Abstract:
A study was undertaken in Punjab on the adoption of improved irrigation and mechanization practices in potato seed production. It was observed that the use of bullock draft is diminishing at potato farms. More than 80% of the traction equipment is of the type MF 240 of 47 HP. In view of heavy draft requirement it was realized that powerful traction may prove profitable and time saving. The proportion of various methods for planting are manual labour 33.8%, manual-tractor 28.6%, semi-automatic planter 23.4% and automatic planter 14.2%. The convex ridgers widely used in Punjab, result in compacting the ridges which is undesirable for tuber formation. In our soil and agricultural conditions the semi- automatic planter has more merit. Its efficiency can by improved further by providing with concave ridger and a pacing device. The adoption of harvesting by various methods is manual 57.1%, spinner 26%, digger 13%, automatic harvester 1.3% and others 2.6%. The machinery and equipment with narrow wheels need to be used to avoid compacting. The excessive or inadequate irrigations are detrimental to potato seed production. Shallow and frequent irrigations are desirable to harvest good production of proper sized quality seed.
Page(s):
89-94
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Volume: 9, Issue: 2, Year: 1990