Nepal COVID-19 mVAM Market Update # 2

[NeKSAP]

Produced by the the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD) and World Food Programme (WFP)

Dear NeKSAP users,

We are pleased to share you the Nepal COVID-19 mVAM Market Update # 2 herewith. Following are the key highlights:

• Prices of the basic food commodities monitored in 15 major markets across the country increased marginally compared to the first week of March and April 2020.
• Due to the COVID-19 crisis, demand for commodities in the markets across Nepal is low and declining, as reported by a majority of interviewed traders. Food availability in markets was considered to be insufficient by 53 percent of traders.
• 90 percent of 117 interviewed traders reported low and declining supply of commodities to markets.
• In line with the reduction in supply and transportation, more than half of traders stated that demand for labour was low.
• The Government of Nepal has taken measures to facilitate the transportation of goods from farmers to markets in several provinces

This mVAM market survey was conducted in markets in 68 districts in the first round, and in 62 districts in the second round across the country with an aim to monitor the prices of essential commodities. During the second round, 117 traders were interviewed from the third week of April 2020 by telephone to assess the markets during the COVID-19 related nationwide lockdown.

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us in the contact address mentioned in this update (report).

With best regards,

Pushpa

Pushpa Shrestha (Mr)

VAM Officer | Deputy Head, Evidence, Policy and Innovation (EPI)

World Food Programme

Chakupat, Patan Dhoka Road, Lalitpur, Nepal, PO Box 107

Tel: +977 1 5260 607, Ext. 2424; VSAT: 1346-2424

Mobile: +977 98510 00562

E-mail: Pushpa....@wfp.org;