Potato is the most important food crop of the world. For vegetable purpose it has become one of the most popular crops in India. Potatoes are economical food, they provide a source of low cost energy to the human diet. Potatoes are rich source of starch, vitamins especially C and B1 and minerals. They contain 20.6% carbohydrates, 2.1% protein, 0.3% fat, 1.1% crude fibre and 0.9% ash. They also contain a good amount of essential amino acid like leucine, tryptophane, isoleucine etc.

Potato is a cool season crop. It thrives best in cool regions where there is sufficient moisture and fertile soil. Satisfactory tuber growth occurs if soil temperature is between 17 and 19 degree centigrade. Higher soil temperature adversely affect the tuber development. Tuber development virtually stops if the temperature rise above 30 degree centigrade.

Potato can be produced on wide range of soils, ranging from sandy loam, silt loam, loam and clay soil. The soil should be well aerated, fairly deep and well supplied with organic matter. Well drained sandy loam and loam soils, rich in humus are most suitable for potato.