Foundation stone laid for BSL laboratory AFU

Chitwan: A foundation stone has been laid for the construction of a Bio Safety Level (BSL) Plus Two laboratory at Rampur-based Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU).

Chief Minister of Bagmati Province Rajendra Prasad Pandey laid the foundation stone of a special laboratory amidst a programme at Rampur in Chitwan on Wednesday.

On the occasion, he said the construction of a high-tech level laboratory was not only for research and study but also as part of early preparedness to deal with pandemics such as COVID-19.

Chief Minister Pandey further claimed the laboratory being constructed outside the valley for the first time would enhance the capacity and image of the university.

Sharing that the Bagmati Province was making preparation for the establishment of the Science and Technology University, CM Pandey said, “In order to carry out relevant research and study, the Science and Technology University would collaborate with the AFU”.

He pointed out the need of developing robust research institutions within the Universities.

AFU vice-chancellor Prof Dr Punya Prasad Regmi urged three tiers of the governments to extend cooperation in expanding the research and outreach capacity of the University- the only specialized university in the country in the technology sector.

AFU Registrar Prof Dr Sharada Tahpaliya shared that the lab is to be constructed on the premises of the University at the cost of rs 160 million with the financial assistance of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development of the Bagmati Province.