Potato-Harvest and storage

Potatoes are harvested when they attain sufficient size. Early varieties take 57 to 100 days and late varieties 120- 160 days to reach harvesting stage.

Skin slipping from the tuber is taken as a harvest indicator. The leaf senescence or top drying is yet another indicator.

Harvesting is done by digging with spade or other hand tool. Suitable tractor operated potato diggers are also available now.

There should be optimum moisture in the soil at the time of harvest. The harvested potatoes are surface dried and kept in heaps for 10-15 days in shade for curing of skin.

The harvested tubers should not be exposed to direct sunlight as they become green. All damaged and rotten tubers should be removed. The produce should be kept in a cool place before sending to the market.