Potato Seed Production in Kashmir Valley Introduction Potato has ...

Introduction
Potato Seed Production in Kashmir Valley
Potato has occupied an important place among non –cereals crops and
ranks fourth after cereal crops (Rice , Wheat and Maize ). This crop has the
capacity to produce more food per unit area, and has wider consumption
with higher potential for diverse commercial utlity.
The area under Potato cultivation in Kashmir valley is spread over 1700
hectares in the form of small holdings , producing about 2.72 lac qtls of
edible Potato . This requires about 41,000 qtls of quality seed. Being grown
through tubers, Potato crop is prone to systematic infections by viruses ,
mycoplasmas , surface fungi, bacteria and nematodes. These biotic stresses
effect the plant stand, vigor , foliage , production potential and ultimately
the crop yield. The degenerative effect of viral disease is more devastating
in vegetatively propagated crops like Potato and there is no control measure
of these diseases at field level.
Potato cultivation is specific by virtue of timely intercultural
operations and adequacy of inputs. Its production depends on three
important parameters viz . Use of quality seed, irrigation and application of
balanced NPK fertilizers. The crop raised through diseased seed does not
respond adequately to application of fertilizers, plant protection measures ,
irrigation etc, which leads to a wasteful expenditure . Since seed is a critical
input in Potato cultivation and amounts to about 50% of total cost of
cultivation, It is essential to maintain a technical seed production system .
To meet this essential requirement of seed the department of Agriculture has
established a separate Potato Development Scheme which produces 20-24
hundred quintals of high quality seed tubers every year for distribution
among the farming community.
Departmental Potato Scheme:-
Department of Agriculture has mandate to have F1 seed multiplication at
various PSD farms across the valley. The scheme operates upon eight (8)
Potato Seed Multiplication Farms, with varied topography and fertility
status. Each farm is managed by one Farm Manager, monitored by two
Potato Seed Inspectors and headed y one Potato Development Officer across
the valley. These farms are producing Potato Seed Tubers of F1 class for
further multiplication within departmental farms and certified class for
further multiplication with Departmental farms and certified class for
distribution among the farming community. All farms are located at high
altitudes and can produce quality PST free from all disease and viruses. For
this programme breeder’s seed is procured from CPRI which are governed
by commission of seeds Govt. of India. However SKUAST is also making
efforts to produce breeder seed by tissue culture technology.

Statistical Position of Various Farms is tabulated under:-
S.No. Name of Farm
Total
Geographical
Area (ha)
Cultivable Area
(ha)
Area under cultivation
during 2009 (ha)
1 Bosain 60 36 9.50
2 Kalnag 73 18.50 13.90
3 Sedow 3.5 3.00 1.00
4 Yarikhah 75 18.45 2.10
5 Dobighat, Gulmarg 20 12.50 0.35
6 Ismarg 2.00 1.85 1.85
7 Dawar 2.00 1.70 1.30
8 Aru 30 3.00 -
Total 265.50 95.00 30.00
Targets achieved from last three years.
S.No. Year Area brought under cultivation
in (Hectares)
Production in
Qtls
1 2006-07 29.65 2552.50
2 2007-08 26.55 1400.52
3 2008-09 25.83 2394.85