Maturity and Harvesting of Potato NEXT

Potato is the leading food in several countries of the world. Introduction Potato is the leading food in several countries of the world. It is an integral part of almost every household in India. Several value added products are prepared from potatoes viz. starch, dried potato, frozen French fries etc. But potato chips are famous world over. End Previous Next

Importance and Uses of Potato It is a rich source of carbohydrates. Varieties like Kufri Jyoti, Kufri Jeevan, Kufro Red, Kufri Sindhuri are grown commercially. Now purpose-specific varieties like Kufri Chipsona-1, 2, 3 are mainly used for making chips. Kufri Chipsona-3 End Previous Next

Maturity Maturity of fruits and vegetables is an indication of the development of the crop as a marketable product. Selection of right stage of maturity for harvest is an important aspect, which has considerable influence on storage life and quality and final acceptance by the consumer. End Previous Next

Maturity Indices Potatoes are harvested at any size greater than 2 to 3 inches in diameter. For full season potatoes, the tubers are harvested when the plants begin to yellow and die down. End Previous Next

Colour and Size of Different Potato at Maturity Freshly harvested potatoes Kufri Chipsona-1 Kufri Jyoti End Previous Next

The objective of harvesting is to: Pick the fruits at the proper stage of maturity, with a minimum damage, as rapidly as possible and at a minimum cost best achieved by hand harvesting in most fruits and vegetables Harvesting can be done by hand and by mechanical means which have their merit and demerit. End Previous Next

Harvesting of Potatoes Potatoes are dug out with the help of hoe or fork or diggers specially designed for the digging of potatoes. Mechanical injury should be avoided at every cost End Previous Next

After grading, produce may be packed in ventilated jute bags Harvesting and Care After harvesting, potatoes should washed to remove soil and dirt from the tubers. Harvested produce should be kept in a cool and ventilated place before sorting and grading After grading, produce may be packed in ventilated jute bags Unwashed potatoes should be used for storage End Previous Next

After Care and Storage Exposure of tubers to sunlight should be avoided otherwise the tubers will turn green and become non-edible If not stored properly, potatoes become sweet due to conversion of starch in to simple sugars. End Previous Next

Potatoes should be harvested when foliar plant parts starts drying. Let Us Sum Up Potatoes should be harvested when foliar plant parts starts drying. Harvesting should be done with a suitable tool. After harvesting, potatoes should be washed to remove soil and be kept in a dry and cool place Unwashed potatoes should be used for storage After sorting, potatoes should be packed in ventilated bags and marketed. End