Ag Proud – Idaho would like you to meet:
Pramod Acharya
Assistant Professor, Extension Specialist – Forage Agronomy
University of Idaho
Kimberly, Idaho
Email Pramod Acharya
What education are you bringing with you to this position?
I received my bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Tribhuvan University in Nepal; a master’s degree in biology from Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU), Portales, New Mexico; and a Ph.D. in plant and environmental sciences from New Mexico State University (NMSU), Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Please describe your agricultural background
I grew up on a small subsistence farm in Nepal, where I became familiar with a wide range of crops grown, e.g., rice, wheat, potatoes, maize, vegetables and fruits, with some animals raised, e.g., cow, goat and buffalo, reflecting the typical smallholder farming system in the region.
What are your new responsibilities?
I have both research (40%) and extension (60%) responsibilities, where my program will focus on enhancing forage production and management to fit the needs of the forage and livestock industry by increasing yield, quality, nutritional value and utilization. I will also integrate environmentally sustainable practices, such as water quality protection, climate resilience and soil health enhancement. I will also integrate sustainable land management practices aimed at protecting water resources, strengthening cropping system resiliency and promoting soil health.
What previous positions have you held?
Before joining the University of Idaho, I worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the NMSU Agricultural Science Center in Clovis. Also, I was a research assistant at NMSU in the department of plant and environmental sciences for four years and a teaching assistant at the ENMU Department of Biology for two years. I also contributed to developmental projects in Nepal, supporting food security and livelihoods in earthquake-affected communities.
Who has made the biggest impact on your career?
I am fortunate to have had exceptional mentors whose guidance was instrumental in my career trajectory. Specifically, Dr. Rajan Ghimire (Ph.D. adviser) and Dr. Young Cho (Master of Science adviser) served as exemplary role models throughout my professional and academic development.
How will you be of most help to producers in Idaho?
I will closely coordinate with Idaho producers to understand the research needs for improving forage yields, quality and profitability through practical, research-backed strategies suited to local conditions. I will offer hands-on support, field trials and educational programs that help producers make better decisions about forage selection, nutrient management and soil management while promoting sustainable agriculture and resiliency of forage-livestock systems.
What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
The overall goal of my program is to disseminate new science-based knowledge to concerned stakeholders, including the forage and dairy industries, producers, students and extension educators, on time. I would also like to engage in collaborative and multidisciplinary research to address the critical needs to improve the forage-livestock systems and benefit the industry.
