Potato Harvesting in Jharkhand: A Glimpse of Rural Resilience

Text & Photo by Ashok Karan | ashokkaran.blogspot.com

While driving through the rustic, unmetalled
roads of Bedo—just about 35 kilometers from Ranchi, Jharkhand—I was drawn to a
simple, yet powerful sight. A group of school girls were busy harvesting
potatoes in a nearby field. I stopped, walked towards them, and struck up a
conversation.

What I learned was both humbling and inspiring.
These young girls, after returning from school, assist their aging family
members in the fields. Though the quantity of potatoes harvested is modest,
they contribute to their family’s income by selling them in the local market.

Potato cultivation in Jharkhand faces multiple
challenges:

➡️
Low yields

➡️
Limited use of high-yielding varieties

➡️
Poor post-harvest storage facilities

In fact, Jharkhand’s average potato yield
stands at just 11.7 tons per hectare,
much lower than the national average of 21.5
tons per hectare. Farmers—often lacking technical know-how—struggle
with traditional methods, and inadequate marketing channels often compel them
to sell their produce at low prices.

However, change is taking root.

Organizations like Krishi Vigyan Kendra
(KVK) and Divyayan KVK
in Ranchi are actively promoting improved varieties such as Kufri Pukhraj, Kufri Kanchan, and Kufri Sindoori. These have shown yields of up to 400–450 quintals per hectare.
Bamboo-based storage innovations under the Digital Green initiative are also helping reduce
post-harvest losses.

Support from agencies like CG Space is further empowering farmers
through training in advanced farming techniques and marketing strategies.
Exciting experiments—like cultivating black potatoes at the Raj Bhavan in
Ranchi or growing both tomato and potato on a single plant—reflect the untapped
potential of the region.

Today, with a contribution of 7.33 thousand tons, Jharkhand is gradually
emerging as a notable player in India’s potato production landscape, especially
in areas like Ranchi and Singhbhum. While places like Farrukhabad (Uttar Pradesh) and Banaskantha (Gujarat) dominate national headlines as
“Potato Cities,” Jharkhand holds promise through diversification and grassroots
efforts.

A typical acre in Jharkhand can yield 100–140
quintals of potatoes. Skilled farmers using modern techniques can even reach 170 quintals per acre. With a growth
period of 90 to 120 days post-sowing, potato farming—when done efficiently—can
become a highly profitable venture.

Potatoes are more than just a staple in Indian
kitchens—they are a cultural connector across Irish, Peruvian, Eastern
European, and Indian cuisines. Despite dietary or cultural restrictions for
some, their versatility—whether boiled, baked, fried, or roasted—makes them a
beloved food across the globe. Rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals,
potatoes remain one of the world’s most valuable crops.

📸 In
the photo: School girls harvesting potatoes in the countryside of Jharkhand.

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