Abstract

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an important vegetable crops of Nepal. It is the major component of vegetables
of Nepalese people. The crop is being cultivated in the country throughout the year. Significant increase (from
20 kg to > 100 kg/person/year) in Per capita consumption of potato in Nepal shows the growing demand of
potato within country. Besides, country has opportunity to get advantage from this crop by exporting to giant
markets in neighboring countries. Major areas to be improved in the potato sector development is to strengthen
its seed production system along with development of market preference variety. Research and development
activities in potato was started since 1960s. Major seed sector research in tuber crops has been confined to potato
though in beginning stage. Research to increase the quality, size and number of Pre-Basic-Seed (PBS) was
initiated since the establishment of Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC). Similarly, varietal effect on
the seed multiplication ratio, number of seed potato and their storability have been studied. Study on the effect
of plant density, PBS generation and pruning in seed potato production have been done and recommended for
seed production. Since the establishment of formal research and development program by then Government of
Nepal, many genotypes of potato have been brought in the country and evaluated for the suitability in different
agroecological regions. In later years, research on varietal development activities have been focused on disease
and insect resistance, early maturing, good storability, suitability for processing, climate resilient and high
yielding qualities. So, far thirteen varieties of potato released, and five varieties registered. Research on sweet
potato varieties has been initiated. As a result of evaluation of exotic and local germplasms of sweet potato, two
varieties have been released and few are in pipelines. Different research stations are involved in Collection and
evaluation of germplasm of ole, yam and Colocasia. Ever increasing internal demand, and scope of marketing
in neighboring countries are the big opportunities to increase the production and productivity of potato and
other tuber crops in Nepal. This can be achieved by making strong seed system, utilizing the potentiality of
agrodiversity, speed breeding using new breeding tools and product diversification.
Keynotes: Basic seed, Constraints, Generation, Seed replacement ratio.