Potatoes for prosperity: Enhancing food security, livelihoods, and climate resilience in Nepal

Potatoes have played a vital role in shaping Nepal’s agricultural economy and food system for many years. It is cultivated across diverse altitudes and climatic zones, and make a substantial contribution to household nutrition, rural livelihoods, and national food security. Focusing on the growing challenges of climate change, population growth, and rising food demand, the potato's short cultivation period, high yield, and adaptability position it as a key component of Nepal’s strategy for sustainable agriculture. This review examines the current state of potato cultivation in Nepal, focusing on its socioeconomic impact, production trends, major challenges, research achievements, and future outlook. It emphasizes the importance of sustainable farming practices, varietal improvement, efficient seed systems, and supportive policies to strengthen the crop’s role in achieving national food security. Recent advancements in potato research and development offer promising solutions to address Nepal’s ongoing food security challenges. The findings of this study are useful for potato researchers, producers, and policy makers for sustainability in potato production in Nepal.