35. Buckwheat in Nepal: Cultivation Practices, Research Overviews

Current Advances in Buckwheat Research (1995) : 277 - 284
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Buckwheat
Overviews,
in Nepal:
Scope and
Cultivation
Strategy
Practices,
Research
R. P. Uprety
National Hill Crops Research Program, Post Box No. 1336, IDRC, Khumaltar,
Kathmandu, Nepal
Abstract
Both buckwheat species (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench and F. tataricum Geartn.) are
cultivated in Nepal. It is the major summer crop and staple food in high hills. Tataricum type is
more common in colder arcas where common buckwheat can not be grown. There is high
potentiality of common buckwheat in Terai and Inner Terai where it best fits in Rice­
Buckwheat-Maize (one year) rotation.
HCRP at present has 495 accessions of buckwheat which include common and tataricum
type from local and exotic sources. Relatively wide adaptability have been found is tataricum
type than in common buckwheat. GF-ll 0 (bitter showed comparatively better performance in
all environment. However none of the genotypes of tataricum produced significantly higher
yield than local in all locations. In case ofcommon buckwheat GF-209 (778 kg / ha.) produced
significantly higher yield than local at lumla. Local landrace (1986 kg / ha.) was the vest at
Marpha but GF-209 was at par with it. Canadian line GF-5063 (1045 kg / ha.) was found best at
Kabre however IR-13, GF-209 and GF-5194 were also at par and seems to be promising.
1. Introduction
Both cultivated species of buckwheat viz. Fagopyrum esculentum Moench and Fagopyrum
tataricum Geartn. have been cultivated in Nepal since time immemorial. Common buckwheat is
found cultivated throughout the country and bitter buckwheat is more common in the hilly areas
and have been found cultivated upto 3800 metre amsl, where one can not find common
buckwheat. The wild buckwheat species reported are F. dibotryis and F. cymosum.
Though there is no official statistics available however, Regrni 1982 rported 9000 hectare
under buckwheat cultivation in Nepal. The estimated area and productivity of buckwheat
according LRMP 1985 was 43000 ha. and 540 kg / ha. respectively.
Buckwheat has unique importance in high altitude areas adjoining Himalayas in terms of
distribution, cultivation and uses. It is one of the staple food and constitute one-third of total

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diet in high hill. However in midhills, tatary buckwheat is a poor men's food and preparation
from common buckwheat (Fulaura and thin pancake) are luxurious items for snacks.
1.1. High Hills (above 2000 metre)
Buckwheat is a major summer crop of higher elevation. At higher parts of hill only tatary
buckwheat is grown. The crop is grown in barley-buckwheat rotation in lower parts and only a
single crop of barley or buckwheat in higher parts (above 3000 metre). To scape from the
volunteer plants comming in the field farmers usualy grow buckwheat in alternate year.
Farmers plant buckwheat if prosomillet is damaged at early stage, so buckwheat has prominant
role in production stabilization and to sustain the hill farming. Thus, buckwheat forms a
dominating role in the cropping system and is unlikely to be completely replaced by any other
crops. It supplies 1 / 3 offood requirement in high hill and is consumed either as bread or in the
form ofthick porridge. Buckwheat pancake from common type are popular in the restaurant of
Mustang, Manang and Solukhumbu. Generally, the flour of bitter type is mixed with barley
flour or fingemillent flour to prepare porridge. Buckwheat food is considered nutritious and
long lasting, and old farmers have perception that bitter type is still healthier than sweet type.
1.2. Mid Hill (1000-2000 metre amsl)
Buckwheat in mid hill is grown both in autumn and spring season as a catch crop. It is an
important crop in the marginal land where farmers like to grow it rather than leaving the field
fallow. Tatary buckwheat is more common in spring season in the land with excess poor soil
fertility or in the marginal/range land brought into new cultivation. Farmers have perception
that buckwheat provides some food security as a catch crop when the main crop like maize fails
due to some hazards. The straw ofbuckwheat is a source offodder to the livestock which is one
ofthe major indispensable and inseperable component ofhill farming and it being the source of
farm yard manure has got the prominent role to sustain the farm productivity. Thus, buckwheat
has tremendous role in the sustainability of hill farming. Rich people do not eat tatary
buckwheat however thick porridge prepared by mixing with the flour of fingermillet is a
common food of poor as well as lowercast people. Food items from sweet buckwheat is
considered luxurious. Fulaura is a small ball prepared from thin flour paste that is mostly
cooked in hot pool of vegetable oil. Pancake is another common preparation from thin paste of
common buckwheat, usually ginger and common salt is added to make it more testy and both
preparations are used as snacks. Tender leaves and shoots are used as green vegetables. It is
belived that bitter buckwheat has some medicinal value and food items from it is healthier than
from sweet one.

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1.3. Below 1000 Metre Amsl
In this part ofthe country buckwheat follow rice and is grown as a catch crop. Though the crop
is sporadic across Terai from east to west, it is more common in Jhapa (extreme east) and
Chitwan (inner terai). There is much fluctuation in the buckwheat area which is due to the
variation in market price generally governed by Indian business men. There is no market of
tatary buckwheat and neither any body consume it in Terai so tatary buckwheat is not cultivated
in this region.
Buckwheat in Terai has to compete with oil seed crops mainly. Brassica campestris var.
Toria and Brassica campestris var. Dichotoma. However, still major area is left fallow after
rice. Statistics shows that about 0.2 million ha. of land is left fallow in Terai after rice. So,
majority of this fallow land can be exploited for buckwheat cultivation, however this needs
assured market and acceptable technology.
2. Research Overviews
2.1. Germplasm Collection and Evaluation
Hill Crops Research Program has 495 accessions of buckwheat from various sources. Out of
these 185 accessions are Fagopyrum tataricum and rest are F. esculentum. These accessions
also includes the collection from Japanese team. Collected accessions are from diversified
agroecological environments ranging from 246 to 3870 metre ams!. HCRP has been able to
maintain 307 accessions of Sweet buckwheat by rejuvinating them in alternate year under
controlled condition by using net and inserting honey bee for pollination. Exotic gennplasms
from Canada (207), Japan (21), India (15), Yugoslavia (15) and Russia (7), has also been
received and maintained in the Central Agricultural Botany Division.
2.2. Varietal Improvement
Systematic breeding programme has not yet been started pertaining to buckwheat varietal
improvement work. It is because the crop ranks third in the prority order out of four mandate
crops (Fingennillet, barley, buckwheat and grain amaranth) of Hill Crops Research Programme
and moreover scientists working in HCRP are to be properly trained in the breeding principle.
Nevertheless, HCRP is continuing following activities as initiation for buckwheat varietal
improvement.
2.2.1. Observation Nursery
The nursery includes both exotic and local sources of common and tataricum type and planted
in diverse agro-ecological environment Le. Rampur, Narpha, Kabre and khumaltar (Ranging
From about 200 metre to 2450 metre altitude). Better performing henolypes from various

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stations were selected for advance yield Irial. Table I shows that none of the genotype was
competant to local at Marpha. In Kabre, local bitter yielded highest than all the test entries and
Acc# 2230-1 and IR-13 were the most promising among the common buckwheat genotypes.
Shkilovsky and Skorospely performed better under Khumaltar condition. In case of Rampur
Acc# 2178 and Acc# 2237 were the best. Table I also shows that there is no common best
performing genotype for all location and higher the altitude more the yield.
Table I. Ten best yielding out of48 buckwheat genotypes from advanced observation
nursery in 1993.
Grain Yield kg / ha
S. Genotypes / Cultivars Rampur Marpha Khumaltar Kabre
No. 200m. 2450 m. 1350 m. 1740 m.
I. IR-13 1400 2400
2. Local (Bitter) 600 2770 530 3000
3. Acc.# 2230-1 840 2450
4. Acc.# 2199-2 2380
5. Acc.# 2203-1 1330 2130
6. BOLLODA 1590 1940
7. Acc.# 2192-1 1960
8. Acc.# 0491 1830
9. Acc.# 0485 620 2200
10. Acc.# 2178 1600 1850
11. Acc.# 2237 1600 1300
12. Acc.# 0486 1500 1000
13. GF- 5137 1500
14. Manor 1400
15. Acc.# 2224 1200
16. Acc.# 2236 1300
17. Acc.# 2250 1250
18. Acc.# 0491-2 1300 1530
19. Local Sweet 300 3452 1540 750
20. Acc.# 2193 1770
21. Acc.# 3849-1 930
22. Acc.# 6515 830
23. Acc.# 2244 720
24. # 85624 1630
25. Acc.# 0491-1 1420
26. Acc.# 2247 1490
27. SKOROSPELY 1880
28. SHKILOVSKY 2150
29. MOHAZULUR 1760
2.2.2. Coordinated Varietal Trial (Bitter)
Three years mean data given in Table 2 shows that yield differences among the genotype was
not significant in all the location. Nevertheless Acc# 2223 and GF-212 were found
comparatively better for Jumla condition and Acc# 2234, GF-216 and GF-II0 for Marpha area.

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Similarly genotype Acc# 2227 and GF-II0 were promising at Kabre.
In general plants were taller at Kabre and Jumla than at Marpha. Days to maturity varied
significantly among the genotypes both at Jumla and Kabre however it was not significant at
Marpha.
Table 2. Buckwheat Coordinated Varietal (Bitter) Mean of 1992 to 1994.
S. Grain yield kg / ha Plant height em Maturity days
No. Genotypes A B C A B C A B C
I. GF-11O 1376 1210 1511 89 71 95 79 83 84
2. GF-216 1327 1225 1316 81 60 88 77 79 83
3. GF-212 1484 I I 19 1263 87 67 91 77 76 79
4. Aee.# 2223 1477 1182 1506 89 65 92 79 83 81
5. Aee.# 2230 1053 1174 1286 81 66 89 79 83 84
6. Aee.# 2227 1182 1140 1610 77 61 103 80 82 81
7. Aee.# 2234 1195 1422 1262 83 71 88 79 80 83
8. Kabre Bitter 1299 1120 1299 80 62 88 77 83 80
9. Local Bitter 1126 1040 1380 72 57 84 78 78 80
CV% 31.0 40.0 33.1 16.2 15.6 15.4 1.9 3.5
Genotype NS NS NS NS NS NS * NS **
LSD (0.05) 465 608 433 13.3 1.8 6.4 2.7
Note: A =Jumla ; B =Marpha ; C =Kahre.
2.2.3. Coordinated Varietal Trial on Common Buckwheat
Except local check plant hight of all genotype was highest at Kabre followed by Jumla and
Marpha. It should be noted that local check was tallest (98 cm) at Marpha which indicates that
the agroclimatic condition ofMarpha was quite peculiar and local landraces grown by farmers ;
which is the outcome of natural and/or fanner's selection since decades or even centuries; has
been found quite suitable for Marpha area. As buckwheat straw is used for fodder to the
livestock, obviously preference goes to the taller genotype and significance ofbuckwheat straw
as fodder is still more ant higher elevation.
At Jumla, GF-209 was taller (105 em) than local check (90 cm) and seems to be a potential
candidate for that area. The hight of all other genotypes was less than local check. In case of
Kabre also GF-209 was the tallest (III em). Genotypes GF-5274, GF-5063 and GF-5006 were
also found taller than local check (87 em).
Variation in days to maturity was minimum at Jumla (71-79 days) where GF-209 was the
most late (79 days) and GF-5194 and GF-5233 were earliest (71 days), local check being
intennediate in maturity (74 days).
Among the common buckwheat genotypes tested in different locations (Table 3) GF-209
showed wide adaptability with highest grain yield at Jumla (778 kg / ha), second highest at

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Marpha (1514 kg / ha) and fourth at Kabre (934 kg / ha) ; however, except at Jumla the yield
difference was not significant with local check. At Jumla genotype no. 85628 also yield (675 kg
/ ha) more than local check (529 kg / ha) but the difference was not significant.
Table 3. Sweet Buckwheat Coordinated Varietal Mean of 1992 to 1994.
S. Grain yield Kg I ha Plant Height em Maturity days
No. Genotypes A B C A B C A B C
I. GF-5289 411 1223 827 73 51 81 72 65 66
2. GF-5099 326 539 704 71 44 81 73 66 66
3. GF-5194 327 525 944 71 47 78 71 65 61
4. GF-0209 778 1514 934 105 81 111 79 83 74
5. GF-5006 209 556 840 84 82 99 76 74 71
6. GF-5063 221 801 1045 71 46 91 72 66 71
7. # 85628 675 418 726 69 45 82 72 65 64
8. GF-5233 209 438 378 67 46 72 71 68 63
9. # 85603 331 776 809 70 50 77 72 66 61
10. GF-5274 534 660 785 85 67 101 76 74 75
11. IR-13 469 1146 998 77 50 84 75 68 68
12. Local Sweet 529 1986 689 90 98 87 74 90 69
CV% 46.5 61.9 36.4 2.7 12.8 11.3 10.2 4.7 9.8
Genotype •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• ••
LSD (0.05) 226 518 273 9.2 2.3 2.8 6.2
Note: A=Jumla ; B=Marpha ; C=Kabre.
Under Marpha condition local check was the highest yielder (1986 kg / ha) but at par with
GF-209. Rest ofthe cultivars at Marpha performed comparatively poor.
In case of Kabre GF-5063 (From Canada) was the highest yielder (1045 kg / ha) however it
was at par with IR-13, GF-5l94, GF-5289, GF-5274, No.85603 and GF-5006. The yield
variation among the genotypes was highest at Marpha and lowest at Kabre.
2.2.4. Random Mating Population
To acquire population with broad genetic base, eight best genotypes were planted in bulk.
Individual plants selected from such population was again bulked for further planting. Four
cycle of such broad base population has been completed and HCRP is planning to plant this
population in different adverse agroecological environment and select individual plants and
maintain in isolation for the purpose ofdeveloping new variety for particular environment.
3. Scope and Strategy
In case of high hills like Mustang where buckwheat is a major summer crop there is still
potatiality to increase its production and productivity which can contribute significantly to meet

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the food demand of that area where transport of food grain from other parts the country is too
expensive. Moreover lots oftourists are treking every year in Mustang area along Kali Gandaki
river and pancake prepared from common buckwheat is the most favourable item among the
tourists. So, common buckwheat also has high potantiality to attract tourist.
Buckwheat in mid hills has very high significance to stabilize the production for it is grown
in autumn where fingermillet could not be cultivated and in spring where wheat could not be
grown and such lands are generally too poor and otherwise such lands would have been left
fallow / under utilized. So, generation of technology in terms of variety and management
practices could contribute considerably in buckwheat production and thus sustain the hill
fanning.
The situation of Terai is different, where formers can get very easy crop of buckwheat after
rice. Buckwheat is getting popularity in Chitwan (Central inner Terai) and Jhapa (Far eastern
Terai) area. If government can provide assured market, buckwheat area can be increased
rapidly; however productivity can only be increased with the development of high yielding
variety and better management practices. The potantial buckwheat area in Terai even without
disturbing the present cropping pattern is as follows:
Crop
Area in ha
Paddy 884820 Summer crop
Wheat 333640 Winter crops
Lentil 163790
Chickpea 24920
Oil seed 134150
Source: Agricultural Statistics ofNepal, 1992/1993.
The area gap between summer crop (paddy) and all winter crops (wheat, lentil, chickpea and
oilseeds) is almost 228320 ha. which is left fallow and thus is the potantial buckwheat area in
Terai.
Moreover buckwheat has high export potantiality. Its use in baby food industry, noodle
industry and making sweets can not be underestimated however it needs a strong and stable
government policy which can bring significant positive change in fanners economy.
HCRP is basically planning to develop manpower first. Varietal development and
management practices will be generally done foe specific environment. Experience have shown
that exotic materials or materials developed in one environment does not perform well in other
environment. For example, none of the varieties from other areas were competant with local at

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Marpha. However endeavour will also be continue to develop broad base population with wide
adoptability.
Maximum exploitation of locallandraces by collection, evaluation, selection and their use in
breeding program are to be continued.
Studies on management practices, i.e. use of compost / commercial fertilizers, time of
sowing, seed rate, weeding and irrigation will be done for various agroecological environment.
A strong collaboration approach will be taken with national and international institutions
like IAAS Rampur, Tribhuban University, DOAD, IPGRI and Agri-food Diversification
Research Centre at Morden, Canada.
A strong increasing linkage with NGOs and INGOs are to be stabilized for the dissemination
ofimproved technology.
References
1. Adhikary, B.R. ; K.C., Govinda; Dongol, D.M.S.; Pant, T.N. (1994) : Buckwheat in Nepal,
Importance, Utilization and Farming System From Socio-economic Context. National Hill
Crops Research Program. International Development Research Centre.
2. ASD (Agricultural Statistics Division, Agricultural Statistics of Nepal 1992 / 93. MOA,
Agricultural Statistics Division.
3. Baniya, B.K. ; Riley, K.W. ; Dongol, D.M.S. ; Sherchand K.K. 1992. Characterization of
Nepalese Hill Crops Landraces. National Hill Crops Research Programme.
4. LRMP (Land Resource Mapping Project), 1985. Economic Roport, His Majesty's
Government ofNepal and Government ofCanada Kenting Earth Science Limited.
5. NHCRP (National Hill Crops Research Programme) 1994. Annual Report No.5 (1992 /
1993). National Hill Crops Research Programme. Nepal Agricultural Research Council.
6. Regmi, K.R., Sherchand, K.K., Riley, K.W. (1989) : National and International Buckwheat
(Fagopyrum sp.). Observation Nurseries Paper presented at Summer Hill Crops Working
Group Meeting, Rampur January 20, 1989.
7. Regmi, P.P. (1982); An Introduction to Nepalese Food Plants. Royal Nepal Academy, Nepal.