Potato Farming

Potato Farming: Potato is mostly grown as a rainfed crop in regions receiving a rainfall of 1200 – 2000 mm per annum. Planting is done during October – November in plains. About 3000 – 3500 kg/ha of Seeds is required. Use Carbon disulphide 30 g/100 kg of Seeds for breaking the dormancy and inducing sprouting of Tubers.

How Potato is Cultivated: The Potato crop is usually grown not from Seed but from "Seed Potatoes" - small Tubers or pieces of Tuber sown to a depth of 5 to 10 cm. For rainfed production in dry areas, Planting on flat Soil gives higher yields (thanks to better Soil water conservation), while irrigated Crops are mainly grown on ridges.

How long does it take Potatoes to grow: Three to four weeks: Potato Plants grown from small Tubers or Seed Potatoes usually emerge within three to four weeks when you use certified Seed Potatoes, give them proper growing conditions and keep them free from disease.

What environment do Potatoes grow best in: Potatoes like cool weather and well-drained, loose Soil that is about 45 to 55°F (7 to 13°C). In warmer Climates, Potatoes can be grown as a winter crop. Folklore offers many “best days” for Planting Potatoes: Old-timers in New England Planted their Potato Crops when they saw dandelions Blooming in the open fields.

How many Potatoes will one Plant produce: If all conditions are ideal, you may harvest about five to 10 Potatoes per Plant for your gardening efforts. Yields are based on both the care your give your Plants during the growing season and the variety of Potatoes you choose to grow.

How much water do Potatoes need: Potato Plants need 1 inch of water per week to reach their maximum potential. Without water, the Potatoes will not reach full size. Additionally, they may be deformed or have a hard texture. After the blossoms appear on Potato Plants, increase the water supply to 1 1/2 inches of water per week.

Which Fertiliser is suitable for Potatoes: Because Potatoes are a root vegetable that grows below the surface of the Soil, Phosphate and Potassium are more beneficial to Potato growth. Choose an all purpose granular Fertilizer with the appropriate levels of Potassium and Phosphate, usually 5-10-10 or 8-24-24.

Is Manure good for Potatoes: Fertiliser Requirement of Potatoes. Many growers apply Manure in the autumn before Planting Potatoes in the spring. Whilst this is great in that it adds valuable humus and organic matter to the Soil the winter rains will have washed out as much as 90% of the nitrogen.

How do you fertilize Potatoes: Before you place the Seed pieces in the row, put down a small handful or two of compost every 10 or 12 inches, along with a small handful of superPhosphate (0-20-0) or bonemeal (2-11-0). Both these Fertilizers are high in phosphorus, which helps Potato roots develop quickly.

How Potato is cultivated: Potato is mostly cultivated by Planting Tubers. Purity of the cultivars and healthy Seed Tubers are the primary requirements for a successful crop. However, Seed Tuber is the costliest input in Potato Farming. Usually the Seed Tubers are cut with a knife just and treated with a fungicide before Planting.

Potato Growing Countries: Major Potato growing countries are India, China, Russian Federation, Ukraine, the United States of America and Germany. The scientific name of Potato is Solanum Tuberosum. Potato belongs to the family Solanaceae. It is rich in Starch and contains protein, minerals, & a fair amount of vitamins, particularly Vitamin – C.

Consumption: Due to its dominance in the agricultural consumption of the households, there is a demand for Potatoes throughout the year. It is a major raw material for Potato processing industries. India in particular and Asia, in general, are showing rapid growth in Potato production. Potatoes are essential items for several industrial purposes such as for the production of Starch and alcohol.

How long does it take to grow a Potato: 70 to 120 days.
It is tempting to harvest Potatoes as soon as possible to enjoy them in meals but different varieties can take anything from 70 to 120 days to grow.

Laundries and textile: Mills use Potato Starch (farina) for sizing yarn. Potatoes are also the useful item for the production of dextrin and glucose. Potatoes are also popular as dried products such as ‘Potato chips’, ‘sliced’ or ‘shredded Potatoes’.

What is the best Fertilizer for growing Potatoes: Because Potatoes are a root vegetable that grows below the surface of the Soil, Phosphate and Potassium are more beneficial to Potato growth. Choose an all purpose granular Fertilizer with the appropriate levels of Potassium and Phosphate, usually 5-10-10 or 8-24-24.

How many Potatoes will one Plant produce: If all conditions are ideal, you may harvest about five to 10 Potatoes per Plant for your gardening efforts. Yields are based on both the care your give your Plants during the growing season and the variety of Potatoes you choose to grow.

How often should Potatoes be watered: Potatoes use 1 to 2 inches of water per week. Water the Potatoes as evenly as possible. This helps the Tubers to have uniform shape and helps make a better yield. Stop watering about 2 weeks before harvest or when the vines turn yellow and naturally die after 90 to 120 days.

What to feed Potatoes growing: Gently cover the Tuber with compost. Place the Potato bag in a bright, frost free position, water regularly, and wait for your Plants to grow. Feed Potato Plants every other week with Potato fertiliser and water the bags whenever the compost shows signs of drying out.

Can I grow Potatoes in Manure: The traditional and arguably most productive way to grow Potatoes is in parallel rows. This makes them easy to earth up as they grow using any combination of surrounding Soil and organic matter such as dried leaves, well-rotted Manure or grass clippings.

Note: If you want to start independently, first have practical experience with your co-farmers, please note about pest control, Fertilizer details deeply, then you can start independently. While in farming, always you should have a silent study of other farmers process, cultivation. Then you will be successful.

Wishing you all the best,
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