Sweet potato, or shakarkand, is a hardy tuber crop that needs low inputs and gives returns in a few months. It is popular in winter as a snack and is eaten during fasts. Here is a simple guide.
Climate and soil
- Sweet potato grows well in warm weather but is grown in different seasons across India.
- Light, well drained sandy loam soil is best. Heavy clay soil gives misshapen tubers.
- Avoid waterlogged fields.
Planting material
Sweet potato is planted using vine cuttings, not seeds. Cuttings about 20 to 30 cm long, with several nodes, are taken from healthy vines, usually from the top part. Raise vines in a nursery to get enough planting material.
Varieties
The ICAR Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) in Thiruvananthapuram has released many improved varieties. Some, such as Bhu Sona, are orange fleshed and rich in beta carotene, which the body turns into vitamin A. Bhu Krishna is a purple fleshed variety rich in anthocyanins. Ask your Krishi Vigyan Kendra which variety suits your area.
Also Read: Potato Farming Guide: Planting Time, Seed Tubers, Earthing Up and Blight Control for Higher Yield | Rajma Farming Guide: Sowing Time, Varieties, Fertiliser and Care for Kidney Bean Crops
Planting
- Prepare ridges or mounds about 60 cm apart.
- Plant cuttings about 20 to 25 cm apart, burying the middle nodes in soil.
- Irrigate soon after planting if there is no rain.
Manure and fertiliser
Add well rotted farmyard manure. Apply nitrogen, phosphorus and potash based on a soil test. Too much nitrogen gives lush vines but fewer tubers.
Care
- Weed in the first few weeks until vines cover the ground.
- Lift the vines gently once or twice to stop them rooting at the nodes, which reduces tuber size.
- Earth up the ridges.
Pests
Sweet potato weevil is the main pest. Use clean planting material, practise crop rotation, earth up to close soil cracks and use pheromone traps where advised.
Harvest
Most varieties are ready in about 3 to 4 months. Stop irrigation a little before harvest. Dig carefully to avoid cutting tubers, and cure them in a shaded, airy place for a few days.
Selling tips
- Grade tubers by size and remove damaged ones.
- Demand rises in winter and during fasting seasons.
- Check daily mandi prices on Agmarknet or eNAM before selling.
Bottom line
Sweet potato is a low cost, short duration crop. With healthy cuttings, light soil and weevil control, farmers can earn good returns.
Source / स्रोत: ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Agmarknet
