R&D Innovative Solution is working to transform Nepal's agriculture through postharvest innovations at the farm level like cold storage and dry chain management. This aims to reduce significant postharvest losses of fruits and vegetables up to 35% and grains, improve food quality and safety, and increase farmers' incomes. The company has installed over 100 affordable coolbot-enabled cold storages in remote areas. However, challenges remain like lack of awareness, high costs, and insufficient policies and infrastructure. Strategies like prioritizing postharvest in policy, strengthening training, public-private partnerships, and bundling innovations were suggested to promote wider adoption. Postharvest innovations can unlock Nepal's agricultural potential and pave the way for a more sustainable and

1. 13 June, 2023 Sunita Nhemaphuki
Transformation of Nepal’s Food System through
Postharvest Innovations at the Farm Level ”
Founder , R & D Innovative Solution Pvt. Ltd., Kathmandu

2. ABOUT US
R & D Innovative Solution is an agro tech based company working in transformation of agriculture in Nepal,
by
• converting low profitable traditional agriculture occupation into sustainable inter-connected entrepreneurial
venture.
• ensuring financial access to unbanked farmers and agro entrepreneurs by facilitating subsidized interest
loan and Kisan Credit Card.
• delivering post harvest solutions ( cold storage & dry chain management) at farm level.
• Ensuring market access to local commodities through e-commerce, retail stores and mobile markets.

3. OVERVIEW OF NEPAL'S AGRICULTURE SYSTEM:
• Agriculture Sector is still the second largest sector in terms
of GDP contribution although its declining every year.
• 66% of the population engaged in agriculture sector.
Source : Nepal Economic Forum
Constraints :
• Low productivity, resulting in low income
• Limited access to finance
• Lack of value chain integration
• Fragmented land holdings
• Inadequate infrastructure ( irrigation, storage, road
connectivity, dedicated logistics)
• Vulnerability to climate change
• Policy & governance challenges ( 3 tier government)

4. POST HARVEST LOSS SCENARIO IN NEPAL
Post Harvest Loss in Fruits & Vegetables :
Significant portion of fruit (20-35%) and vegetables (15-30%) is being lost or
damaged during picking, storage, transportation and marketing stages due to
inappropriate handling practices. ( Source : VCDP, 2022)
Contamination in Grains:
Multi-mycotoxin contamination in Nepalese maize along with the incidence of
molds. Joshi, P., Chauysrinule, C., Mahakarnchanakul, W., & Maneeboon, T.
(2022).
Grains stored at house level, even at industry level are contaminated with
mycotoxins & molds at alarming level. Apart from contamination , loss occurs
due to rodents too. Lack of proper storage system is the main cause of loss.
Farmers throwing produce due to
lack of market (100% loss)

5. WHAT WE DO ?
• Introduced low cost, easy to operate coolbot enabled cold
storage system at farm level. More than 100 coolbot
enabled cold storage are operating in remote areas of
Nepal ( from far east Taplejung to Bajura).
• Demonstrated successful operation of cold stores at the
farmers level. More than 90% of the cold storage we have
installed are being operated by farmers.
• The only company in Nepal providing practical training on
handling of commodities in the cold storage. ( Our trainer
is certified from Post Harvest Center, UC Davis).
Cold Storage Solutions at the farm level

6. OUR CUSTOMERS
The farmers who wants to save their
produce.

7. DRY CHAIN SOLUTIONS
• Production and Supply of DryCard, train farmers
to use Storage Bags, Training to build Chimney
Solar Dryers at the farm level.

8. Reduction in postharvest losses and waste.
 Improved food quality and safety.
 Increased market access and value addition.
 Enhanced income generation and livelihoods for
farmers.
“Last season farmers could not sell kiwi at the peak of
production. The market price was below 80Rs/kg. The
farmers who owned cold storage were able to sell it at
250/kg after 3-4 months of storage.”
BENEFITS AND IMPACTS OF INNOVATIONS AT FARM LEVEL

9. • Limited awareness and knowledge among farmers, traders
and even agriculture technicians regarding post harvest
management practices.
• High upfront costs and limited access to finance.
• Lack of supportive policies and infrastructure at local level.
• Technical and capacity constraints.
CHALLENGES AND BARRIERS TO ADOPTION:

10.  Prioritize Post Harvest Management Sector in the policy. We even don’t
have a dedicated department in Agriculture Ministry to look after this.
 Strengthening farmer training and extension programs. (the most effective
way is the technology demonstration at farm level.
 Bundling of Innovations and delivering it in a bundle. ( A grower needs to be
provided knowledge and skill on every stage of post harvest management from harvesting –
transportation- storage- packaging), it should be bundled)
 Encouraging public-private partnerships and collaborations for market
linkages and value chain coordination. ( Industry and producers need to be linked
directly through coordination with local government)
STRATEGIES FOR PROMOTING POSTHARVEST INNOVATIONS

11. Postharvest innovations at the farm level offer tremendous opportunities to minimize losses, enhance
food quality, access diverse markets, promote sustainability, and empower smallholder farmers.
By prioritizing and investing in postharvest innovations, Nepal can unlock its agricultural
potential, address food security challenges, and pave the way for a resilient, efficient, and
sustainable food system.
Together, let us embrace postharvest innovations and drive the transformation of Nepal's food system
for a prosperous and sustainable future.
CONCLUSION

12. Sunita Nhemaphuki
Founder
R & D Innovative Solution Pvt. Ltd.
www.agrinepal.com
THANK YOU