National Potato Festival Kicks Off in Hemja, Pokhara

The National Potato Festival officially began Sunday in Hemja, Pokhara Metropolitan City-25, one of the key potato-producing areas in Nepal’s Kaski district. The festival will run through April 16.

Organized by the Bishnu Paduka Club, the event aims to promote local potato and vegetable farming, while positioning Hemja as a hub for agri-tourism and commercial agriculture.

Basanta Shrestha, chair of the organizing committee, said the festival is not only about showcasing agricultural products but also about encouraging sustainable farming and drawing attention to the region’s potential as an agricultural destination.

Hemja’s potatoes are particularly popular in Pokhara and surrounding areas for their rich flavor and low pesticide use. In a bid to grab attention, locals have constructed a striking display of 50,000 kilograms of freshly harvested potatoes, according to Jayraj Timilsina, coordinator of the potato collection and agricultural mobilization sub-committee.

Potato cultivation in Hemja spans around 550 hectares out of the area’s total 13,500 hectares, supporting approximately 2,000 farming households.

Speaking at the inauguration, Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya pledged continued municipal support for local agriculture and related initiatives. He also encouraged farmers to take advantage of the city’s Agriculture Ambulance service, designed to assist with the distribution and sale of farm produce.