28/07/2025
To get a better crop of potatoes, it’s important to focus on the right timing, proper soil preparation, quality seed, and good crop management practices. Here's a complete guide:
Best Time to Plant Potatoes
Temperate regions (e.g., Northern Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa):
Autumn Crop: September to October
Spring Crop: January to February
Warmer regions (e.g., Sindh, Southern Punjab):
Winter Crop: October to November
Steps to Get Better Yield of Potatoes
1. Select Good Variety
Choose high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties like:
Desiree
Lady Rosetta
Sante
Kuroda
Atlas
2. Use Quality Seed
Use certified seed potatoes free from disease.
Cut large seed potatoes into pieces (each with at least one eye).
Let cut pieces dry 1-2 days before planting to prevent rot.
3. Soil Preparation
Well-drained, loamy or sandy loam soil is best.
pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Apply rotten farmyard manure (20–25 tons per acre) before planting.
Deep ploughing and level seedbed is essential.
4. Planting Method
Spacing:
Row to row: 60–75 cm
Plant to plant: 20–25 cm
Depth: 10–15 cm
5. Fertilization
Balanced NPK is crucial:
Nitrogen: 100–120 kg/acre
Phosphorus: 80–100 kg/acre
Potash: 80–100 kg/acre
Split dose of nitrogen: half at planting, rest during earthing up.
6. Irrigation
First watering 5–7 days after planting.
Then every 10–12 days (depends on soil & weather).
Avoid over-irrigation to prevent rot.
7. Earthing Up
Do it 25–30 days after planting.
Helps in tuber development and w**d control.
8. W**d & Pest Control
Keep the field w**d-free in first 40 days.
Protect from pests like aphids, cutworms, and diseases like early blight, late blight.
9. Harvesting
Harvest 90–120 days after planting, depending on the variety.
Harvest when plants dry and tops die down.
Tips for Higher Yield
Rotate crops to avoid soil-borne diseases.
Do not use potatoes as seed more than 2-3 seasons.
Avoid waterlogging.
Use mulching in dry areas to retain soil moisture.
