5 Tips for Better Potato Cultivation: Ensure a Bumper Harvest

Key Highlights

• Use certified, disease-free seeds for better yield.
• Test soil to address nutrient deficiencies.
• Apply cow dung and balanced fertilizers.
• Manage irrigation carefully to prevent tuber rotting.
• Monitor and control pests and diseases early.

Potatoes are one of the most widely consumed vegetables, used in almost every household throughout the year. They are versatile and a vital ingredient in many dishes, making them highly profitable for farmers. With the current demand and good prices, especially during festive and wedding seasons, cultivating potatoes can significantly boost farmer’s income.

If you’re a farmer looking to increase your potato yield, here are five essential tips to help you get the best results.

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1. Choose Disease-Free Seeds: - Using healthy, disease-free seeds is crucial for good potato cultivation. Opt for certified seeds of high-quality potato varieties. Certified seeds are less prone to diseases and ensure better growth. You can purchase these seeds from government-approved shops or certified agricultural institutes. Additionally, treat the seeds before sowing to further reduce the chances of infection and improve germination.
2. Test the Soil and Eliminate Nutrient Deficiencies: - Although potatoes grow in all types of soil, light sandy loam soil with proper drainage is ideal. Before planting, test your soil to identify nutrient deficiencies. You can get a Soil Health Card from your nearest agriculture office. Address the deficiencies by applying the right nutrients, which will improve the quality and quantity of your harvest.
3. Use Manure and Fertilizers Correctly: - Prepare the field by ploughing it well before sowing. Then, add 15 to 20 tonnes of cow dung manure per hectare to enrich the soil. For optimal plant growth, use nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash fertilizers:

• Nitrogen: Enhances the growth of stems and leaves.
• Phosphorus: Strengthens the plant’s roots.
• Potash: Improves tuber quality and production.

Apply these fertilizers in the right amounts to ensure healthy plant growth and higher yields.

4. Irrigate Properly for Better Yield: - Irrigation plays a key role in potato farming. Lightly irrigate the field after sowing and maintain soil moisture throughout the crop's development. However, avoid overwatering after 30–45 days, as the tubers begin to form, and excess water can cause them to rot.

For better water management, use drip irrigation. This method keeps the soil moist while reducing water wastage.

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5. Protect Your Crop from Diseases and Pests: - The first 30–45 days are critical for potato plants as they are more vulnerable to diseases and pests during this period. Monitor your crop regularly and take timely measures to control any issues. Seek advice from your nearest agriculture department for effective pest and disease control methods.

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CMV360 Says

By following these five tips—choosing disease-free seeds, testing soil, using fertilizers properly, managing irrigation, and protecting crops from pests—you can significantly boost your potato yield. Proper planning and care make potato farming profitable, ensuring high-quality produce and better income for farmers throughout the year.