T. L. Lama
Potato Development Section, Kumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal

DOI

ABSTRACT

TPS, an alternative technology for potato production was introduced to Nepal in 1985. From 1985 to 1993 major emphasis has been on the evaluation of TPS families suitable for different agro-ecoregions in Nepal. Transfer of technology was started in 1993-94 crop season through on-farm participatory technology verification demonstration (PVD), which was conducted, in different agro- ecozones (Terai, mid-hills and high-hills). Non-availability of good quality tuber seed and its movement to inaccessible areas have limited potato production in Nepal. TPS technology has helped to minimize these difficulties and farmers are enthusiastic about TPS indicating a rapid progress in its adoption by farmers in Nepal. The demand for TPS has increased in the last 3-4 years. The farmers bought 12 kg of TPS in 1998/99 producing tubers enough for planting 600 ha in the following season. Based on the past experiences gained through working with the farmers having varied socio-economic and cultural ethnicity while conducting PVD, a model was developed and adopted for transferring TPS technology in Nepal. The salient features of this model include a central training-cum-planning workshop, regional level training to field staffs, community based PVD in ‘cluster’ followed by field level training, field days and field visits at district and national level. The details of the mechanisms adopted for successful dissemination of TPS technology in the country are presented in this model. Location specific efficient and effective TPS technology was developed for potato production through participatory approach in Nepal.