Boosting the production of Potato

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is temperate zone crop which belongs to family solanaceae. Nearly 4300 varieties of native potatoes have been found, which are available in different colors, shapes and sizes. Out of these 180 are wild species of potato which are not edible because of their poisonous nature. Potato have a great nutritive value as it provides a part of everyday caloric requirements of human. It provides many essential nutrients and vitamins including potassium, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, folate, vitamin C and vitamin B6. Worldwide production is estimated to 374 million metric tons annually and in many areas of world it is used as staple food. Pakistan's annual production is estimated to be 20 metric tons/ha although it varies from year to year but it has an increasing trend. Punjab is the leading potato producing province, followed by NWFP, Baluchistan and Sindh. Pakistan's share in world potato production is less than 1%. It is due to sub optimal management, one of the major aspects is the nutrition management. Potato crop has strict requirement for a balanced fertilization management, without which growth and development of the crop declines.