A high level delegation from the International Potato Center (CIP), Peru led by Director -General Dr Simon Heck along with Dr Uma Shankar Singh, lead South Asia regional platform and strategic advisor to DG, CIP visited Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) on Thursday 25th April, 2024.
A short interaction program was held at NARC headquarter in presence of Executive Director, Program Directors of NARC, Coordinator of National Potato Research Program (NPRP) along with other scientists of NARC. A brief presentation on “Status of potato research and development in Nepal” was delivered by Yuvraj Bhusal, coordinator NPRP. Discussion was made on germplasm exchange, technical assistance and other research collaboration on potato and other root crops. Dr. Uma Shankar highlighted the potentiality of Nepal as potato seed hub for the South Asian region owing to its favorable agro-ecological condition and also encouraged the germplasm exchange based on the agreement on multi-country seed sharing realizing the concept of “Seeds without border”. NARC’s Executive Director appreciated CIP for the inputs and assistance provided to the country for the promotion of potato and sweet potato in Nepal and sought collaboration for cassava germplasm introduction in Nepal. DG-CIP indicated the possibility of germplasm introduction through the partner organizations working on cassava in Africa. Moreover, he highlighted the potentiality of “apical rooted cuttings” as a new frontier to revolutionize the seed potato production in Nepal.
Later on they visited the tissue culture laboratory, pre basic seed production unit, potato breeding farm of NPRP and observed the facilities and germplasms conserved. DG-CIP highlighted on the potentiality of expansion of sweet potato as a climate resilient crop for food and nutrition security enhancement. He appreciated the undertakings of NPRP and expressed his commitment for further collaboration for strengthening research and development of root and tuber crops in Nepal.
