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Summary:
The second Potato Summit 2025 was held in Kathmandu to develop strategies for boosting Nepal's potato industry. Organized by the Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Development, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the summit focused on improving the potato seed value chain, market development, processing opportunities, and private sector engagement.
Key points discussed included:
- Adoption of improved seed varieties.
- The importance of cold storage to reduce post-harvest losses.
- Targeted financing to strengthen the potato value chain.
- Promotion of crop insurance as a risk-reduction strategy for farmers.
- The role of financial institutions in providing loans for infrastructure and agribusiness models.
- Strategic investments in processing, storage, and marketing to enhance competitiveness.
Agriculture Minister Ram Nath Adhikari highlighted the government's commitment to supporting the sector through policy reforms and incentives. FAO representative Ken Shimizu emphasized the importance of aligning with market trends and consumer preferences, noting the Hand-in-Hand Initiative's role in promoting highland potatoes as a priority commodity for rural development and food security.
Overall, the summit aimed to optimize potato production, improve farmer livelihoods, and boost the sector's growth in Nepal.