Enhancing Potato Yield in Banaskantha and Other Potato Growing Regions in Gujarat Through Scientific Seed Treatment Methods
As winter descends upon many districts of Gujarat, including Banaskantha, potato cultivation is on the rise. However, farmers in this region often face significant losses due to pest problems, largely attributed to a lack of proper guidance. This year, following the advice of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra could lead to bumper potato production without disease-related issues in Banaskantha and other potato growing regions in Gujarat.
Dr. Yogesh Pawar, a scientist at the Agriculture Science Centre in Deesa, Banaskantha, shared valuable insights regarding potato cultivation. He highlighted that in the previous year, Banaskantha district saw potato cultivation across more than 60,000 hectares, yielding an average production of 29 tonnes per hectare. This resulted in a total production of 175 lakh tonnes of potatoes in the district. Despite this impressive yield, farmers encountered problems such as common pest issues, potato hole problems, and sugar return.
Key Considerations for Potato Sowing in Banaskantha
Dr. Pawar emphasized the importance of proper seed preparation before planting potatoes in Banaskantha. He advised farmers to prepare seeds according to the seed plot technique. Addressing the common scab problems in potato cultivation, he stressed the need for an integrated approach to disease control.
Seed Treatment Process and Disease Prevention
- Spray 3% boric acid solution on potato seeds before their moisture dries out. This helps prevent common scab disease.
- Mix 450 grams of IP grade boric acid in 15 liters of water for the spray solution.
- For one acre of land, mix 1 kg of Trichoderma and 1 kg of Pseudomonas with 100 kg of manure and spread it before cultivation. This helps control soil-borne fungal diseases.
- Alternatively, apply this mixture with water during sowing to reduce soil-borne fungal problems, including Fusarium wilt and Rhizoctonia.
By following these scientific seed treatment methods, potato farmers in Banaskantha can significantly reduce pest-related issues and potentially increase their yield. The treatment process helps prevent diseases such as common scab, late blight, and various soil-borne fungal diseases that are prevalent in the region.
About Dr Yogesh Pawar:
Dr. Yogesh Dattatray Pawar, He is working as a Scientist (Horticulture) from more than 5 years at Krushi Vigyan Kendra Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Deesa, Gujarat. Released total 9 (Nine) recommendations for farmers as well as for nurserymen. Published 44 research papers in International and national journals. Conducted 55 media channel interview and tv talk. Released 51 popular articles, folder, booklet and book chapters. Attended 19 trainings, workshops, seminars etc. Life member of 6 different Societies. He has teaching experience of many years of polytechnic, UG, PG, Ph.D. level. PI of Plug Nursery project (Costing Rs. 30 lakh). Co-PI of National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) and RKVY Project (Costing Rs. 485 lakh). 18 awards/honours received by farmers/ FPO’s. He has received 10 National and international level Best KVK Scientist/Young Scientist Awards. Secured place in India Book of Records for telecasting maximum number Of interviews in one year and appreciation for maximum honours/awards received by farmers under his guidance. More than 20 success stories were prepared and published within 5 year of service. Introduced strawberry crop in open condition of Banaskantha district during 2019 and horizontal spread in 4 districts of Gujarat within a year. Developed innovative CMI module (Intercropping chilli+ muskmelon) which was adopted by farmers from 5 states of India and occupied around 566 ha area.
