#Youth4Soil Perspective | My Journey: From Plant Pathology to Pioneering Organic Agriculture
Story and Photos by Upendra Bhusal
Country Representative, YPARD Nepal
Founder and Director, Krishi Vines
Founder and Director, Project GreenGuard
Member, #Youth4Soil
As an agricultural student in Nepal, I’ve always been captivated by the idea of improving the living standards of my community through better farming practices. Agriculture, after all, isn’t just about growing food — it’s about nurturing the very roots of society. Early on in my academic journey, I became fascinated by plant pathology. I realized how essential identifying plant diseases is to helping farmers protect their crops from harmful pathogens. This realization was the foundation of my research and professional focus, which only deepened my passion for sustainable agriculture.
While I pursued my academic studies, I sought out opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. I joined international organizations like IAAS (International Association of Students in Agricultural and Related Sciences), FAYI (Food and Agriculture Youth Institute), and Leo Club, where I developed leadership and organizational skills by organizing national and international conferences. These experiences not only expanded my knowledge of global agriculture but also connected me to diverse stakeholders working towards a common goal: sustainable development.
One pivotal moment in my journey came when I invited the Director of YPARD (Young Professionals for Agricultural Development) to speak at one of the talk series I organized, titled "Policy Nexus." Her commitment, passion, and charisma left a profound impression on me, and I knew I wanted to get involved in YPARD. A month later, I initiated the YPARD Nepal Chapter and was honoured to serve as the Country Representative. This role has connected me with vibrant networks of young professionals committed to driving positive change in agriculture.
Through YPARD, I became involved in the Coalition of Action for Soil Health (CA4SH) as a mentee. This mentorship experience has sparked several project ideas, and I am particularly excited about one that I will be executing in the coming months. The project, titled "GreenGuard: Protecting Soil Health with Organic Agriculture," is a campaign aimed at raising awareness in rural communities about the harmful effects of pesticide use and promoting the adoption of organic manure as an alternative.
GreenGuard is an extension of a pilot initiative I implemented with my colleagues at IAAS. Through this experience, we learned how to effectively engage with communities and help them meet their unique soil health needs.
The upcoming project will begin in November 2024 with a survey in rural villages to understand local perceptions of pesticide use. After gathering data, I will organize campaigns in schools and colleges to educate students about the dangers of pesticides and the benefits of organic alternatives. The idea is simple yet powerful — if students understand the importance of organic farming, they will share this knowledge with their families, creating a ripple effect throughout the community. Following the awareness campaign, we will also conduct hands-on training for villagers on how to make organic manure, equipping them with practical skills to reduce pesticide dependence and improve soil health.
I believe that this project is just the beginning of a much larger mission to help communities embrace organic solutions and restore the health of their soils. By working together, we can reduce the harmful effects of chemicals and pave the way for a more sustainable and healthy future.
Through my journey, I’ve come to realize that every action, no matter how small, can lead to significant change. Agriculture is more than just a profession for me — it’s a path toward betterment for my community, and I am committed to continuing this journey of growth, learning, and impactful change.
Let’s grow together, one healthy soil ecosystem at a time.
