𝐍𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭-𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭.
Nepal recently held its first-ever summit dedicated to potatoes, a significant milestone in the country’s agricultural sector. The event, a joint initiative by the Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, aimed to tackle industry challenges and promote innovation within Nepal’s potato farming sector.
With a primary focus on knowledge sharing, innovation promotion, and obstacle resolution, the summit is poised to have a profound impact on Nepal’s potato industry. Potatoes play a crucial role in Nepal’s agricultural landscape, contributing significantly to food security, rural livelihoods, and overall economic growth.
During the event, Shreejana Rana, President of the Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the remarkable growth of Nepal’s potato industry, emphasizing advancements in cultivation practices and government support programs. She acknowledged existing challenges and underscored the importance of leveraging opportunities for further development.
Agriculture Minister Jwala Kumari Sah emphasized the summit’s role in addressing pertinent issues related to potatoes, a globally favoured agricultural product. The summit, she noted, could pave the way for a prosperous future for Nepal’s potato industry.
In a session titled ‘Neighbouring Country’s Experience’, Nripendra Jha, CEO of Technico Agri Sciences Limited India, shared insights on potato farming practices and technical collaborations in India. He informed the audience that India recognized the potential of potatoes as a major crop back in 1935, leading to the establishment of a Research Centre dedicated to potato and potato seed research. Currently India produces an impressive 60 million metric tonnes of potatoes annually, establishing itself as the second-largest potato supplier in the global market. He further quoted that Government of India has released approximately 65 varieties for various micro markets. Technico has got large varietal bank of 375+ varieties and serving Indian as well global farmer base.
Binod Shah, Assistant FAO Representative, reiterated the significant role of potatoes in enhancing self-sustainability, food security, and financial viability. FAO pledged continued support to Nepal by offering technical expertise and capacity-building initiatives to benefit government bodies, producers, and private enterprises in the sector.
