B. B. Khatri1
and
T. L. Lama2
Abstract
Agriculture is the backbone of Nepalese economy. It has received a higher priority in most of the development plans. Despite all the efforts in this sector, the problem of poverty has posed itself as a big challenge to Nepal.
Rice, maize, wheat and millet are the major food crops and the productivity of these crops at present are either stagnant or in slow growth rate. In response to increasing land scarcity, galloping population and present scenario of the agricultural production in the country, potato crop has high production potentiality to give more food per unit area and per unit time. In addition, increased potato production in the country can minimize the pressure on food grain crops and only then, significant achievements can be obtained in food security. However, the tremendous importance of potato crop as a source of income for poor farmers and of food for the rural and urban poor is often overlooked improving food security and alleviating poverty in the country.