China and Nepal Hold-Joint Workshop to Discuss Future Cooperation
Exchange Visit between China and Nepal to Discuss the Future Cooperation
AsiaBlight (China) Cooperation Network Team Visits Nepal for Technical Exchange
By Che Xingbi, AsiaBlight Network
April 9, 2025 | Beijing
In alignment with the AsiaBlight-China 2025 work plan and the resolutions of the Chengdu International AsiaBlight Network Conference, the AsiaBlight-China team visited Nepal from March 26 to 30, 2025. The aim was to strengthen interactive cooperation between AsiaBlight-China and AsiaBlight-Nepal, share expertise on potato late blight prevention and control, assist Nepalese growers with practical production challenges, and promote broader agricultural technology cooperation across the Asia-Pacific region.
Strengthening a Long-standing Partnership
Deepening China–Nepal Cooperation to Open a New Chapter in Potato Industry Development
During in-depth exchanges with the AsiaBlight-Nepal team—represented by the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC)—the China delegation learned that NARC is transitioning from “pure pathogen research” toward a more strategic focus on “solving farmers’ real-world production issues.” The Nepalese team is actively building its capacity, preparing for its annual meeting, and planning to invite core members of the AsiaBlight Network to participate. The goal is to facilitate cross-border knowledge sharing and strengthen collaborative efforts in late blight prevention and control across the region.
Advancing Industry Strategy Through Cooperation
Mutual Efforts to Drive Strategic Implementation
The Chinese delegation met with Dr. Doj Raj K., Executive Director of NARC; Dr. Suraj Baidya, Director of the National Institute of Plant Pathology; Dr. Ram, Chief Representative of AsiaBlight-Nepal; and Neela Paudel, Technical Officer for Nepal’s National Potato Program. The discussions covered key topics such as the development path of Nepal’s potato industry and models for China–Nepal technical cooperation.
Field Research Highlights Industry Opportunities
Understanding On-the-Groun
d Challenges and Unlocking Potential
The delegation visited Panauti, one of Nepal’s main potato-producing regions, and observed favorable natural conditions for potato cultivation (e.g., abundant water resources). However, they identified technical bottlenecks including outdated farm management practices, high input costs (e.g., methoxymorph priced at 500 yuan/kg), and limited micro-potato production infrastructure. Recommendations included improving productivity through the introduction of Chinese agricultural technologies, such as training in planting techniques and promoting virus-free seed potatoes. These initiatives could also open market opportunities for Chinese agricultural products while supporting food security and farmer incomes in Nepal.
Technical Assistance and Formalized Cooperation
A Milestone Agreement to Support Sustainable Development 
Responding to NARC’s needs, Dr. Zhang Jun, Coordinator of AsiaBlight-China (and General Manager of Beijing Huisijunda Technology Co., Ltd.), led a technical team to install a second potato late blight monitor and conduct training on the early warning system to enhance local disease monitoring capabilities. A formal cooperation agreement was signed based on the CCCAP platform, establishing a long-term technical cooperation mechanism for late blight monitoring, prevention, and control R&D.
Special Seminar: Sharing Development Insights
Mutual Learning to Foster Progress
A special seminar was held during the visit, where Che Xingbi, General Coordinator of the AsiaBlight Collaboration Network (China), introduced the Chinese late blight monitoring and early warning system—including the application of the Belgian CARAH model—and shared experiences in technology promotion and network coordination. The NARC team presented the current state of Nepal’s potato industry, key challenges, and future development plans. Through data exchange and case analysis, both sides identified priorities and technical alignment for future collaboration.
This seminar deepened mutual understanding and trust, laying a solid foundation for ongoing cooperation in the prevention and control of potato late blight—and opening a promising new chapter in AsiaBlight China–Nepal exchange.
Looking Ahead: A Clear Vision for Future Development
Building Sustainable, Inclusive Agricultural Partnerships
1. Establishing a “One-to-One” Industry Support Mechanism
Chinese seed potato enterprises with strong social responsibility are encouraged to establish direct support partnerships with Nepalese seed potato producers. By sharing technical knowledge and production experience, these relationships can help improve productivity and support the sustainable development of Nepal’s potato industry.
2. Organizing Cross-Border Industry Inspections and Trainings
Potatoes are Nepal’s second-largest food crop and an important cash crop, with an annual planting area of about 200,000 hectares. Leveraging the AsiaBlight-China network, we plan to integrate seed potato suppliers, agricultural input providers, and research institutions to organize industry visits and hold joint technical training sessions in both China and Nepal—fostering targeted solutions and unlocking the market potential of Nepal’s vast potato sector.
3. Jointly Applying for International Cooperation Projects
AsiaBlight will support NARC and CCCAP in applying for projects under China’s National Development Cooperation Agency, South-South Cooperation frameworks, and Belt and Road Initiatives. Key areas include late blight control, seed potato breeding, and water-saving irrigation—helping build a robust regional agricultural technology cooperation network.
