T. L. Lama¹
G. P. Rai²
 

Abstract
 
Potato, a non cereal food crop is an important food item in Nepalese diet with deviant mode of consumption as staple food in high-hills and as side dishes in other part of the country. Since the cereal grain food production is not enough to meet the country's food requirement, there is an immediate need to promote any alternative crop(s) and technology to support food security in the country for the growing population. Comparatively, potato fits best in fulfilling the aforesaid issue.

The present dietary energy supply (DES) is less by 341cal/caput/day to meet the average DES as projected by the WFS for the year 2010 (2,770 cal/caput/day), which is less by 675 cal/caput/day as calculated for Nepal. Potato and roots supply 4% of 2429 cal. This was available per capita per day during 1994/95. Potato can supplement 2.4% of DES requirement by 2010 through adoption of true potato seed (TPS) technology in 15% of the projected area under potato cultivation. Despite the availability of more quantity of food using TPS as promising alternative means of potato production, environmental degradation and cost of cultivation can be reduced.

An approximate policy, technology, extension approaches and involvement of the private sectors in the agriculture sector are the prerequisite factors in achieving the food security through increased potato production and better access to food.