Question

Describe the cultivation of potato under the following heads: (a) Selection of soil and preparation
(b) Two improved varieties
(c) Time of sowing and seed rate per hectare
(d) Manure and fertilizer per hectare
(e) Yield per hectare

Hint:

Potato = short-duration crop; use certified disease-free seed tubers and proper earthing-up for high yield.

Answer 1

(a) Selection of soil and preparation
- Potato grows best in well-drained sandy loam to loam soils rich in organic matter.
- Soil pH: 5.0–6.5 (slightly acidic soil is preferred).
- Land is prepared by 2–3 deep ploughings, followed by harrowing and leveling.
- Ridges and furrows or raised beds are prepared for proper tuber development.
(b) Two improved varieties
- Kufri Jyoti: Early maturing, resistant to late blight.
- Kufri Chandramukhi: High-yielding, suitable for table use.
(Other popular varieties: Kufri Pukhraj, Kufri Bahar).
(c) Time of sowing and seed rate per hectare
- Time of sowing: - Plains: October–November (Rabi season).
- Hills: March–April (summer crop).
- Seed rate: - 25–30 quintals of healthy seed tubers (30–50 g each) per hectare.
(d) Manure and fertilizer per hectare
- FYM: 20–25 tons/ha applied during field preparation.
- Fertilizers: - Nitrogen (N): 120 kg/ha
- Phosphorus (P$_2$O$_5$): 80 kg/ha
- Potassium (K$_2$O): 100 kg/ha
- Half nitrogen + full phosphorus and potassium applied as basal, remaining nitrogen at earthing up.
(e) Yield per hectare
- Average yield: 200–250 quintals/ha.
- Improved varieties under irrigation: 300–350 quintals/ha.