VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS OF POTATO IN SYANGJA DISTRICT, NEPAL

Abstract

A study was conducted in Galyang Municipality, Putalibazar Municipality, and Phedikhola Rural Municipality in Syangja district to analyze the potato value chain and evaluate its productivity, profitability, and marketing margins. A total of 74 potato producers, 2 aggregators, 2 wholesalers, 4 retailers, and 7 consumers were selected using random purposive sampling for data collection. The data was analyzed using SPSS and Excel software. The cost of production per ropani was NRs. 16789.60 and the productivity was 7.02 quintals per ropani. The B/C ratio obtained was 2.06 with the net margin NRs. 6710.5 per ropani. The producer’s share of the consumer’s price was NRs. 66.43% for fresh vegetables and 70.91% for tubers. The marketing margin for aggregators, retailers, and wholesalers was NRs. 834, NRs. 1270, and NRs. 946 respectively. The main constraints of potato production were the incidence of diseases and pests such as late blight and red ant, lack of technology and technical manpower, decreasing labor availability, and high production cost. Therefore, it is recommended to establish linkages between the government and different actors in production areas for proper grading and leveling of the product for quality products available in the local area as well as for enhancing export. The government and development agencies should support farmers’ organizations for integrated disease management, reduce the cost of production, and develop agricultural marketing infrastructure for easy market access to farmers.