Farmers in the Sunthan area of ​​Panauti Municipality-9, Kavre are currently busy harvesting potatoes. The area produces potatoes twice a year, contributing significantly to local supply.

Nepal, which has not yet become fully self-sufficient in potatoes, has been importing potatoes worth Rs 6 to 8 billion annually to meet domestic demand, according to data from the last five years.

It has been learnt that Nepal imported 287,000 tons of potatoes worth Rs 7.10 billion in the last fiscal year 2024/25.

According to statistics, the annual production of potatoes in Nepal stands at 3.3 to 3.5 million metric tons and the annual demand ranges between 3.3 to 3.7 million metric tons.

Current production is sufficient to Nepal for only 11 months, leaving the country dependent on imports for a month.  

Most of the potatoes grown in Nepal are used for domestic consumption.

It is the main food crop in the hilly areas, while it is used as a vegetable and snack item in urban areas.

In the industrial sector, potatoes are used to make chips and finger chips.