Dr. R.K. Raut¹
Dr. B.N. Kayastha²
 

Abstract
 
Commercially vegetable seed production in Nepal started in seventies and now Nepal produces approximately 400 tons of vegetable seeds. Government NARC farms concentrate on nucleus and foundation seeds. Private sector produces more than 90% seeds. Seed production pockets are developed in the common area of horticultural farms scattered throughout the country but western districts are more suitable for seed production than eastern due to climatic reasons. The data about country's seed requirements has been differently reported and production varies from year to year due to erotic demand and marketing.

Research for continuous supply of superior open pollinated variants and hybrid seed production should be done. Private sector should develop custom hybrid seed production in collaboration with foreign seed companies. Measures should be taken to control the production and distribution of quality seed by field inspection, laboratory testing of seed and checking the truthful labeling of seeds. Contract syst5em should be legalized. For export quality as well as varieties should be properly selected. Seed processing facilities should develop or facilities made available in seed production pockets.