Best Cultivation Practices for Potato

Potato is one of the most important food crops in the world. Known as the “poor man’s friend” potato acts as a rich source of starch, vitamins especially C and B1, and minerals. PIn 2018-2019, the total area contributed to potato production in India was 2.17 Million Hectares, with a total production of 50.19 Million Tonnes. Though the product is primarily consumed as vegetables, the potato has immense potential in agri-processing sectors like potato chips, French fries, potato flakes, etc., the market share of which is projected to increase manifold by 2050. These are popular varieties cultivated in India Early duration (70 to 90 DAS): eg. Kufri Pukhraj, Kufri Chandramukhi, Kufri Ashoka Medium duration (90 to 100 DAS): eg. Kufri Jyoti, Kufri Anand, Chipsona 1,2,3 (for potato chips) Late duration (110 to 130 DAS): eg: Kufri Giriraj, Kufri Sinduri Planting Season In India potato is cultivated in Rabi (October 3rd week to November end). Ideal planting time is when the average maximum temperature ranges from 30 to 320 C and the average minimum temperature is 18 to 200 C. Field Preparation Key objectives during field preparation Soil conditions during planting should be optimized to support rapid plant emergence (less risk of seed rotting, better use of growing period) Deep root development for better water and nutrient uptake. Proper drainage of the soil. Removing clods that delay emergence and hinder mechanical harvesting. Overview of tillage practices Prepare the land well by bringing it to a fine tilth by 1 or 2 deep ploughings followed by Harrowing and cross cultivation using a cultivator. For potato cultivation either the Ridges and furrow system or Raised Bed system can be followed.