Did you know that growing black potatoes could bring you profits in lakhs? This nutrient-dense crop, black on the outside and purple on the inside, isn’t just a feast for the eyes but a game-changer for the farming community.
Agriculture expert Akash Chaurasia from Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, explains how to cultivate black potatoes effectively, optimise yields, and capitalise on their lucrative market potential.
Here’s how you can get started with black potatoes, a high-yield crop that’s ready for harvest in just three months and offers substantial profit potential for growers.
1. Prepare the soil
A strong and mineral-rich field is key to a good harvest. Start with sandy loam soil, and for each acre, apply 100 kg of lime dust and 50 kg of neem powder to prepare the soil for sowing. After ploughing, allow the land to rest, ensuring the nutrients are well-absorbed before planting.
2. Time the planting well
Each acre will require approximately eight to 10 quintals of black potato seeds. Sow them between 15 October and 15 November when the weather is cool. Black potatoes thrive in cold climates, so timing is crucial for optimal growth and harvest.
3. Treat seeds for disease-free crops
To protect seeds from pests and diseases and promote sprouting, soak them in a solution of 1 kg limestone in 15 litres of water for 10 minutes. Dry in the shade before planting. This simple step goes a long way in ensuring disease-free growth.
4. Adopt a smart planting method
Plant the seeds in single rows eight to nine inches apart with one-foot-wide ridges or in three-row beds for multi-layer farming. Maintain eight to nine inches between plants and 2.5 to three inches within rows. This spacing allows each plant ample room to grow, improving yield potential.
5. Feed the crops organically
Nourish your black potatoes organically for the best flavour and quality. Use 15 tonnes of cow dung, 600 kg of bio-potash, and three tonnes of vermi-phos per acre. From 21 days after sowing, apply a pot manure solution every 10-15 days to supply essential nutrients and keep the plants healthy.
6. Control diseases early
Black potatoes are resilient but can be prone to black spots. If you notice these, spray a solution of 200 grams of limestone in 15 litres of water. Repeat the application after five days if the spots persist. This treatment keeps your crop healthy and disease-free.
7. Harvest and sell
With the right care, you can expect a yield of up to 100 quintals per acre, which translates to significant earnings. At a market price of Rs 40-50 per kg, this can generate a profit of Rs 3-5 lakh per acre!
Black potato farming isn’t just about growing a crop; it’s about cultivating potential and embracing a future of profitable, sustainable agriculture. Start your journey today!
If you wish to know more about black potato farming, you can directly reach out to Akash Chaurasia on WhatsApp or call him at 9179066275 between 8 pm and 10 pm for expert guidance.
Edited by Khushi Arora; Image courtesy Akash Chaurasia.
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