Khairahani, Chitwan – January 24, 2025
In a bid to boost commercial potato farming in Nepal, the District Agriculture Office in Chitwan has initiated research on various potato varieties in Khairahani Municipality–10, Kharkhutte. The ongoing trials, part of the office's annual program, aim to identify and promote high-yield, disease-resistant, and market-preferred potato varieties.
The research includes both domestic and foreign varieties, with seven out of the ten under study imported from Europe. According to Suruchi Tripathi, the office's information officer, these varieties are undergoing rigorous testing and have yet to be officially listed. Further studies will be conducted post-harvest to assess their potential for large-scale farming.
Farmer Krishna Prasad Aryal, whose farm has been designated for the trials, highlighted the need for standardized potato varieties to stabilize market prices. “Despite high production, inconsistent pricing by traders has been a challenge,” Aryal said. He stressed that cultivating varieties in demand by consumers and traders could significantly increase production and profitability. Aryal estimates that the region generates annual potato sales worth NPR 370 million, with room for further growth.
The varieties under research include 0.52, 25.7, Elberstone Russet, Cayman, Syagita, Quintera, Innovator, Friesona, Santana, and the local Neelo. These varieties are being analyzed for their yield, size, taste, resistance to pests and diseases, and suitability for industrial use in products like French fries and chips.
District Agriculture Office Chief Jhalak Nath Kandel stated that the research is exploring whether Chitwan can produce industrial-grade potatoes. “The results of this study, expected after this year’s harvest, will guide farmers toward adopting varieties that meet industrial and consumer demands,” Kandel said.
The initiative aims to transition farmers from traditional farming practices to a more scientific, market-driven approach. If successful, the findings could pave the way for transforming Chitwan into a hub for commercial potato farming, benefitting both farmers and the agricultural economy.
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