1. Introduction: Why Potato Is One of the Most Profitable Global Crops

Potato is the 4th largest food crop in the world after rice, wheat and maize.
It is grown in 160+ countries and consumed daily across:

Homes

Hotels

Restaurants

Chips and snacks industries

French fries industry

Food processing companies

Export markets

Frozen food manufacturers

The global potato market exceeds $150 billion, making it one of the most stable, high-demand crops for commercial growers.

One acre of potatoes can produce:

10–14 tons average yield

Up to 18–22 tons high management yield

Potato farming provides a strong income, long-term storage stability, and high demand in every country year-round.

2. Climate Requirement (Global Growing Zones)

Potato prefers cool climates:

Best temperature: 15–22°C

Tubers stop growing above 30°C

Frost-free climate needed

Day length: 12–14 hours preferred

Global Potato Regions

USA (Idaho, Wisconsin, Washington)

Europe (Germany, Netherlands, France, UK)

China

India (Punjab, UP, Gujarat)

Russia

Canada

Bangladesh

Kenya

Peru (origin country)

Potato is very adaptable to many regions due to its short duration growth cycle.

3. Soil Requirements

Potato thrives in:

Sandy loam

Loam soil

Well-drained soil

Deep loose soil for tuber expansion

pH: 5.2–6.5

Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged soils.

Soil Preparation for One Acre

Deep ploughing

Add 8 tons compost

Add 50 kg neem cake

Prepare ridges and furrows at 2.5 ft spacing

Install drip irrigation (optional but best)

4. Seed Rate for One Acre (Exact Calculation)

Potato is planted using seed tubers.

Seed Requirement

10–12 quintals (1000–1200 kg) per acre

Seed size: 30–45 mm diameter

Disease-free certified seed required

Cut seed pieces only if tubers are large.

Seed Treatment

Fungicide dip (Mancozeb/Carbendazim)

Dry under shade

Apply Trichoderma powder

Good seed quality = high yield.

5. Recommended Global Potato Varieties

Table Potatoes (Fresh Market)

Kufri Pukhraj

Kufri Jyoti

Desiree

Atlantic

Yukon Gold

Russet Burbank

Processing Varieties (French Fries / Chips)

Lady Rosetta (LR)

Santana

Innovator

Frito-Lay varieties

Hermes

Early Maturity Varieties

Kufri Bahar

Kufri Khyati

Early Rose

6. Planting Layout for One Acre

Spacing

Row-to-row: 2.5 ft (75 cm)

Plant-to-plant: 10–12 inches (25–30 cm)

Plant Population

14,000–16,000 plants/acre

Planting depth: 3–4 inches.

7. Irrigation Requirement (Precise Water Schedule)

Potatoes require moisture but NOT standing water.

Drip Irrigation (Best Method)

First 20 days: 20–25 minutes daily

Tuber initiation (most critical): 30–40 minutes daily

Bulking stage: 40–50 minutes daily

Maturity: Reduce irrigation

Total Water Needed

400–600 liters per acre per day (approx.)

Excess water = rotting + disease.

8. Fertilizer Schedule (Month-by-Month Program)

Basal Dose (Before Planting)

FYM: 8 tons

NPK 12:32:16 → 50 kg

Neem cake → 50 kg

Fertigation Schedule

Early Growth (Week 1–4)

NPK 19:19:19 → 4 kg/week

Urea → 4 kg/week

Tuber Initiation (Week 5–6)

Potassium nitrate → 5 kg/week

Calcium nitrate → 2 kg/week

Bulking Stage (Week 7–10)

SOP (sulphate of potash) → 6 kg/week

Magnesium sulphate → 2 kg/week

Finishing (Week 11–12)

MKP 0:52:34 → 3 kg/week

Micronutrients

Spray every 20–25 days:

Boron → 0.2%

Zinc → 0.5%

Calcium → 0.5%

Correct nutrient management increases tuber size and market grade.

9. Earthing Up (Critical Operation)

Two times required:

First earthing: 25–30 days

Second earthing: 45–55 days

Earthing up prevents tubers from sun exposure and increases tuber weight.

10. Pest & Disease Management (Global Standard)

Major Pests

Aphids

Control: Imidacloprid

Cutworms

Control: Chlorpyrifos early soil drench

Potato Tuber Moth

Control: Pheromone traps + Spinosad

Major Diseases

Late Blight (Biggest threat)

Control: Metalaxyl, Mancozeb

Early Blight

Control: Copper oxychloride + Carbendazim

Black Scurf

Control: Seed treatment (Trichoderma)

Bacterial Wilt

Control: Resistant varieties + crop rotation

11. Harvesting Timeline

Potato matures in:

90–120 days depending on variety

Signs of maturity:

Plants dry from top

Skins firm and not easily peeled

Tubers uniform size

12. Yield Per Acre

Average yield

10–14 tons per acre

High yield (good management)

18–22 tons

13. Global Market Price (USD)

RegionPrice per kgUSA$0.30 – $0.70Europe$0.25 – $0.80Middle East$0.20 – $0.50Asia$0.15 – $0.40Africa$0.10 – $0.30

Processing potatoes (premium)

$0.50 – $1.00 per kg

14. Profit Calculation

Revenue

14,000 kg × $0.30 = $4,200
22,000 kg × $0.40 = $8,800

Cost Per Acre

$1,200–$2,000

Net Profit

$3,000–$7,000 per acre

Processing varieties may reach $8,000–$10,000 profit.

15. Storage (Important for Higher Profit)

Potato stores extremely well.

Storage Conditions

Temperature: 4°C

Humidity: 90–95%

Ventilated storage

Sprout inhibitors (Chlorpropham)

Farmers selling after 2–3 months earn 30–50% higher prices.

16. Export Guide

Top importing countries:

UAE

Malaysia

Qatar

Sri Lanka

Bangladesh

Oman

Required documents:

Phytosanitary certificate

Certificate of origin

Invoice

Packaging list

IEC code

17. Value Addition

Potato chips

French fries

Potato flakes

Dehydrated potato powder

Frozen potato products

Value-added products give 2–5× profit.

18. Conclusion

Potato is a global, stable, high-demand crop ideal for commercial farming on one acre. With correct seed selection, irrigation, fertilization, and disease management, potato farming can generate consistent income with strong market stability and excellent storage potential.

19. FAQ

1. How many kg of potato per acre?

10–22 tons.

2. How many kg seed required?

1000–1200 kg.

3. What is the profit?

$3,000–$7,000 (higher for processing varieties).

4. Which fertilizer is best?

Potassium-rich fertilizers during bulking stage.

5. When to harvest?

90–120 days.

6. Best irrigation method?

Drip irrigation.


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