Economic analysis of potato cultivation as affected by sowing dates and plant spacing under split-plot design

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the economic viability and yield performance of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) as influenced by different sowing dates and plant spacings under a split-plot design. Conducted during Rabi 2023-24 in Dehradun, the experiment involved three sowing dates (15th October, 1st November, 15th November) and three spacing levels (45×15 cm, 60×20 cm, 60×25 cm), each replicated thrice. Results indicated that sowing on 1st November with a spacing of 60×20 cm (D2S2) produced the highest marketable tuber yield (34.2 t/ha) and maximum net returns (₹5.2 lakhs/ha), achieving a benefit-cost ratio of 6.48. The findings highlight that aligning planting with optimal climatic conditions and maintaining appropriate plant spacing enhances both productivity and profitability in potato cultivation.