1Central Potato Research Station, Shillong-793 009, Meghalaya, India
2Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla-171 001, HP, India
Trials were conducted on farmer's field during summer season in 2002 and 2003 in high rainfall areas of east Khasi hills, to assess the effect of bio-fertilizers (Azotobactor + Phosphobacterium) application on potato production. The treatment consisted of application of 100% NPK through inorganic sources (T1), 75% NPK through inorganic sources + bio-fertilizers 300 g/ha each ofAzotobactor andPhosphobacterium(T2) and 50% NPK through inorganic sources + bio-fertilizers 600 g/ha each ofAzotobactor andPhosphobacterium(T3). Tuber yield in T1 and T2 were at par, but significantly more than T3. The cost:benefit ratio in T1 and T2 were same (1:4.2), but more than T3 (1: 3.7). Farmers perceived this technology as cost saving, less complex and helpful in obtaining better yield of subsequent vegetable crops.
