Join WhatsApp Group of Indian Potato
A quiet but powerful revolution is transforming India’s potato fields. Across the Indo-Gangetic Plains, thousands of small and marginal farmers are embracing Zero Tillage Potato (ZTP) cultivation using rice straw mulch. This innovative method transforms what was once considered polluting waste into a valuable asset for sustainable, profitable production.
From Burning to Benefit
India produces nearly 120 million tonnes of rice straw annually. Historically, much of this residue was burned after harvest, a practice that leads to severe air pollution and soil degradation.
Today, many potato growers in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab are using this very straw as mulch for zero tillage planting, effectively turning residue into wealth.
The technique eliminates conventional ploughing, allowing farmers to plant 15–20 days earlier than usual while significantly reducing diesel use and labor costs. The Potato Zero Tillage Model (PZTM) initiative, a collaboration between the International Potato Center (CIP) and Indian research partners, has already empowered over 10,000 farmers in Bihar with promising results.
A Triple Advantage: Yield, Cost, and Water Efficiency
Recent field trials under the PZTM program highlight the remarkable benefits of this system:
Higher Yield: Up to 36% higher tuber yield compared to conventional tillage.
Lower Costs: Around 25% lower cost of cultivation, primarily due to savings in land preparation and irrigation.
Higher Income: A 54% increase in net income for smallholders.
Water Savings: Approximately 50% reduction in irrigation water use due to better moisture conservation.
“The zero tillage potato system offers a triple advantage — economic savings, environmental improvement, and enhanced soil health,” explains Dr. S.K. Kakraliya, an agronomist associated with the program. “It’s a climate-smart solution suited for resource-poor farmers.”
Empowering Farmers and Protecting the Soil
Beyond being cost-effective, the ZTP system is also women-friendly, as it significantly reduces the physical labor traditionally required for soil preparation.
Crucially, the straw mulch:
Maintains soil temperature and moisture.
Enhances microbial activity and nutrient recycling.
Improves overall soil fertility and resilience against climate stress.
Farmers are also reporting better tuber quality and a longer shelf life, likely due to the improved microclimate created by the mulch.
A Scalable Model for a Sustainable Future
Faced with yield stagnation, nutrient deficiencies, and water stress in conventional systems, Indian agriculture urgently needs change. Zero tillage potato cultivation with rice straw mulch provides a scalable solution that aligns perfectly with India’s goals for regenerative agriculture and carbon neutrality.
Encouraged by its success, state agriculture departments and development agencies are now promoting the practice across eastern and northern India. Experts estimate that widespread adoption could cut CO₂ emissions by over 1.2 million tonnes annually by preventing residue burning and reducing fuel use.
What started as a farmer-led experiment is now being recognized as a game-changing innovation. By combining zero tillage, residue management, and resource efficiency, India’s farmers are proving that climate resilience and profitability can go hand in hand.
For more information, contact: Dr SK. Kakraliya, ex Senior Agronomist, International Potato Center – India at kakraliyask@gmail.com