Boost mango production to replace imports: Agri Minister
He also pointed out that market prices for mangoes vary with time and there are generally no complaints about fair pricing.
KATHMANDU: Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ramnath Adhikari, has emphasized that Nepal can reduce mango imports by increasing domestic production.
While attending the opening of the “Nepal Mango Fest 2025” that began in Kathmandu on Friday, Minister Adhikari said that it is the state’s responsibility to conduct scientific research on mango varieties and manage cultivation according to regional suitability.
However, he also stressed the importance of farmers’ involvement in this process.
“If we conduct proper research on mango saplings and identify where which variety grows best, the government can manage it. But we need farmers’ interest and cooperation. If production increases, we won’t need to import mangoes,” he said.
He also pointed out that market prices for mangoes vary with time and there are generally no complaints about fair pricing.
The Minister added that the government is actively working on long-term plans to boost mango production in response to the growing demand within the country.
Speaking at the same event, Anu Joshi Shrestha, a pricing expert at the Agricultural Sector Development Programme (ASDP), said that they have been working for several years to develop Madhesh Province as a mango superzone.
However, she expressed concern over the lack of government attention despite the region’s high potential for mango production.
Shrestha added that due to marketing challenges, even locally grown mangoes in Madhes have not reached Nepali consumers, which has prompted her organization to act.
The festival aims to promote the diversity, taste, and value chain of Nepali mangoes. Over 10 varieties of mangoes are being showcased and sold during the event.
