Govinda Prasad Sharma^*, Reeti Singh and Ranju Maharjan

Department of Agriculture, Hariharbhawan, Lalitpur

^*Orcid Id: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0688-4874

Abstract

This paper analyses the import-export and marketing of horticultural crops and commodities in Nepal. The overall import value outweighs the export value. The import shows an increased pattern particularly for vegetables, fruits, floriculture products and resource materials. A higher increment is witnessed in value than their volume resulting to the increased trade loss. A substantial import is reported for onion and potato among vegetables; apple, lime and walnut among fruits. The floriculture industry, the resource materials for vegetables (seeds) and fruit crops (fruit saplings) are also increasing over the years. On the contrary, the exports are limited and inconsistent for horticultural commodities. The major export by value comprises large cardamom, ginger, medicinal plants, tea and coffee. There is increased demand for fruit and vegetables both in fresh and processed form. The marketing of horticultural crops shows an increased risk to producers’ income characterized by production uncertainties, natural disasters, lack of post-harvest technology, breaching of production and supply contract, inadequate market infrastructure, poor market mechanisms and price fluctuation. Strategic actions with comprehensive plan on horticulture sector are recommended led by dedicated team members with institutional reform to minimize trade loss through increased domestic production.

Keywords: Demand, domestic production, income risk, market governance, trade deficit, strategic actions.