Mr. Utkal Sapkota | Chemical Safety | Young Scientist Award

Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Nepal

Academic Profiles

• Scopus Profile
• ORICD Profile
• Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits

Mr. Utkal Sapkota began his academic journey in agricultural sciences at the esteemed Tribhuvan University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at the Paklihawa Campus. His undergraduate thesis centered on the in-vitro evaluation of plant extracts against Rhizoctonia solani, the causal organism of rice sheath blight. This project laid a solid foundation in phytopathology and botanical pesticide research. During his bachelor studies, he also explored biorational pest control methods, including the design of experiments using two-factorial Randomized Complete Block Design and statistical analysis via R Studio. His work with botanicals such as Azadirachta indica, Allium sativum, Lantana camara, and others highlighted an early inclination toward sustainable pest management approaches.

Professional Endeavors

Following his foundational studies, Mr. Sapkota advanced to postgraduate research at the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Post Graduate Campus, Kathmandu. He earned his Master of Science in Agriculture, specializing in Entomology. His thesis, “Lethal and Sublethal Effects of Beauveria bassiana Commercial Products on Spodoptera frugiperda,” involved intensive bioassays under laboratory conditions. As a graduate research assistant under the guidance of a senior scientist from the Nepal Agricultural Research Council, he conducted extensive research on insect-pathogen interactions, particularly focusing on Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae, which are significant in biocontrol.

Contributions and Research Focus

His research interests span emerging contaminants, pesticide fate, computational toxicology, and environmental risk assessment. These interests reflect a deepening commitment to the intersection of environmental health and agricultural productivity. At the Nepal Agricultural Research Council, he contributed to several high-impact experiments such as mass rearing of the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and brown plant hopper (Nilaparvata lugens), quantification of conidia using a hemocytometer, and efficacy testing of fungal and chemical insecticides through bioassays.

Furthering his scope, Mr. Sapkota worked as a researcher at Progressive Sustainable Developers Nepal, where he implemented behavioral modeling frameworks such as the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Protection Motivation Theory to assess farmer pesticide-use behaviors. This role included gathering both qualitative and quantitative data via household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews, aiming to develop sustainable pesticide safety protocols based on farmer psychology and local practices.

Impact and Influence

His research contributes to real-world agricultural sustainability, offering innovative insights into biopesticide application, entomopathogenic fungi efficacy, and farmer behavioral change modeling. Through his field and lab-based investigations, Mr. Sapkota has supported initiatives aimed at reducing chemical pesticide dependency, which is critical in contexts where environmental degradation and health risks are closely linked to agricultural inputs. His work also supports policy-level interventions on safe pesticide usage and pest risk management.

Academic Contributions and Collaborations

Throughout his academic trajectory, Mr. Sapkota has been involved in both independent and collaborative projects. As a research intern at the Molecular Biology Laboratory of the National Biotechnology Research Center, he honed molecular biology techniques including DNA extraction using the CTAB method, RT-qPCR, and gel electrophoresis. This molecular skillset reinforces his potential for integrated approaches combining traditional entomology with biotechnology and toxicology. He has also contributed to institution-funded and internationally-backed research, including projects supported by the Asian Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative. His interdisciplinary collaborations have bridged entomology, plant pathology, molecular biology, and data science.

Technical Skills

He possesses a broad and valuable technical skillset. His laboratory competencies include entomopathogenic fungi isolation and culture, microscopy, conidial quantification, bioassays, and fungal morphological studies. He is proficient in advanced analytical tools such as LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS, crucial for identifying pesticide residues and environmental contaminants. His software proficiency spans R Studio, SPSS, AMOS, and ArcGIS, enabling him to conduct sophisticated data analysis, structural equation modeling, and spatial mapping.

Teaching and Mentoring Experience

While not explicitly documented in formal teaching roles, Mr. Sapkota’s research assistantships have included mentoring junior researchers, organizing bioassay procedures, and contributing to structured data collection training among field staff. These informal capacities demonstrate leadership and the potential for future academic mentoring and teaching positions.

Legacy and Future Contributions

He is well-positioned to make impactful contributions in sustainable agriculture, environmental toxicology, and computational modeling of pesticide risks. His research bridges the urgent need for ecological safety with scientifically validated pest management strategies. As agricultural systems evolve to meet climate challenges, researchers like Mr. Sapkota are essential in designing interventions that are biologically sound, environmentally friendly, and socioeconomically viable.

His interdisciplinary training across field research, molecular diagnostics, and behavioral science will enable him to lead cross-sectoral initiatives in agricultural development, public health, and ecological conservation. With a firm foundation in both theory and application, he is prepared to engage with global research communities, drive regional development programs, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications and international conferences.

Notable Publications

• Farmers’ Behavioral Intention Towards Pesticide Safety in Nepal: An Assessment of the Extended Theory of Planned Behavior
  Authors: Utkal Sapkota, Sarmila Adhikari, Govinda Bhandari
  Journal: Journal of Environmental Management
  Year: 2025

• Pesticide Use and Safety Behavior Among Rice Farmers in Nepal: The Assessment of Theory of Planned Behavior and Potential Health Risk
  Authors: Govinda Bhandari, Anushka Pandey, Utkal Sapkota, Sheelendra Pratap Singh, Hirotatsu Murano
  Journal: Environment, Development and Sustainability
  Year: 2025

• Modeling Vegetable Farmers’ Intention to Use Pesticides in Central Nepal: An Extended Version of the Planned Behavior Theory
  Authors: Utkal Sapkota, Govinda Bhandari, Mandira Sapkota, Sneha Khanal, Asmita Poudel, Dipak Khanal, Min Raj Pokhrel, Christos A. Damalas
  Journal: Environmental Challenges
  Year: 2025

• Safety Behavior of Nepalese Strawberry Farmers as Reflected by the Protection Motivation Theory
  Authors: Utkal Sapkota, Govinda Bhandari, Lalit BC, Liangxin Fan, Violette Geissen
  Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research
  Year: 2025

Conclusion

He represents a new generation of scientifically rigorous, environmentally aware researchers whose academic path and research focus reflect a commitment to solving pressing agricultural and environmental challenges. Through integrated methodologies, strong technical expertise, and a clear vision for sustainable development, he is set to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of agroecological research, environmental safety, and rural transformation in Nepal and beyond.