Mitigating soilborne diseases to improve smallholder farmers’ livelihoods and food security in Nepal

What is a Feed the Future Innovation Lab ?

Feed the Future Innovation Labs are research programs that draw on the expertise of top U.S. colleges and universities in collaboration with research and educational institutions in focus countries to tackle some of the world’s greatest challenges in agriculture, food security, and nutrition. Led by U.S. universities, the Feed the Future Innovation Labs are on the cutting edge of efforts to research, develop, and take to scale safe and effective technologies that address current and future challenges posed by a changing climate and the need to feed a growing global population. One important aspect of Feed the Future Innovation Labs is the collaborative partnerships they build across borders, accessing knowledge of American universities and building the capacity of scientists in developing countries.  

Horticulture Innovation Lab


Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Horticulture is the new 3.5-year portfolio, as a part of Feed the Future, the U.S. Government's global hunger and food security initiative through regionally-led research initiatives across East and West Africa, Central America, and South Asia. It will be managed by four Horticulture Innovation Lab Regional Hubs based at the International Center for Evaluation and Development (ICED), the University of Ghana, Zamorano University, and FORWARD Nepal. This program represents the Horticulture Innovation Lab's commitment to finding creative solutions to the most pressing challenges facing the horticulture sector and global agricultural community, from climate change and social transformation to malnutrition, food safety and security. By investing in applied research, technologies, and development initiatives, the Horticulture Innovation Lab will foster a culture of innovation and collaboration through global partnerships and continuous learning. 


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Mitigating soilborne diseases to improve smallholder farmers’ livelihoods and food security in Nepal


The persistent cultivation of vegetables on the same land in Nepal has intensified soilborne diseases, adversely affecting farm profitability and discouraging young individuals from pursuing vegetable cultivation. To address this challenge, this project aims to develop cost-effective, environmentally friendly techniques that can provide vital support to marginalized farmers in Nepal. These techniques will help alleviate multiple stresses in vegetable production, leading to increased yields and contributing to long-term food and nutritional security. This project is led by Dr. Ram B. Khadka from the Nepal Agricultural Research Council, with Dr. Ranjana Rawal as a co-investigator. The project will focus on developing economically viable and environmentally friendly disease and weed management methods, to boost the productivity and profitability of vegetable growers in Nepal, while concurrently gathering data on treatment impacts on soil health indicators and resilient rootstock for tomatoes and sweet peppers. The project will generate new pathogen reports, scientific publications, and technical fact sheets, as well as  provide training for farmers, researchers, and diagnosticians, and engage in knowledge dissemination through meetings, conferences, and workshops with the scientific community and relevant stakeholders.