Climate / Temperature: Potato cultivation thrives in moderate temperate climates. The ideal daytime temperature should not exceed 35°C, while nighttime temperatures should stay below 21°C. The optimal temperature range for crop growth is between 15-25°C, with the best conditions for tuber formation being around 18-20°C. Tuber formation halts when the temperature exceeds 30°C.

Water Demand: A potato crop, spanning 120-150 days, requires about 500-700 mm of water for optimal yield. In winter, irrigation is needed twice a week, with increased watering during drought periods. The irrigation schedule includes:

• First irrigation: 10-12 days after sowing.
• Second irrigation: 20-22 days later.
• Third irrigation: At the start of tuber formation.
• Final irrigation: Stop 10 days before harvest.

Soil: Loose, well-drained, clay soils are ideal for potato farming. Field preparation should begin 2-3 months before sowing. The soil's pH should range between 5.0-6.0, although potatoes can tolerate a pH from 4.5 to 8.0, with yields diminishing in pH levels above 7.

Major Varieties:

1. Kufri Jyoti: Ready in 80-150 days, yields 150-250 quintals per hectare.
2. Kufri Ganga: Ready in 75-80 days, yields 250-300 quintals per hectare.
3. Kufri Alankar: Ready in 70 days, yields 200-250 quintals per hectare.
4. Other varieties include: Kufri Swarn, Kufri Chandramukhi, Kufri Neelkanth, Kufri Bahar, Kufri Sindoori, and Kufri Deva.

Sowing of Crops:

• Early crop: Sown around September 15th.
• Main crop: Sown between October 15th and 25th. Ensure appropriate spacing between tubers and rows based on tuber size.

Field Preparation: After 2-3 rounds of ploughing, irrigate the field, and flatten it by using a roller to make the soil fine and crumbly.

Crop Cycle: Crop rotation, such as planting tomatoes after potatoes, helps maintain soil fertility.

Water Management: Employ water-efficient systems such as drip irrigation, sprinklers, or rain guns. Lesser water is needed during the early growth stages, but 7-10 irrigations are required over the crop cycle for optimal yield.

Weed Management: Weeds should be removed 20-25 days after sowing when the plants reach a height of 8-10 cm. For chemical control, apply Pendimethalin 1-2 days after sowing.

Harvesting: For early crops, harvesting can be done after 60-70 days, ideally before temperatures rise between 20-30°C.

Yield: Hybrid varieties tend to yield higher results, producing 600-800 quintals per hectare, whereas standard varieties yield around 350-400 quintals per hectare.

Diseases & Disease Prevention:

1. Late Blight: Symptoms include white spots on the leaves, which eventually turn brown or black. Prevention involves stopping irrigation and relocating the nursery.
2. Early Blight: Characterized by small brown spots on the leaves. Infected plants should be burned, and tubers should be treated with Mancozeb.
3. Black Scurf: Black spots appear on the tubers. Deep ploughing and the use of certified seeds can help prevent this disease.