Beyond Plastic: Dr. Shuresh Ghimire on Extension Partnerships, IPM, Hemp, and Smarter Mulching Solutions

About this episode

Dr. Shuresh Ghimire discusses sustainable agriculture, integrated pest management, and the evolution of hemp production.

In this episode of Mulch Matters , we welcome Dr. Shuresh Ghimire, Associate Extension Educator and IPM Specialist at the University of Connecticut. From his roots on a small farm in Nepal to leading integrated pest management programs in the USA, Shuresh shares his journey, expertise , and insights into sustainable agriculture. The conversation dives into: Why integrated pest management (IPM) is critical for balancing environmental, economic, and social priorities. The real-world benefits and challenges of using biodegradable mulches (BDMs) vs. polyethylene mulch (PE). Economic and environmental reasons why growers in the Northeast are embracing BDMs. How hemp production is evolving in Connecticut. The importance of partnerships among universities, agencies, and farmers to drive agricultural innovation. Whether you're a grower, researcher, or sustainability advocate, this episode offers practical knowledge, inspiring stories, and a fresh perspective on the future of mulch management and sustainable farming. This work is supported by Specialty Crops Research Initiative Award 2022-51181-38325 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings…

People in this episode

Host: Nataliya Shcherbatyuk

Guest: Dr. Shuresh Ghimire

Topics covered

• sustainable agriculture
• integrated pest management
• biodegradable mulches
• hemp production
• agricultural innovation

Keywords

• sustainable farming
• biodegradable mulches
• integrated pest management
• hemp production
• agricultural partnerships

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Connecticut, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Places: Nepal, Northeast

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