Advances in Potato Production Technologies in Bangladesh With Emphasis on Seed Systems, Water Management and Late Blight Management

Potato cultivation remains a dynamic and strategic component of Bangladesh’s agriculture in 2025, contributing significantly to food security, nutrition and rural income. As the country’s third most important food crop after rice and wheat, potato supplies affordable carbohydrates, vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber to a rapidly growing population. In previous year, potato has been cultivated on around 460,000 hectares, producing about 11 million tons annually, with national average yields approaching 24 t ha?¹, reflecting steady productivity gains. Domestic consumption continues to dominate, while exports and processing demand are gradually increasing. Favorable winter temperatures, fertile alluvial soils, and expanding cold storage infrastructure support intensive cultivation, particularly in Dinajpur, Rangpur, Bogura, Joypurhat, Naogaon, Sirajganj, Natore and Jashore regions. However, yield stability is increasingly challenged by seed quality issues, inefficient input use, and late blight disease under changing climate conditions. Adoption of modern techniques: quality seed systems, precision irrigation, balanced fertilization, and integrated late blight management is therefore essential to sustain productivity and profitability in 2025 and beyond.

Optimum time for potato cultivation

In Bangladesh, potato seeds are generally planted between late October and mid-November, with the harvest season typically occurring from January to March.

Soil type and climate

Choosing the right soil and climate is critical for successful potato cultivation, as these factors have a significant impact on the crop's quality and yield. Sandy loam soil is ideal for potato farming due to its excellent drainage properties, which help prevent tuber rot. The optimal soil pH for potato cultivation ranges from 5.2 to 6.5. Potatoes grow best in temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. Excessive heat can inhibit tuber growth, while extreme cold can cause the tubers to freeze. In Bangladesh, the winter season, lasting from late October to mid-December, offers ideal conditions for potato farming, providing the cool and dry weather necessary for healthy tuber development. As a winter crop (Rabi crop), potatoes thrive in mild, cold climates. Temperatures between 15°C and 20°C are particularly favorable for optimal tuber development. Planting seeds in late October or early November ensures the crop benefits from the ideal winter climate, leading to higher yields. The timing of potato cultivation may vary across different regions in Bangladesh due to variations in soil types and climatic conditions. In northern Bangladesh, where winter arrives earlier, planting typically begins in November. In southern regions, where winter sets in later, planting can extend into early December. Farmers should ensure that the soil is dry yet adequately moist during planting to promote proper seed germination, as excessive rainfall or waterlogging can hinder this process.

Soil preparation

Effective soil preparation is vital for potato farming, as it directly influences the crop’s quality and yield. Potatoes are a tuber crop that performs best in well-drained, fertile, and loamy soils. To prepare the soil, the field should be tilled 4-5 times to break up the soil and ensure it is loose and level. This process also removes weeds and residual plant matter from previous crops. Deep plowing should follow to create a fine, crumbly soil structure, allowing the tubers to grow easily underground. The ideal soil pH for potato cultivation ranges between 5.5 and 6.5. If the soil is overly acidic, applying dolomite or lime can help achieve a balanced pH. Additionally, adequate levels of phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen are essential for promoting tuber growth and improving yield quality. During soil preparation, chemical fertilizers should be applied in appropriate quantities. After fertilization, the field should be leveled using a harrow to ensure it is ready for planting. Following this methodical soil preparation process significantly enhances potato yields and helps protect against diseases and pests.

Quality Seeds

Choosing high-quality seeds is critical for successful potato farming. High-yield varieties such as BARI Potato 96, BARI Potato 98, BARI Potato 92, BARI Potato 93, BARI Potato 95, BARI Potato 100, BARI Potato 101, BARI Potato 103, as well as BADC Potato 1, BADC Potato 2, BADC Potato 3, BADC Potato 6, BADC Potato 7, BADC Potato 11, BADC Potato 12, BADC Potato 13, and other varieties like Levent, ACI Fry Potato 2, ACI Potato 7, ACI Potato 9, Adato, Twinner, Arsenal, Marquis, can significantly enhance yield. Quality seeds improve tuber size, disease resistance, and adaptability to environmental conditions.

Characteristics of Quality Seeds

When selecting high-quality seeds, consider the following factors:

Disease free: Seeds must be free from viral or fungal infections, as diseased seeds can negatively affect both yield and crop quality.

Optimal size: Tubers should be medium-sized, weighing between 30-50 grams each. Very small or large tubers may cause cultivation challenges.
Healthy sprouts: Sprouts should be green, healthy, and evenly developed. Avoid seeds with damaged or irregular sprouts.

Freshness: Use fresh, high-quality seeds instead of older ones.

Climate compatibility: Choose seed varieties suitable for the local climate and growing conditions.

Seed Selection and Storage Methods

Certified sources: Obtain high-quality seeds from trusted organizations such as the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), or other reliable suppliers.

Proper storage: Store seeds in a cool, dry environment to prevent spoilage. Treat seeds with fungicides if there are any signs of disease.

Seed Quantity

Approximately 1,500-2,000 kilograms of seeds are required per hectare. Medium-sized seeds weighing 30–50 grams each are recommended for better cultivation outcomes.

Seed Treatment

Treat seeds with fungicides such as Mancozeb to protect them from diseases and ensure healthy growth.

Planting Guidelines

Row and Plant Spacing

Row to row distance: 60 cm, Plant to plant distance: 20–25 cm and Planting depth: 5-7 cm.

Planting Method

Prepare the soil thoroughly before planting seeds in rows. Ensure the soil is slightly moist for better germination. Cover the seeds with soil after planting.

Organic and Chemical Fertilizer Application

Proper application of organic and chemical fertilizers is essential for healthy tuber growth and achieving high yields. A balanced approach improves soil fertility and ensures sustainable farming practices.

Organic Fertilizer Application

Organic fertilizers enhance soil quality and provide essential natural nutrients for potatoes:

Cow dung: Apply 8-10 tons per hectare of decomposed cow dung to improve soil organic matter and lighten soil texture, facilitating tuber growth.
Compost: Apply 5-7 tons per hectare of compost to increase soil water retention and disease resistance.

Vermicompost: Use high-quality vermicompost to supply nitrogen, phosphorus, and other essential minerals to the soil.

Using organic fertilizers ensures long-term soil fertility and reduces dependency on chemical fertilizers reduce greenhouse gas emission.

Chemical Fertilizer Application

Chemical fertilizers support rapid growth and high yields but must be applied correctly to maintain soil balance:
Urea: Apply 325-350 kg per hectare in two phases: First phase: After sprouting and Second phase: 30-40 days after sprouting.

TSP (Triple Super Phosphate): Apply 200-220 kg per hectare during soil preparation to support tuber growth.

MOP (Muriate of Potash): Use 250-300 kg per hectare to strengthen tubers and increase disease resistance.

Gypsum, Zinc Sulfate, and Magnesium Sulfate:

Apply 100-120 kg of gypsum per hectare.

Apply 8-10 kg of zinc sulfate per hectare.

Apply 140-160 kg of magnesium sulfate per hectare to fulfill deficiencies.

Boron: Use 6-8 kg per hectare to enhance yield if required.

Accurate fertilizer application improves tuber quality, boosts yields, and maintains soil health for sustainable potato farming.

Method of Fertilizer Application

During soil cultivation, organic and chemical fertilizers should be mixed evenly. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers like urea should be applied in two doses. The quantity of fertilizer should be adjusted according to the soil type and pH. After application, light irrigation should be given to mix the fertilizer into the soil. Proper use of both organic and chemical fertilizers ensures good potato yields, maintains soil health, and preserves environmental balance.

Irrigation Management

Proper timing and method of irrigation are crucial in potato cultivation because irrigation control impacts both yield and quality. Below are the detailed guidelines for irrigation management in potato farming:

1. Initial Irrigation

If there is insufficient moisture in the soil after seed planting, immediate irrigation is necessary. However, care should be taken to prevent waterlogging. The best approach is to submerge 2/3 of the ridge area in water. This helps maintain soil moisture and allows easy sprouting of seeds.

2. Irrigation Schedule

The irrigation interval may vary at different stages of potato growth:

Stolon Emergence (20-25 days): Stolon (the initial stage of tuber formation) emerges within 20-25 days after planting. During this period, irrigation is necessary to maintain adequate soil moisture.

Tuber Formation (40-45 days): Irrigation is needed during tuber formation, as lack of moisture during this stage negatively impacts yield.

Potato Growth Period (50-60 days): Irrigation is required during the growth period, but in the right amount. Adequate moisture at this stage increases tuber size and improves quality.

3. Stopping Irrigation

Irrigation should be stopped 7-10 days before harvesting. This helps harden the potato skin, which aids in preservation.
4. Control of Blight Disease

Special care is needed in irrigation management to prevent blight disease:

Preventing Moisture Deficiency (30-50 days): Ensure that soil moisture is maintained between 30-50 days after planting.

Preventing Excess Moisture (60-65 days): After 60-65 days, excessive moisture should be avoided, as this can lead to blight disease.

Potato late Blight Disease Control

This disease is caused by the fungus Phytophthora infestans, which leads to significant crop loss every year.

Prevention Measures

· Use disease-free seed potatoes from clean land.
· After harvest, burn the infected plant debris from the field.
· Raise the soil around the base of the plants to prevent the pathogen from attacking tubers below ground.
· Avoid planting potatoes and tomatoes together; crop rotation with other crops like rice is advisable.
· Potatoes should not be harvested when the soil is wet or after rainfall.
· Before storing potatoes in cold storage, select and keep only disease-free potatoes.
· Stop irrigation until the disease is controlled in infected fields.

Actions after Disease Occurrence

If the disease appears, spray fungicides every 4-5 days using one of the following options, mixed with 2 grams per liter of water to thoroughly wet the plants:

· Secure 600 WG (Mancozeb 50% + Fenamidone 10%)
· Acrobat MZ (Mancozeb 60% + Dimethomorph 9%)
· Companion 75 WP (Mancozeb 63% + Carbendazim 12%)
· Melody Duo 66.8 WP (Propineb 70% + Iprovalicarb) 4 grams + Secure 600 WG 1 gram.

Potato Harvesting Method

Following the correct procedure during potato harvesting is essential for preserving crop quality and ensuring they are suitable for storage. Harvesting should be done in dry, sunny, and favorable weather conditions. Irrigation should be stopped 7-10 days before harvesting to allow the potato skin to harden. Potatoes should be carefully lifted row by row using a spade or plow, ensuring that no damage occurs during the process. After harvesting, potatoes should not be exposed to direct sunlight, as this can degrade their quality. A preliminary sorting in the field should be conducted to separate any cut, broken, damaged, or partially rotten potatoes. These should be kept apart from the healthy potatoes to maintain overall quality.

Transportation and Storage

After harvesting, potatoes should be carefully placed in baskets, covered with sacks or cloth, and transported to a temporary shed. Potato sacks or baskets should not be dropped or struck, as this could cause the skin to peel off or the potatoes to be crushed.

Conclusion

Potato is a highly promising crop for Bangladesh. By adopting modern farming techniques, production can be increased, leading to improved financial stability for farmers. Ensuring the use of high-yielding varieties, quality seeds, proper soil preparation, fertilizers, efficient irrigation, pest control technologies and effective management practices can make potato cultivation more profitable in Bangladesh. With proper planning, the application of modern technologies and improvements in market management, potato farming can play a pivotal role in ensuring food security and enhancing the financial well-being of farmers in the country.


Dr. Md. Mahfuz  Alam is Director (Manpower and Training), 
Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC). 
Email: [email protected]