The Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU) is the first state-owned technical university in Nepal that was established under a land grant model with the mandate of three functions: education, research and extension. AFU mainly aims to produce internationally competent human resources to promote education, research and development in the field of agriculture, livestock, fisheries, forestry, and allied disciplines. Since being established, AFU has engaged in organizing various national, regional and international conferences, as well as seminars and symposiums, to meet its vision and mission.

Goats (Capra hircus) are very social, curious, gentle, independent and intelligent creatures that were first domesticated by human beings in 10,000 BC. The largest goat population in the world remains in Asia (59%) followed by Africa (35%). Goat husbandry is becoming the most popular enterprise among the rural as well as urban youths in Nepal. Goat, the “poor man’s cow” contributes about 20.4% to the total meat production in the country and ranks second after buffalo (54.3%). The goat is also considered as a living bank account, as they can be converted into cash when needed by the farmers. Thus, this species has made a great contribution to sustaining the livelihoods of rural smallholders in the developing world.

In this context, AFU/Faculty of Animal Science, Veterinary Science and Fisheries is organizing an Asian Regional Conference on Goats (ARCG 2019). The conference will be held on 20-23 October 2019, and is organized in association with the International Goat Association; Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Department of Livestock Services; Nepal Agricultural Research Council; and Heifer International Nepal. The main aim of the conference is to gather researchers, academicians and development entities to exchange knowledge and technologies generated in the field of goat research and development across the globe.