RELATIVE PERFORMANCE OF LOW INPUT AND HIGH INPUT TECHNOLOGY FOR POTATO PRODUCTION IN INDIA

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Central Potato Research Station, Gwalior, MP during 2001-02 and 2002-03 to compare low input and high input technology for potato (Solanum tuberosum) production. The data revealed that tuber yield
(9%), cost of cultivation (27%), gross return (5.9%) and total number of tubers (14%) were higher with high input technology as compared to the low input technology. Whereas the rate of multiplication by weight (10%), net return (21%) and net return per rupee spent (45%) were higher with the low input technology. It was interesting to note that most of the economic parameters were in favour of low input technology. By adopting low input technology using low seed @ 1.6 t/ha having small size tubers (10-20g), farmers can save on initial investment upto Rs. 15000/ha. Hence, low input technology may prove boon to small and marginal farmers who are not capable to make high initial investments particularly on seed as seed cost has highest impact on cost of potato cultivation which accounts for about 50% of total cost of cultivation.