Potatoes

Potato is a starchy, edible tuber that is cultivated throughout the world and is consumed as a major staple food. This food crop occurs underground, in the stem of the plant on which it is grown. Potato plant comes from the family of Solanaceae and is long lasting in nature. The potato crop contains high level of nutritive value and ranks 4th among the most important crops of the world. It constitutes nearly half of the worlds annual output of all root and tuber crops. With an annual global production of about 300 million tons, potato is an economically important staple crop in both developed and developing countries. In India, more than 80 of the potato crop is raised in the winter season (Rabi) under assured irrigation during short winter days from October to March. About 8% area lies in the hills during long summer days from April to October. Rainy season (Kharif) potato production is taken in Karnataka, Maharashtra, HP, J & K and Uttaranchal.