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

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, conclusions, or recommendations expressed on this podcast are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  Note: intro and outro music credit to Zakhar Valaha from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-motivational-ident-main-9923/