Lettuce and chicory market in Nepal

Earlier Report Observations

The lettuce and chicory market in Nepal experienced a contraction in volume from 5 739 metric tons in 2018 to 4 678 metric tons by 2023. This decline was led by a sharp drop in 2019, after which the market entered a phase of relative stability with only minor fluctuations each year.

During this period, the Nepalese government undertook key initiatives to strengthen agricultural data. The National Sample Census of Agriculture in 2021/22 and the subsequent publication of the Statistical Information on Nepalese Agriculture for 2023/24 provided updated sectoral statistics. These efforts improve the informational foundation for market planning and policy formulation, which can support the vegetable sector's long-term development.

Production lettuce and chicory in Nepal

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of lettuce and chicory, 2017-2020

World map of production of lettuce and chicory, 2017-2020

In 2019, Nepal produced 4 910 tonnes of lettuce and chicory. Production then increased by 0.9% in 2020, reaching 4 954 tonnes. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production grew by 3.8%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.2%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 5 196 tonnes, marking an 8.8% increase from the previous year. However, 2019 saw the largest decline, with production dropping by 5.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Nepal in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports lettuce and chicory from Nepal

Exports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Export levels showed significant fluctuations, with a 165-fold difference between the high in 2017 and the low in 2018. In 2018, exports reached their minimum at 0.2 tonnes, representing a 99.4% decline. By 2019, exports surged to 27.0 tonnes, which was a dramatic increase of 13,400.0% compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Nepal in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, India accounted for 85.3% of Nepal's total lettuce and chicory exports by volume. The remaining volume was distributed among many other countries, each with smaller individual shares.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Nepal in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Export values fluctuated widely, with a 280-fold variation between the peak in 2017 and the trough in 2018. In 2018, exports hit their lowest point at 55 US dollars, reflecting a 99.6% decline. By 2019, export values rose sharply to 1 918 US dollars, marking a year-over-year increase of 3,399.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Nepal in value, 2017-2020, $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the main destinations for Nepal's lettuce and chicory exports by value were India (27.0%), Singapore (22.8%), and France (22.3%). Together, these three countries accounted for 72.1% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Nepal in value, 2017-2020

Imports lettuce and chicory to Nepal

Imports in kind, t

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Import volumes varied significantly, with a 7.3-fold difference between the peak in 2017 and the trough in 2018. In 2019, imports were at a lower level, but by 2020, they surged to 82.3 tonnes, representing a steep rise of 634.3% compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Nepal in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, imports of lettuce and chicory to Nepal were almost entirely sourced from India, which held a 100.0% share of total import volumes.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Nepal in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Import values experienced substantial swings, with a 9.2-fold variation between the maximum in 2018 and the minimum in 2017. In 2019, imports were relatively low, but in 2020, they jumped to 7 575 US dollars, indicating a dramatic increase of 821.7% compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Nepal in value, 2017-2020, $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, India clearly dominated as the supplier of lettuce and chicory to Nepal, accounting for 100.0% of total imports by value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Nepal in value, 2017-2020