Current Research Projects

Research projects

FY 2023-24
Sl. No. Centre Registration date Topic PI CoPI Fund source Unit Amount Start date End date Status
1 CSMA 02-Jul-23 Documentation of best sustainable land Management approaches and technologies using WOCAT tools and technologies Ongpo Lepcha Karma Wangdi, Nima Dolma Tamanag & Tshering Yangzom NSSC Nu 2,434,978.70 05 Jul 2023 31 Dec 2023  
2 CSMA 01-Jul-23 Hydroponic fodder as a climate-smart fodder production Dr. Jigme Tenzin None BTFEC Nu 371,351 01 Jun 2021 Jun 23 Completed.
3 CSMA 21-Nov-23 Assessment of Antibiotics Resistance in Jersey Cattle Population under Samtse Dzongkhag in Bhutan Dr. Jigme Tenzin Karma Wangchuk CRG Nu 229,312 21 Nov 2023 20 Nov 2024  
4 CSMA 24-Nov-23 Understanding relations between sheep farming and its changing environment in transhuman system in Bhutan Dr. Nedup Dorji None CRG Nu 230,812 24 Nov 2023 30 Sept 2024  
5 CSMA 11-Dec-23 Development of product prototype of instant Bathup noodles using what, millet, quinoa and buckwheat Karma Wangchuk Anooja Nair, Ugyen, Sumba, Kinzang Chophel, Anita Rai, Samten Tshering CRG Nu 300,000 11 Dec 2023 1 Mar 2024  
6 CECR 15-Dec-23 Understanding and preparing in a rapidly changing high-mountain environment – a collaborative scientific effort of two small mountain countries Bhutan and Switzerland Dr. DB Gurung None Swiss National Science Foundation (SNCF), Switzerland CHF 149,200 15 Dec 2023 1 Dec 2027
FY 2022-23
Sl. No. Centre Registration date Topic PI CoPI Fund source Unit Amount Start date End date Status
1 CECR 02-Jul-22 Biodiversity assessment of water flagship project Dr. DB Gurung Ugyen Dorji & Karma Sherub ADB USD 12,000 15 Jun 2022 30 Aug. 2022 Completed.
2 CECR 21-Jul-22 Bhutanese Knowledge and Indigenous Development (B-KIND) Dr. Tulsi Gurung Dr. Sonam Tashi, Dr. Om Kate, Dr. Thubte Sonam TCSRD, Tarayana Nu. 10,528,043 01 Aug 2021 30 Jul 2025 Ongoing
3 CSMA 23-Jul-22 Vermicomposting shed construction and climate smart agriculture practice at the College of Natural Resources Dr. Sonam Tashi None BTFEC Nu. 351,001 23 Jul 2022 31 Dec 2022 Completed.
4 CSMA 02-Aug-22 Isolation and characterization of lactic acid bacteria from milk and fermented milk products of Bhutan, and assess their biologic activity Mr. Sumba Mr. Karma Wangchuk AURG & CRG NU. 4,55,000 02 Aug 2022 25 Aug 2023 Ongoing
5 CECR 04-Aug-22 Ecosystem Service Valuation Dr. Bhagat Suberi Dr. Thubten Sonam & Dr. Om UNDP Nu 1,468,750 20 Jul 2022 10 Dec 2022 Completed
9 CECR 05-Aug-22 Water Quality and Aquatic Ecology Assessment for 26 MW Druk Bindu Hydro-Power Project. Ugyen Dorji Lobzang Penjor, Karma Wangchuk, Ugyen Tenzin and Sonam Moktan DGPC Nu. 5,61,187 05 Aug 2022 31 Dec 2022 Completed.
11 CSMA 25-Aug-22 Integrating Geospatial Technologies in Climate-Smart Agriculture Planning and Management in South Asia Dr. Sonam Tashi Karma Sherub APN USD 69,950 25 Aug 2022 31 Dec 23  
12 CSMA 16 Sept 22 Multidimentional Poverty of Indigenous Groups in South and Southeast Asia Dr. Sonam Tashi None ADBI USD 22,000 01 Oct 2022 31 Feb 2024  
13 CECR 7 Oct. 22 Critical Habitat Assessment Work for Aquatic Biodiversity Dr. DB Gurung Ugyen Dorji & Lobzang Penjor DGPC Nu 48,550 10 Oct 2022 31 Dec 22 Completed
14 CSMA 27-Oct-22 Multi-indicator household level survey on climate-smart agriculture in Punakha and Wangdue Dzongkhags Tashi Dendup Tshering Yangzom, Nimal Dolma Tamang BTFEC Nu 370,000 29 Oct 2022 30 Jun 23 Completed
15 CSMA 24-Nov-22 Impact of Bhutan Agro-indutries Ltd on Livelihood of Bhutanese Farmers Tashi Dendup Tandin Gyeltshen, Tenzin Wangchuk, Ugyen Lhaden, Karma Wangmo Sherpa, BAIL Nu 261,760 01 Nov 2022 31 Dec.2022 Completed.
16 CECR 16 Dec 022 Strengthening endogenous capacities of least developed countries to access finance for climate change adaptation Dr. Om Katel Dr. Jigme Tenzin, Mr. Tenzin Wangchuk, Ms Anooja Nair, Yogeeta Dahal, Ms Chogyel Wangmo, Dr. Bhagat Suberi, Dr .Tshering Dorji UNEP-LUCCC USD 12,000 01 Oct 2022 Jul 23 Ongoing
17 CECR 23-Dec-22 Mappingand analyzing Synergies and Trade-offs of Managing Ramsar Sites in Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang, Bhutan Dr. Om Katel Jigme Tshering (RSPN) UNEP-SWISS USD 4,000 01 Dec 2022 Jul 23  
18 CECR 30-Mar-23  Water quality and aquatic ecology assessments for Begana Hydropower Project Ugyen Dorji Karma Wangchuk, Sumba, Sonam Moktan and Ugyen Tenzin DGCPL Nu 793,584 01 Jan 2023 31 Jul 2023 Completed
19 CSMA 30-Mar-23 Value Chain Analysis of Rice and Potato Wang Gyeltshen Tashi Dendhup, Dr. Sonam Tashi, Mahesh Ghimiray FAO Nu 2,510,819 01 Apri2023 30 Nov 2023  
20 CECR 07 Apr. 23 Acquatic Biodiversity Survey of Dorjilung Hydropower project Dr. DB Gurung Ugyen Dorji DGPC Nu 843,750 28 Mar 2023 28 Jul 2023 Completed.
21 CECR 14-Apr-23 DNA Bar coding and phylogenetic analysis of bats in Bumthang district Sangay Tshering Karma Wangchuk CRG Nu 494,540 16 Apr 2023 30 Nov 2023  

2021-2022

  1. Mapping Hydrogeological Recharge Areas in Southwestern Bhutan and Assessing the Water Quality of Critical Dry Springs and Lakes
    1. PI: Mr. Jambay.
    2. Funding Source: Tarayana Foundation)
    3. Funding Amount: Nu.1270500 /-
    4. Start Date: 09/06/2021 End Date: 09/06/2022
    5. Status: Completed.

  1. Documentation of Mosses of Northwestern Bhutan & Production of Pictorial Guide Book as a Learning Material for CNR Students
    1. PI: Mr. Karma Shearab.
    2. Funding Source: CRG(College Research Grant)
    3. Funding Amount: Nu.120000/-
    4. Start Date: 01/02/2022 End Date: 03/08/2022
    5. Status: Expected to complete by 30 August, 2022.

  1. Documentation of Mosses of Northwestern Bhutan & Production of Pictorial Guide Book as a Learning Material for CNR Students
    1. PI: Mr. Karma Shearab.
    2. Funding Source: AURG (Annual University Research Grant)
    3. Funding Amount: Nu.80000/-
    4. Start Date: 01/06/2022 End Date: 30/06/2022
    5. Status: Completed.
  1. Terrestrial Biodiversity Assessment in Phuentsholing Township Development Project funded by Asian Development Bank and is sub-contracted by AFCONS Infrastructure Limited
    1. PI: Dr.Om Katel,
    2. Funding Source: ADB (Asian Development Bank) Project
    3. Funding Amount: Nu. 350000/-
    4. Start Date: 01/11/2021 End Date: 16/12/2021
    5. Status: Completed.
  1. Mapping and sustainable management of wetland ecosystems in Phobjikha, Bhutan, supported by Royal Society for the Protection of Nature, Bhutan.
    1. PI:Dr.Om Katel,  CO-PI: Ms.Chogyal Wangmo,Mr. Ugyen Dorji & Mr. Cheten Dorji
    2. Funding Source: RSPN(Royal Society for Protection of Nature)
    3. Funding Amount: Nu. 355000/-
    4. Start Date: 01/04/2021       End Date:01/06/2022
    5. Status: Completed.
  1. Exploring the invertebrate diversity of the last virgin rivers of Bhutan, the Eastern Himalayan
    1. PI:Dr.Om Katel,  CO-PI: Mr. Cheten Dorji
    2. Funding Source: NSG (National Geographic Society)
    3. Funding Amount: USD$ 34700
    4. Start Date:01/05/2021  End Date:01/05/2022
    5. Status: Expected to be Completed by December, 2022.
  1. KAP Study on Small holder Farmers’ Adaption to Climate Variability and Change in Punakha
    1. PI:Mr.Pema Rinzin  CO-PI: Mr.Tashi Dendup & Purna Prasad Chagpagai Cheten Dorji
    2. Funding Source: CRG (College Research Grant)
    3. Funding Amount:Nu.156400/-
    4. Start Date:05/02/2021                              End Date:05/02/2022
    5. Status: Expected to extend project till May 2022.
  1. Baseline Data for fresh water biodiversity conservation in the face of climate change in Punatshangchuu basin in Bhutan.
    1. PI:Dr. Tshering Dorji
    2. Funding Source:PEER (USAID Grant NO.BH035 )
    3. Funding Amount:USD$69850/-
    4. Start Date:01/04/2022 End Date:30/05/2023
    5. Status: Expected to extend project till Nov 2024.
  1. Enhancing food security of smallholder farmers in Bhutan through building capacity in climate-smart agriculture.
    1. PI: Dr. Rekha Chhetri                CO-PI:Dr.Sonam Tashi, Mr.Tashi Dendup,
      Ms.Ugyen Yangchen & Dr. Sarah Halvorson              (US partner-Montana University)
    2. Funding Source: PEER, Bhutan (USAID)
    3. Funding Amount: USD$69,999/-
    4. Start Date: 01/04/2022             End Date: 31/03/2023
    5. Status: Expected to complete by end of March 2023.
  1. Exploring integration of the SEPLS approach into management of the Buli watershed.
    1. PI:Dr. Tshering Dorji CO-PI: Dr. Om Katel & Ms.Yogeeta Dhahal
    2. Funding Source: Satoyama development Mechanism thorough the
      Institute for Global Environmental Strategies
    3. Funding Amount:USD$9924/-
    4. Start Date:01/01/2022 End Date:31/12/2022
    5. Status: Expected to Complete project by 31 December,2022.
  1. Macroinvertebrate diversity in headwater streams of Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park:
    Towards building comprehensive reference data for monitoring climate change impact on freshwater
    biodiversity.

    1. PI: Dr.Tshering Dorji                                     CO-PI: Mr. Ugyen Dorji
    2. Funding Source: AURG (Annual University Research Grant)
    3. Funding Amount:Nu.150000/-
    4. Start Date:01/07/2021                                   End Date:30/06/2022
    5. Status: Extended & expected to Complete project by 31 December,
      2022.
  1. Molecular Characterization of Rice: Landraces Varieties of Bhutan.
    1. PI:Ms. Nima Dolma Tamang CO-PI: Mr. Karma Wangchuk & Ms.Tshering
      Yangzom
    2. Funding Source: College Research Grant(CRG)
    3. Funding Amount:Nu.305000/-
    4. Start Date: 01/01/2022 End Date: 31/12/2022
    5. Status: Expected to completed by end of December, 2022.
  1. DNA barcoding, Osteological Study and Developing Illustrations of the Fresh water Fishes of Bhutan: Materials for a book on Fresh water Fishes of Bhutan.
    1. PI: Dr.D B Gurung     CO-PI: Mr. Karma Wnagchuk, Mr. Ugyen Dorji & Mr. Pema Rinzin
    2. Funding Source: College Research Grant (CRG)
    3. Funding Amount:Nu.665000/-
    4. Start Date:01/03/2021 End Date:15/06/2023
    5. Status: Expected to Complete project by 15 June, 2022.
  1. Water Quality and Aquatic Ecology Assessments for 48 MW Burgangchhu HPP, Zhemgang and 14 MW Suchhu HPP, Haa.
    1. PI: Mr.Ugyen Dorji CO-PI: Mr. Lobzang Penjor, Mr. Karma Wangchuk, Mr. Sonam Moktan & Mr. Ugyen Tenzin
    2. Funding Source: Druk Green Power Co-operation(DGPC)
    3. Funding Amount:Nu.987150/-
    4. Start Date:01/03/2021 End Date: 07/11/2021
    5. Status: Completed
  1. Ecosystem Services and Community based Forestry in Hindu Kush Region
    1. PI: Mr. Ugyen Dorji    CO-PI: Dr. DB Gurung & Ms. Chogyal Wangmo
    2. Funding Source: APPEAR, Austria
    3. Funding Amount:Nu.12,37,372.76
    4. Start Date: 15/01/2022 End Date:30/05/2022
    5. Status: Completed.

2019-2020

  1. Assessment of nutrient from Partheniumhystephorus compost using different inoculants.
    1. PI: Ms Ugyen Yangchen, CO-PI: Tenzin Wangchuk.
    2. Funding Source: AURG
    3. Funding Amount: Nu. 130530/-
    4. Status: Completed.
  1. Rainfall Pattern and Water Poverty and their Implication to Local Livelihoods in the Context of Changing Climate in Bhutan
    1. PI: Dr. Om Katel, CO-PI: Mr.TashiDorji, Ms ChogyelWangmo, Ms.Anooja Nair.
    2. Funding Source: AURG
    3. Funding Amount: Nu. 150000/-
    4. Status: Completed.
  1. Livelihood Vulnerability Approach to Assessing Farmers Vulnerability to Climate Change in central Bhutan.
    1. PI: Dr.ThubtenSonam. CO-PI: PemaRinzin
    2. Funding Source: AURG
    3. Funding Amount: Nu. 150000/-
    4. Status: Completed.
  1. Quality assessment of Datsi (home-made cottage cheese)
    1. PI: Ms.Anooja Nair
    2. Funding Source: AURG
    3. Funding Amount: Nu. 60000/-
    4. Status: completed.
  1. Diversity and richness of Bats in eastern Himalaya
    1. PI: Mr.Sangay Tshering
    2. Funding Source: IFS
    3. Funding Amount: USD. 12000/-
    4. Status: Completed.
  1. Determination of listeria monocytogenous in cheese
    1. PI: Ms.Anooja Nair
    2. Funding Source: IFS
    3. Funding Amount: USD. 12000/-
    4. Status: Completed.
  1. Is Bhutan ready for Organic Agriculture?
    1. PI: Ms.UgyenYangchen, CO-PI: D. TulsiGurung
    2. Funding Source: IFS
    3. Funding Amount: USD. 12000/-
    4. Status: Completed.
  1. Tick control using Xanthoxylum collar
    1. PI: Dr.Penjor, CO-PI: Dr.Shekhar
    2. Funding Source: AURG
    3. Funding Amount: Nu. 45000/-
    4. Status: Completed.
  1. Organic farming and use of FY manure
    1. PI: Ms.SonamGaki, CO-PI: Dr.PhubDorji
    2. Funding Source: CRG
    3. Funding Amount: Nu. 145000/-
    4. Status: Completed.
  1. Molecular characterization of Chilly
    1. PI: Dr.TulsiGurung
    2. Funding Source: CRG
    3. Funding Amount: Nu. 400000/-
    4. Status: Completed
  1. Ecological Study and oil property analysis of Sandalwood at Three plantation sites in Bhutan
    1. PI: Mr.Jambay; CO-PI: Dr. D. B. Gurung
    2. Funding Source: CRG
    3. Funding Amount: Nu. 400000/-
    4. Status: Completed.
  1. In Vitro culture of Acquilariamalaccensisfor agar wood production
    1. PI: Dr. D. B. Gurung, CO-PI: Mr.Jambay
    2. Funding Source: CRG
    3. Funding Amount: Nu. 400000/-
    4. Status: Completed.
  1. Transformative Water Management Adaptation
    1. PI: Dr.BhagatSuberi, CO-PI: Mr.LobzangPenjor
    2. Funding Source: (WRI)USA
    3. Funding Amount: Nu. 371234/-
    4. Status: completed.
  1. Spring water revival project
    1. PI: Mr.Jambay
    2. Funding Source: KURITA, Japan
    3. Funding Amount: Nu. 258954/-
    4. Status: Completed.
  1. TROSA project: Mapping Saralbhanga river basin in Assam and Bhutan
    1. PI: Dr. Om Katel, CO-PI: Dr.BhagatSuberi, Dr. D. B. Gurung. Ms TahiLhamo, Ms.YogeetaDahal.
    2. Funding Source: ICIMOD, Nepal
    3. Funding Amount: USD: 20000/-
    4. Status: Completed.
  1. Organic farming
    1. PI: Dr.Jigme Tenzin, CO-PI:
    2. Funding Source: BTFEC, Bhutan
    3. Funding Amount: Nu. 400000/-
    4. Status: Ongoing.
  1. Is Dapa production reaching the poor in Tashiyangtse
    1. PI: Mr.TashiDendup, CO-PI: Ms SerkiWangmo.
    2. Funding Source: CRG
    3. Funding Amount: Nu. 292124/-
    4. Status: Completed.

2018-2019

  1. Rapid assessment of roadside bird diversity in Punakha District, Bhutan.
    1. PI: Mr. Karma Sherub, CO-PI: Mr.YontenDorji, Mr.Jambay, and Dr.TsheringGyelpo
    2. Funding Source: AURG
    3. Funding Amount: Nu. 60000-
    4. Status: completed.
  1. Coccinellidae diversity of Bhutan (Insecta: Coleoptera); Final compilation from unexplored dzongkhags.
    1. PI: Mr.ChetenDorji, CO-PI: Mr.YontenDorji, Ms.SushilaRai, Ms.TashiLhamo
    2. Funding Source: AURG
    3. Funding Amount: Nu. 144480/-
    4. Status: completed.
  1. Assessment of nutrient from Partheniumhystephorus compost using different inoculants
    1. PI: Mr.ChetenDorji, CO-PI: Mr.YontenDorji, Ms.SushilaRai, Ms.TashiLhamo
    2. Funding Source: AURG
    3. Funding Amount: Nu. 144480/-
    4. Status: completed.

2017 – 2018

  1. Documentation of delicacies of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gasa, Wangdi and Zhemgang
    1. PI: Ms.PhuntshoChoden, CO-PI: Ms.SerkiWangmo, Ms.DechenChoden, Ms.TashiLhamo
    2. Funding Source: CRG
    3. Funding Amount: Nu. 148000/-
    4. Status: completed.
  1. Assessment of Biomass, Carbon Stock and Climate Change Mitigation Potentials of Balcooa Bamboo (Bambusabalcooa) in western Bhutan
    1. PI: Mr.Jambay, Mr.YongtenDorji, Dr.BhagatSuberi
    2. Funding Source: AURG
    3. Funding Amount: Nu. 92500/-
    4. Status: completed.
  1. Distributional patterns and habitat preferences of aquatic flora across water bodies in WangduePhodrang and Punakha Districts.
    1. PI: Dr. D. B. Gurung, Mr.UgyenDorji, Mr.LobzangPenjor
    2. Funding Source: AURG-CRG
    3. Funding Amount: Nu. 195970/-
    4. Status: completed.
  1. Watershed area delineation for run off determination and its relation to soil erosion and land degradation in Punatsangchu and Dagachu sub-river basin.
    1. PI: Dr.OmKatel, Ms.ChogyelWangmo
    2. Funding Source: CRG
    3. Funding Amount: Nu. 153320/-
    4. Status: completed.
  1. Techniques of Food Preservation methods in Tsirang and Dagana and its Implication to Food Safety and Security
    1. PI: Ms Anooja Nair, Ms DechenChoden and Dr. Om Katel
    2. Funding Source: CRG
    3. Funding Amount: Nu. 168280/-
    4. Status: completed.
  1. Molecular analysis of Golden Mahaseer and its sympatric species in the warm water regions of Bhutan
    1. PI: Dr. D. B. Gurung, Mr.UgyenDorji, Mr.LobzangPenjor
    2. Funding Source: CRG
    3. Funding Amount: Nu. 150000/-
    4. Status: completed.

2016-2017

  1. Nutrition and Environment Contribution of Livestock to Livelihood and its Impact on Environment
    1. PI: Dr.TsheringGyeltshen, CO-PI: Dr.Penjor, Dr.ThubtenSonam, Dr.Jigme Tenzin and Ms ChogyelWangmo.
    2. Funding Source: Bhutan Foundation
    3. Funding Amount: USD 5000/-
    4. Status: completed.
  1. Effect of high fiber diet in non-feed withdrawal moult programmes for commecial laying hens under deep litter system.
    1. PI: Mr.NeedupDorji, CO-PI: Dr.TsheringGyeltshen.
    2. Funding Source: CRG
    3. Funding Amount: Nu. 77450/-
    4. Status: completed.
  1. Documenting success stories in agro-based enterprises
    1. PI: Dr.PhubDorji, CO-PI: Mr.TashiDendup, and Ms SerkiWangmo.
    2. Funding Source: CRG
    3. Funding Amount: Nu. 205000/-
    4. Status: completed.
  1. Reproduction and production of F1 Belochem (crested head) chickens under different management conditions
    1. PI: Dr.TsheringGyeltshen, CO-PI: Dr.Penjor, Dr.PhubDorji.
    2. Funding Source: AURG
    3. Funding Amount: Nu. 188000/-
    4. Status: completed.