Scope of Horticultural Crops in Nepal

1. Climatatic condition

• Nepal has different agro-climatic region where different kinds of fruits and vegetables can be grown:

Nepal enjoy variety of climate which permits to grow different horticultural crops

• According to climatic condition there are four different:

a) Tropical zone : 75 – 750 masl

b) Sub tropical zone : 750 – 1500 masl

c) Mild temperate zone : 1500 – 2000 masl

d) Temperate zone : above 2000 masl

2. Topographical condition

• Nepal is a mountainous country with undulated lands
• Such undulate lands have different degree of south and north facing slope
• North facing slope soils have relatively more moisture content in the soils
• Citrus fruits are successfully cultivated in north-east facing slope
• Similarly, apple are successfully cultivated in south facing slope

3. Demand and Supply (export) possibilities

• Two huge market of the world as our neighbors
• Majority of the fruits, vegetables and ornamentals plants are imported from India and third world

4. Growing education

• Fruits and vegetables are rich in nutrients like protein, mineral, fat and vitamins
• Many people are suffering from deficiency disease like malnutrition
• Many people are out of reach of regular consumption of fruits
• Large scale production of fruits and vegetables favors availability of fruits and vegetables to common people and helps in eradication of nutrient deficiency diseases
• Growing education of the country makes people realize the nutritive and economic value of fruits and vegetables and to meet the demand amount, production must increase

5. Scientific use of lands

• Nepal is a hilly country, 60% of land is covered by hills and mountains • In the hills there is high potential of horticulture tree crops

a) These trees species provide fruits and timber

b) Provides fodder and fuel wood

c) Reduce soil erosion

d) Provides job opportunity

6. Facilities

a Irrigation facilities

Minor irrigation project in the rural areas Kankai and koshi sinchai aayojaana and Bheri babai diversion aayojaana

1. Market facilities
2. Storage facilities
3. Friendly banking and cooperative institutions for loans and credits
4. Insurance policy
5. Subsidy in horticultural inputs
6. Distribution of plant materials