Abstract

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a critical crop for food security and income generation in Nepal, ranking
fifth in cultivation area and fourth in production. Despite its agro-economic significance, productivity remains
constrained by the limited availability of quality seeds. This paper explores two advanced seed production
technologies - Pre-Basic Seed (PBS) through tissue culture and True Potato Seed (TPS) via hybridization.
PBS production involves meristem culture under sterile laboratory conditions, virus testing (DAS-ELISA),
and mini-tuber production in aphid-proof screen houses. PBS seeds, graded by weight (A: >5g, B: 1–5g, C:
<1g), enhance yield by 49.8% but face challenges like high infrastructure costs, skilled manpower shortages,
and inconsistent demand. TPS technology, an alternative to costly seed tubers, relies on hybrid progeny HPS
7/67) and offers advantages such as disease resistance and suitability for remote areas. However, TPS adoption
is hindered by labor intensity, genetic variability, and climate sensitivity. Nepal's institutional framework NPRP,
PCDC-Nigale) and private labs produce 990,000 PBS tubers annually, yet supply falls short of the national
demand. TPS production, though limited (9.5-32 kg/year), shows promise for resource-constrained farmers.
Key recommendations include strengthening tissue culture infrastructure, scaling up certified seed programs,
fostering public-private partnerships, and promoting climate-resilient TPS hybrids. These strategies aim to
bridge the seed deficit, boost productivity, and support sustainable potato farming in Nepal.
Keywords: Hybridization, Potato, Pre-basic seed, Tissue culture, True potato seed