212 Prospects of pineapple based micro-enterprise in Sindhuli district, Nepal D. Adhikari 1 and S. Amgai 2 1 DADO, Kavre 2 DoA, Hariharbhawan, Lalitpur ABSTRACT Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is important cash generating fruit crop in Sindhuli district. The survey was conducted in pineapple growing VDCs of Sindhuli district in 2016. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview the pineapple growers and key informants. This survey report highlights the status of pineapple cultivation, postharvest management and pineapple based microenterprises in Sindhuli district. From the study, it was found that in Sindhuli district pineapple was grown in 148 ha. with the productive area 100.64 ha. The total production of pineapple was 1557.78 mt. Out of total production 25-30 % pineapple was used as home consumption and rest was found to be sold in the market. Nearly 10-20 % of pineapple that was reached to market was used for processing and rest was consumed as fresh fruit. Furthermore cultivation, processing and marketing practices were found pineapple based micro-enterprises developed in Sindhuli district. Key words: Pineapple, enterprise, cultivation, marketing, processing INTRODUCTION In Nepal due to the wide variation in altitude, and climate ranging from tropical to alpine types, varieties of horticulture crops (fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs and flowers) can be grown - ude - topographical ranges Mahabharat, Chure range and Inner Terai. The demand of fruits is increasing day by day in both internal and international markets. Considering the tremendous scope and potential of horticulture crops for generating better income, horticulture sector occupies special position compared to other sectors of agriculture in Nepal. Pineapple (Ananas comosus) a non-climacteric fruit is grown commercially not only for the local fresh market but also for processing (Adhikary et. al., 2004). The fruit is a good source of Vitamin A, B and C and rich in calcium. It also contains phosphorus, iron and the protein digesting enzyme, bromelin. Pineapples is the important commercial fruit crops and grown successfully at Sindhuli. Because of the increasing trend in the consumption of fruits and possibility of processing through micro enterprises the domestic demand has increased these days. Fruits are perishable in nature and cannot be kept for longer time without proper storage facility. The fruit processing enterprises can be operated by the utilization of surplus fruits. Due to growing demand for juice, jam and jelly as a result of urbanization and tourism industry in the country, such products are being imported in larger quantity. So, from the viewpoint of import substitution and postharvest loss, establishment of pineapple processing micro industry is a need in the present context. Thus, this study would help the promotion of pineapple cultivation and develop the pineapple based micro enterprises in Sindhuli district.