Farmers should do this work for bumper yield of potatoes, profits will also touch the sky!

Potato is one of the major cash crops of India. In normal farming, the cost is high and the fertility of the soil decreases, but with organic farming the cost decreases, production increases and the soil remains fertile. Potatoes prepared from organic farming are sold at expensive prices in the market, due to which farmers get additional profit. Besides, the increasing demand for health-friendly and chemical-free products can also double the farmer’s income. Therefore, farmers are rapidly moving towards organic techniques.

Dr. Akhilesh Shah, agricultural expert of Palamu district, said that for bumper production, the first step is to make the soil of the field organic-rich. At the time of plowing the field, by applying 20–25 quintal per acre of well decomposed manure (FYM), 5 kg Trichoderma, 10 kg Neemkhali and 2 quintal vermi compost, the soil becomes soft, swollen and disease-free. This makes the potato lumps thicker and increases production. Organic manure also helps in maintaining moisture in the soil, which reduces irrigation expenses.

He further said that selection of high quality seeds is the key to bumper production. While selecting seeds, choose potatoes weighing 30-40 grams, smooth and disease-free. Before sowing, treat the seeds by mixing 50 grams Trichoderma, 50 ml Neem oil and 5 grams Pseudomonas in 10 liters of water and immersing them for 30 minutes. This provides protection from scorching, rot and virus diseases. The cost of biological treatment is low, but its effect is highly beneficial.

Planting at the right distance is very important for bumper yield. Plant potatoes at a row distance of 45-60 cm and plant to plant distance of 20-25 cm. In organic farming, this distance gives more air and sunlight to the crop, which reduces diseases. It is also important to maintain moisture in the soil after transplantation. Do not allow the field to become excessively wet, otherwise rot may increase.

He told that spraying of organic nutrient solution (Jeevamrit, Beejamrit) is very effective to speed up the growth and formation of lumps in potatoes. Apply 200 liters of Jeevamrit (Jevamrit) per acre of crop on 30-35 days. Use of Ghanjeevamrit enriches the soil with micro-organisms. Spraying 2-3 times of humic acid, seaweed solution, and cow urine based nutrient solution makes potato bulbs heavier. With these organic solutions, production can increase by 20-25%.

He told that the biggest loss in potatoes is caused by blight disease and insects. Biological solutions are very cheap and effective. Spray a solution of 5 liters of cow urine + 5 liters of Neem extract + 40 grams of Trichoderma every 15 days. Spray Bavaria Bassiana and Neem oil for caterpillars and leaf eating insects. Control pests by installing pheromone traps and yellow sticky cards. With these methods the cost of chemical medicines reduces to almost zero.

He further said that irrigation management is very important in organic farming. Watering potatoes through drip irrigation increases both water saving and production. Along with this, organic mulching by spreading paddy straw or chaff helps in maintaining soil moisture, reducing weeds and making potato lumps uniform. Mulching increases production by 10-15% and reduces labor costs.

The demand for organic potatoes is increasing rapidly in cities and online markets. If farmers sell through FPO, Kisan Mandi or direct market, the price of potatoes can be 20–40% higher than normal. Good packaging, grading and selling in a neat and clean manner provide additional profit. Since there is no chemical cost in organic farming. Therefore, the profit can be up to double that of normal farming.