The potato framing in India is witnessing a change with the introduction of sustainable methods for crop production. A notable development comes from Himachal Pradesh, where scientists at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Dhaula Kuan, Sirmaur district, have pioneered a revolutionary method to grow potatoes.
Northern India routinely battles severe air pollution, exacerbated by the burning of agricultural stubble, notably in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Post-harvest, farmers traditionally burn paddy residues, contributing significantly to air pollution. The toxic pollutants released during this process deteriorate air quality and pose serious health risks, particularly in densely populated urban regions such as Delhi-NCR.
Himachal Pradesh offers an innovative solution to this environmental challenge. Scientists at KVK Dhaula Kuan have utilised paddy stubble as a resource rather than waste, employing it to cultivate potatoes without the need for plowing or chemical fertilisers. This method not only mitigates environmental damage but also reduces agriculture costs, paving the way for more sustainable and profitable farming practices.
The researchers have focused on the Kufri Neelkanth variety of potatoes, planting them directly on the moist soil left after the paddy harvest and covering them with a substantial layer of paddy stubble. Spraying the fields with Ghanjeevamrit, a bio-fertiliser composed of cow dung, cow urine, water, and legume flour, enhances the soil’s fertility and plant immunity. The stubble serves as a natural mulch, preserving moisture and drastically cutting irrigation needs. Typically, only three rounds of watering are necessary, which can be further reduced with adequate rainfall. The potatoes are ready for harvest after three months, demonstrating the technique’s efficiency.
This fertiliser-free method has yielded impressive results, achieving excellent production on half a hectare of land. The decomposing stubble enriches the soil with essential nutrients, maintaining soil health and negating the need for chemical inputs. Economically, farmers save significantly on fuel and irrigation costs, enhancing their profitability.Environmentally, this technique curtails air pollution by eliminating stubble burning, hence improving air quality. Additionally, it aligns with climate-resilient agriculture by reducing reliance on irrigation and synthetic inputs, fostering long-term ecological sustainability.
Beyond its environmental impact, this method offers health benefits. The Kufri Neelkanth potatoes are rich in antioxidants, bolstering immunity and potentially reducing the risk of heart diseases and certain cancers. With a low glycemic index, they are deemed suitable for diabetics, while their superior storage capacity makes them commercially viable.
Encouraged by these results, both the Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University and the Walnut Agricultural Research Sub-Center in Una are advancing research to refine and improve this technique. According to Dr Saurabh Sharma from the Walnut Research Center, organic potato farming using paddy stubble has already achieved yields between 300 and 325 quintals per hectare, and further enhancements are likely.
Despite conventional methods producing slightly higher yields of up to 400 quintals per hectare, the long-term environmental and economic benefits of organic cultivation provide a compelling case for change.
Dr Naveen Kumar, Vice-Chancellor of Palampur Agricultural University, believes this model has the potential for nationwide implementation. If adopted broadly, it could eliminate stubble burning in India, bolster farmers’ incomes by reducing production costs, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
