Current Research Projects

Research projects

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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

15. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Determination of listeria monocytogenous in cheese
   1. PI: Ms.Anooja Nair
   2. Funding Source: IFS
   3. Funding Amount: USD. 12000/-
   4. Status: Completed.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Molecular characterization of Chilly
    1. PI: Dr.TulsiGurung
    2. Funding Source: CRG
    3. Funding Amount: Nu. 400000/-
    4. Status: Completed

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. Spring water revival project
    1. PI: Mr.Jambay
    2. Funding Source: KURITA, Japan
    3. Funding Amount: Nu. 258954/-
    4. Status: Completed.

15. 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.

16. Organic farming
    1. PI: Dr.Jigme Tenzin, CO-PI:
    2. Funding Source: BTFEC, Bhutan
    3. Funding Amount: Nu. 400000/-
    4. Status: Ongoing.

17. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.