Know the Right way to Potatoes Cultivation, Maximum Profit at Low Cost

Potatoes are renowned for their origins in South America, traditionally considered their homeland. However, they were introduced to India from Europe during the 17th century. Following rice, wheat, and sugarcane fields, potatoes hold the fourth position in the agricultural sector. This crop yields higher production and income per unit area compared to other crops such as wheat, rice, and peanuts. Potato cultivation contributes to 30% of agricultural activity in India, with Uttar Pradesh (30%), Bihar (13%), and Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat states equally sharing 6% each.

Climate, land and irrigation for Potato Cultivation:

Potatoes are cultivated as a winter crop, thriving in cooler temperatures. Ideally, daytime temperatures should range between 25-30 degrees Celsius, while nighttime temperatures should be between 4-15 degrees Celsius. The optimal temperature for bulb formation is around 18-20 degrees Celsius. Excessive heat can impede bulb formation, while low temperatures restrict vegetative growth. It's advisable to plow the land 3-4 times using a harrow or cultivator. After each plowing, utilize a leveler to ensure proper moisture retention and soil aeration. Currently, employing a rotavator can expedite and improve land preparation. Proper land preparation before planting is crucial for maximizing production.

Read More... How to do Fig Cultivation, Farmers are Earning Profits Worth Lakhs

During the winter season, potatoes should be irrigated twice a week. In periods of dry spells, more frequent irrigation is recommended. In heavy soil, the initial irrigation should be carried out approximately 10-12 days after planting, just before germination. The second irrigation should occur 20-22 days after planting, followed by the third irrigation immediately after earthing up the soil during the early stages of tuber formation. The final irrigation should be ceased roughly 10 days before harvesting. Various irrigation methods such as drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, overhead rain guns, and furrow irrigation should be utilized for potato cultivation. Typically, 7-10 irrigation cycles are necessary to achieve a good yield in potato crops.

For Potato Cultivation Soil and Optimal Timing:

Potatoes thrive in various soil types, with loamy, sandy, or sandy loam soil typically yielding the best results. The ideal pH level for potatoes ranges between 6 and 8. Applying organic manure like cow dung compost can significantly enhance yield. Potato cultivation enjoys success throughout India, except in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where farmers also achieve notable success. Planting potatoes is recommended from September 15th to November during the winter season. Additionally, in certain Indian regions, potato cultivation is conducted during the monsoon season.

How to Plant Potatoes:

Before planting potatoes, completely remove any grass or weeds. The first step in potato cultivation involves cutting potatoes into pieces. Next, prepare furrows in the soil, and plant the potato pieces one by one in these furrows. Then, cover the potatoes with soil. After 3 months, the potatoes can be harvested. Maintain a distance of 60 centimeters between rows during potato planting, and the spacing between potato plants should be determined according to the size of the potatoes.

Fertilizer and Nutrient Management for Potatoes:

The use of green manure, such as farmyard manure, enhances organic matter, which aids in bulb production. Utilize nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A supply of 180:80:100 kilograms of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be beneficial. Early-maturing potato varieties tend to have relatively lower yields compared to long-duration varieties. The yield of superior varieties ranges from 600-800 quintals per hectare, while average varieties yield around 350-400 quintals per hectare.

Varieties of Potatoes:

1. Kufri Ganga Known for its high yield and shorter growth cycle, Kufri Ganga produces between 250 to 300 quintals per hectare. It reaches maturity within 75 to 80 days, making it suitable for cultivation in the plains of North India.
2. Kufri Swarna Suited for potato farming in the hilly terrains of South India, Kufri Swarna matures in about 110 days, yielding approximately 300 quintals per hectare. However, it tends to degrade faster compared to other varieties.
3. Kufri Chandramukhi Identified by its green stems with red-brown spots, Kufri Chandramukhi takes around 80 to 90 days to mature and offers a yield ranging from 200 to 250 quintals per hectare.
4. Kufri Pukhraj Characterized by oval-shaped tubers with medium-deep eyes, Kufri Pukhraj displays resistance to early blight disease and moderate resistance to late blight. It typically yields between 350-400 quintals per hectare.
5. Kufri Sindoori Another advanced variety, Kufri Sindoori, can endure heat stress and is adaptable to both plains and hilly regions. It matures within 120 to 125 days, with yields ranging from 300 to 400 quintals per hectare.

Earnings from Potato Cultivation: India, approximately 110 quintals of potatoes can be obtained per acre of land, potentially generating earnings of up to 1 to 2 lakh rupees for farmers.

Potato Diseases and Prevention:

1. Early Blight Disease: This fungal infection poses a significant threat to potatoes, affecting both the stems and tubers of the plant. Characterized by white lesions on the undersides of potato leaves, immediate cessation of irrigation is crucial. Additionally, consider relocating the nursery during planting to mitigate the spread of the disease.
2. Late Blight Disease: Caused by the fungus Alternaria solani, this disease manifests as lesions that change color from brown to black as they progress. After harvesting potatoes, it's essential to remove and burn any infected plant debris in the field to prevent further spread.
3. Black Scab Disease: Rhizoctonia solani fungus is responsible for the detrimental effects of black scab disease on potato plants. As the disease advances, the tubers become unfit for consumption. Deep plowing of the field is recommended as a preventive measure, along with the selection of potato varieties resistant to the disease.