Chestnut Production, Status, Constraints, and Prospects in Nepal

The Global Hunger Index, ranked Nepal as 44 out of 76 countries in 2014. For Nepalese farmers it is high time to diversify their food items as well as production, and gain better market access with competency. In this case Chestnut can be the potential one. Chestnut is a high-demanding nut with a unique nutrient quality that distinguishes it from other nuts. Its demand is increasing in country as well globally. Chestnuts' elevated its use confectionery, associated with their health benefits, and is anticipated to push the chestnuts market forward. Increasing the health consciousness of the people and increasing research on the analysis of the nutritional constituent and their role in human health its importance is flourishing. Chestnut flour is now becoming quite prevalent in pastries, which is propelling the worldwide manufacturing and trade market for chestnuts. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization Asia-Pacific dominates the market. Nepal too is predicted to have a wonderful production opportunity and market place due to its geographical comparative advantages. Nepal has a good opportunity to utilize the wild cultivar as the root-stock to make high yielding varieties by grafting it with some high yielding varieties (Japanese and Chinese) and has the possibility of upgrading the utilization of underutilized land and resources to enhance the economy. Further research and extension work, variety improvement and collaboration among the concerned authorities are most for improvement, commercial production and increasing import of chestnut.