Upscaling potatoes business through sales channels Agriterra started collaboration with BSFACL in 2016. In November 2016 and March 2017, Agriterra provided advisory missions to BSFACL in conducting value chain analysis of potatoes and developing market strategies for graded potatoes in terms of size and quality. BSFACL found a clear need for investment which seems feasible and realistic in the potatoes sorting, grading and packaging. With support received from HortiNova and own capital, BSFACL constructed the steel truss for potatoes storage and potatoes grading machine. BSFACL has tested market of graded and package potatoes in September and October 2017. BSFACL has graded 20 tons of potatoes and sold with packaging in Kathmandu, Chitwan, Hetauda and Birgunj cities in the pilot phase. BSFACL was able to give average of Rs.10 more than the prevailing market price. The response from the market was positive from consumer side. In year 2017, BSFACL has invested much time in testing market, and developing marketing strategies and business plan. Now, BSFACL is doing preparation to do potatoes business in large quantities in 2018. BSFACL is focusing on developing the market network and sales channels for continuous supply of graded potatoes. The proposed activities are developed based upon experiences from 2017 and discussions among BSFACL and Agriterra to upscale the potatoes marketing through cooperative which ultimately benefit the members

The objective of action plan 2018 is to upscale the potatoes marketing through cooperative which ultimately benefit the members.
Other objectives are:
Specific objective 1: Professionalize cooperative potatoes marketingActivity 1.1 Workshop on developing cooperative marketing guidelines and revised business plan based upon experiences of 2017 (In line with A.2)Activity 1.2 Set up separate management team and account for potatoes businessActivity 1.3 Digitize data of the potatoes production quantities, types, qualities and harvesting time of 150 commercial famers.Activity 1.4 Assessment to explore the possibilities on expanding potatoes business through visiting wholesalers (15), retailers (15) and cooperatives (20)Activity 1.5 Orientation program with 150 commercial farmersActivity 1.6 Meetings of representative of BoD, marketing sub committee, manager and BDM officerActivity 1.7 Workshop and field visit on market assessment and developing branding/market positioning plan 
Specific objective 2: Support in processing and handling of potatoes gradingActivity 2.1 Purchase Conveyor for Potatoes Grading
Specific objective 3: Improve quality and production of potatoesActivity 3.1 Workshop about new variety of potato with technical support from Nepal Agricultural Research CouncilActivity 3.2 Farmer field school for potato production
Specific objective 4: Improve financial management capacityActivity 4.1 Follow up on action plan of basic financial management trainingActivity 4.2 Submit audit report of 2017/18 and discuss results with Agriterra BAActivity 4.3 Participate on Agriterra strategic financial management training


BSFACL has set the goal of 100 ton sales of graded potatoes with packaging and own logo in 2018. 
Other expected outcomes to support set goals are:
Functional potatoes business with clear operational guidelines, and developed operational and financial plan for potatoes businessIncreased marketing skills and plan for branding and marketing of potatoesIncreased the performance of the grading machine through feeding of potatoes automaticallyAdopted new way and techniques of potatoes farmingImproved financial management