While there are many opportunities for this potential export there remain many challenges as well. China while not supplying the Royalty Purple variety of bean seeds, does sell similar purple podded varieties. One kg of purple-red bean seed variety can be found on the global trade website Alibaba.com for 8.5$USD or 934 Nepalese Rupees in comparison to the cost of Royalty Purple seeds from Canada which run about 110$CDN or 9,005 Nepalese Rupees for 1 kg (though the marginal cost decreases with increased quantity shipped). China’s proximity to Nepal decreases the cost of shipment and their mass production methods decrease the price of these substitutes. Small scale Canadian exporters can also be deterred by the reoccurring costs of phytosanitary certificates and import permits. Continuing that consideration of cost, importers in Nepal may outweigh the specific benefits of the Royalty Purple variety with the higher upfront cost and investment. Similarly, Nepal is known for its production of various pulses, (Lentil, Pigeon pea, etc.) legumes that also provide many of the general benefits that the Royalty Purple beans do (FAO, 2016). So even if the Canadian bean variety was successful it could infringe on the profits or prospective industry growth of these Nepalese producers.
Another concern is the capacity of Nepalese farmers to save their seeds. Bean seeds need to be kept dry to store properly, however, with Nepal's monsoon season this can prove difficult (CIA, 2016). Many subsistence farmers lack adequate storage facilities making the benefits of heritage seeds less pronounced.
Another concern is the capacity of Nepalese farmers to save their seeds. Bean seeds need to be kept dry to store properly, however, with Nepal's monsoon season this can prove difficult (CIA, 2016). Many subsistence farmers lack adequate storage facilities making the benefits of heritage seeds less pronounced.