Benchmarking Farmers’ Economic and Social Status in Anantapuramu and Kurnool Arid Districts of Andhra Pradesh for Probable Introduction of Potato Crop

Abstract

India, the second largest producer of potato in the world almost doubled its potato production during 2003-2013 adding additional 22.18 million tonnes and taking total production to 45.34 million tonnes (FAOSTAT). During this period of time the country increased its potato productivity by 31.4% (augmentation of 5.44 tonne/ha) (Rana, 2015). This rapid growth in potato production figures in India were largely backed by the unnoticed food security role assumed by the potato (Thiele et al. 2010, Singh and AbstractIndia has experienced rapid growth in potato production during recent past and the country has almost doubled its potato production during 2003-2013. The potato productivity improved 31.4% over this period of time. However, potato production scenario in southern states of India is quite grim and with the result potato consumers of these states always have to purchase potatoes at very high prices compared to the national average prices. With the objective to augment potato production in southern states this study was carried out for analysing socio-economic characteristics of potential potato growers in non-traditional Anantapuramu and Kurnool districts of arid region in Andhra Pradesh. A long list of socio-economic factors viz. education level, occupation pattern, house condition, tractor ownership, food security level, access and affordability to civic amenities, children's education type, possession of household amenities, expenditure pattern and level of mechanization adoption were studied in this study so that most suitable area for potato introduction may be identified.

Studies on feasibility of sustainable quality seed potato production technology and development of supply chain for the benefit of small and marginal potato growers of Karnataka

“…Due to lack of trust of their on-farm grown potato can be utilised for seed purpose, Karnataka growers are dependent on the fresh seed material transported from distant North Indian plains undergoes serious quality deterioration when transported to Southern states, thus increasing the seed input cost (Rana et al, 2015).Augmentation of local seed potato production and supply is consequently the best way of increase in demand and reducing seed cost in the southern states. Hence, the study was undertaken for technical feasibility and economic viability of quality seed potato production and development of supply chain locally in the statemaking potato growers self-sustainable in seed potato production.…”