Growing Greens in Nepal: How Cooperatives Can Boost Vegetable Value Chains

Cooperatives are essential for developing rural areas and farming. They employ millions worldwide and contribute significantly to the global economy. A recent study looked into Nepal's vegetable value chain, focusing on how cooperatives help farmers. The research was conducted in Siraha and Saptari districts, involving 183 participants including farmers, traders, and cooperative members. Data was collected using questionnaires and analyzed using a binary logistic regression model. The study found that cooperatives are great at providing farmers with access to credit, inputs, and training. However, their involvement in supplying inputs and credit services is limited. There's also a lack of strong links between chain actors, both vertically and horizontally. Out of 31 factors, 14 were found to be crucial for adding value to the vegetable value chain (VVC). These include the farmers' age, off-farm income, access to information, and inputs. Improving the VVC's profitability and sustainability could be achieved by creating early-stage collaborative value chains. Better input supply, business planning, and cooperative independence are key. Trust and innovation can be enhanced through partnerships and a common code of conduct among chain actors and cooperatives.