EVALUATION OF POTATO VARIETIES FOR EXPORT POTENTIAL IN EARLY SEASON.

Uttar Pradesh, particularly its western region, has better export potential for the premium early potato segment as leading Indian exporters demand export-grade tubers (>55mm) during January to tap the deficit period of fresh potatoes in the global market. With this background, a field experiment was conducted during 2020-22 in the early crop season with five promising varieties/ advanced hybrid viz., Kufri Sangam, Kufri Kiran, Kufri Neelkanth, Kufri Chipsona-4 and WS/07-113. The crop was planted in September end and harvested in mid-January. Advanced hybrid WS/07-113 recorded the highest export-grade tuber yield (4.95 t/ha), followed by Kufri Kiran (4.63 t/ha). Maximum tuber dry matter content was attained by cv. Kufri Chipsona-4 (21.3%) followed by Kufri Kiran (20.1%) and Kufri Sangam (19.3%). As a specialty segment, exporters showed keen interest in cv. Kufri Neelkanth which has 4.32 t/ha export-grade tuber yield and 18.6% specific gravity. As exporters require potatoes in January, crop duration may easily be increased to 85-90 days to achieve higher yields. Performance of varieties and exporters' feedback indicates that western UP can lead to export-grade potato production during the early-season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]