Ramita Manandhar 1 , Shanta Karki2 , Mohan B. Thapa1 , Yam K. Shrestha2 and Gopal P. Shrestha1
1 Freelancer, Senior Horticulturist
2 National Centre for Fruit Development, Kirtipur, Kathmandu
Corresponding author's e-mail: ramitaman@yahoo.com
Abstract
Nepal, though a very small country, can accommodate production of all the important fruits of the world due to its varied topography and geographic location, however, import of fruits has been increasing resulting huge trade deficit. Apple, grape, mandarin, orange, lime, banana and pomegranate are the important fruits that are imported despite the country's high potentiality of growing them. Area and production of fruits are increasing steadily, but the rate of increase in supply of fruits is lesser than the rate of increase in demand. The government of Nepal has started the Fruit Decade Program from FY 2016/17 in order to increase the production and productivity of fruits through quality sapling production, orchard area expansion and strengthening for effective management of the orchards thereby aiming at increased fruit production which will aid in import substitution and export promotion of fruits. More and more land in the rural area that is being abandoned due to migration of working force, must be converted to large scale fruit cultivation and linking them to value chain including market and attracting foreign returnee youths to be involved. Massive campaign programs and trainings need to be conducted in order to attract youths on fruit decade programs. Research, education and development partners must work together at all levels (federal, provincial and local) for the development of fruit crops in the country.
Keywords: Fruit Decade Program, Fruit production, Trade deficit