Effect of varieties and fungicide spray on productivity of potatoin North Eastern hill region

A field experiment was conducted during 2009–10 to 2010–11 at Central Potato Research Station, Shillong to evaluate the effect of varieties and protective spraying of fungicide on productivity of potato in north eastern hill region of India. Kufri Megha recorded highest marketable (20.3 t/ha) and total tuber yield (22.5 t/ha); net returns (Rs.367.3x10³) and B:C ratio (4.6) as compared to other varieties. Spraying of fungicides recorded significantly higher plant stand (11.5%), marketable yield (23.9%) and total tuber yield (14.9%), consequently the maximum net profit (Rs.301.1x10³) and B:C ratio (3.5) over non sprayed crop. Highest improvement in potato yield was observed due to the spraying of fungicides on Kufri Giriraj (33.1%) followed by Kufri Jyoti (22.0%) over the non spray. However, very narrow enhancement in productivity of potato were found with same level of spray of fungicides on Kufri Megha (4.5%) and Kufri Girdhari (5.3%) over the non sprayed. Hence, cultivation of Kufri Megha along with spraying of fungicide is crucial to enhance the profitability of farming community for north eastern hill region.