Nepal.

Crop residue burning has become a critical environmental, agricultural, and public health concern in Nepal, particularly in the Terai region, which accounts for over 90% of the country’s residue burning. Farmers, seeking quick and low-cost crop residues disposal methods, burn nearly one-third of rice and wheat straw—contributing to severe air pollution, reduced soil fertility, and increased health risks.

Led by Dr. Ajay Shah, Professor at OSU, and Dr. Mahabir Pun, Chairperson of NIC, the project seeks to identify the root causes of residue burning and promote sustainable alternatives. The research team is also collaborating with key national institutions, including the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) and Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU).

Beyond research, the initiative focuses on building local capacity through training in advanced research methodologies and analytical tools. The findings will support the development of evidence-based policies and practical solutions to curb residue burning, improve soil and air quality, and foster sustainable agricultural practices across the region.

“This partnership is a step forward in addressing a shared environmental challenge through science, innovation, and collaboration,” said Prof. Shah. “By working with local stakeholders, we aim to develop practical and scalable solutions that benefit both farmers and the environment.”

The project also aligns with broader efforts to mitigate transboundary air pollution in South Asia, contributing to regional sustainability and public health goals.

Dr. Damodar Paudel, Honorary Consul General of Nepal in Ohio and President of NIC-USA, played a pivotal role in establishing the partnership between OSU and NIC.

For additional details, please contact:
Ajay Shah, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE), OSU
Director, NSF ERC: Transformation of American Rubber through Domestic Innovation for Supply Security (TARDISS)
Director, Program for Bioproducts and the Environment (PROBE), College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, OSU
Email: [email protected]
Websites: http://fabe.osu.edu/our-people/ajay-shah / https://bsal.osu.edu/ / https://tardiss.org/