INPUT USE PATTERN AND FACTORS AFFECTING POTATO YIELD IN BARPETA DISTRICT OF ASSAM

Abstract

A study was conducted during 2004-05 in Barpeta district of Assam to assess the physical input use pattern and factors affecting yield of potato. Barpeta was selected purposively because it contributes highest in potato production (12.30% of the state) among all the districts of Assam. Stratified multistage random sampling was employed for the study and thirty six potato growers were selected randomly from three blocks, namely, Bhawanipur, Mandia and Sarukshetri of the district. Simple tabular methods and Cobb-Douglas production function were used to analyse the data. It was found that farmers were not using quality seed and balanced dose of fertilizers. There was lack of irrigation and cold storage facilities in the area. Farmers were also lacking the knowledge of scientific potato production practices. The regression analysis showed that labour, mulching, plant protection and micronutrients were the important factors affecting potato yield. Further, potato production in the study area was operating under increasing return to scale (2.84). The study suggests to intensify the efforts to educate the farmers regarding scientific potato production practices. State Government should make available good quality seed to the farmers and establish cold storage and proper irrigation facilities.