USE OF REMOTE SENSING AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING OF POTATO PRODUCTION IN INDIA

Abstract

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) plays an important role in food and nutritional security of India. Its contribution to the national economy is manifold. It has potential for export as seed as well as ware produce or as processed products. Though potato production has increased significantly over the last few decades, there is still a vast scope for increase in area, productivity and production. Assessment of crop condition, acreage and production in advance has a strong bearing on management and planning of potato production. Being a semi-perishable crop, its post harvest management needs special attention. Thus, an end-to-end management plan from sowing to harvest and storing to marketing is essential for sustained growth of potato crop in the country. This paper highlights the use of remote sensing and geographic Information System (GIS) in realizing many of these requirements of potato production in India.