Himalayan Agro-Enterprises and Research Centre - HARC

As a private limited company, Himalayan Agro-enterprises and Research Center Pvt. Ltd. (HARC) was established in 2005 by a group of ex-servicemen, entrepreneurs and professionals having expert knowledge in agriculture and forestry sectors. This has been registered with the Office of Company Registrar (OCR) under the Ministry of Industry/Government of Nepal (GoN). HARC is currently operating its business from office located in Ramnagar (Bharatpur-1), Chitwan by a group of experts in community development, energy, engineering, agriculture, forestry, environment, legal services and entrepreneurship management.

Since its establishment, HARC has gathered several business experiences including biodiesel production in GoN/AEPC (Alternative Energy Promotion Centre) support, oil-seed /non-timber forest plants seedling production and plantation, several training events on agro-forestry for community people, vegetable and crop seeds production through research and their supply, operation of improved seeds sells counter, and agro-forest based enterprise development among rural villages in collaboration and coordination with various stakeholders i.e. farmer groups, women groups, cooperatives, Nepal Oil Corporation, Department of Forest, GoN/NARDF (National Agricultural Research and Development Fund) and many others.

Current team in HARC is committed to provide assistance to the (i) community people interested in oil-seed and other feedstock (non-edible oils, waste oils and animal fats) supply for the biodiesel plant, (ii) farmers who interest to advance their vegetable, seeds and cereals production, (iii) women group, farmers groups, forestry user groups and cooperatives interested to advance their agro based businesses, and (iv) small business holders in agro/forestry-energy nexus; through free-consultative services and linkage development among service providers both in community and national levels. However, training, business development services and farmers’ demands are provided in nominal and attractive prices.

HARC premise is always open and welcomes every researcher, educational tourists, students and other interest groups for study and observation purpose.

HARC VMGOs

Vision: Agro-economy fuelled by renewable energy

Mission:
Our mission is to be a part of government plan to substitute the imports of agro-products and petroleum chemicals by providing production services for agricultural crops, fuel crops and operating bio-fuel plants

Goal:
Providing agro-forestry services and producing biodiesel from various green sources in sustainable manner ensuing food security of feedstock providers producers/consumers

Key Working Areas-KWA (3 P):

HARC has identified three key working areas i.e.
i. Produce biodiesel and associated products
ii. Provide agricultural tools and supplies
iii. Provide business development services, skill development trainings and conduct research/studies

Based on these areas, the following objectives have been formulated.

Objectives:

Under KWA 1:
• Engage in operation of a biodiesel production unit and supply the products to diesel engine users ensuring quality test from authorized quality control agencies of GoN
• Receive and utilize grants/funds/subsidy from GoN and any other donors to operate and expand existing transesterification plant

Under KWA 2:
• Operate new sells unit for agricultural tools and supplies (seeds, saplings, fertilizers, nutrients, chemical and pesticides) in Ramnagar, Chitwan targeting local farmers, cooperatives, retailers and local entrepreneurs. Also, arrange for porting the agricultural tools and supplies to the sites of related farmers on their demand

Under KWA 3:
• Conduct research on quantity and quality of feedstock (non-edible oils, waste oils and animal fats) available for biodiesel production, yielding high value agriculture crops, producing hybrid verities of seeds, climate change impact on fuel crops and agriculture crops, etc.
• Improve the economic condition of the farmers through entrepreneurship culture

Core Values:

• Commitment to the corporate social responsibility culture
• Commitment to internalize and foster the entrepreneurship culture
• Commitment to innovative services and environment-friendly products
• Commitment to the promotion of quality of people’s lives
• Commitment to the partnership, collaboration and networking and development of synergy (in collaboration and coordination with govt. agencies and other stakeholders)

Governance

The General Assembly (GA) is the highest decision-making body in the hierarchy of the company which meets each year, also appoints the members of the Board of Directors and the Company Auditor. The Board of Directors is responsible for HARC’s strategy and overseeing and monitoring the Company’s business. It is accountable to GA for overall management and development of the company. The Chairperson/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), assisted by the HARC Executive Board, is responsible for managing the Company’s business and implementing its strategic and operational plans. HARC will have 3 units within the company led by unit managers responsible to look after all activities within the unit and report to the CEO.

HARC has developed its network with concerned groups/institutions/companies at national and international level for the promotion of its services and products.