Intercultural Operations and Irrigation

• First earthing up is done when plants are 10-15cm long. Final earthing up is done when crop is 6- 8 weeks old.
• First irrigation is given when sprouts emerge out of soil and subsequent irrigations are given as and when required. Always give half ridge irrigation.
• Irrigation is withdrawn 15-20 days before harvesting of crop to allow firming of tuber skin.

Mulching

• Plant material such as paddy straw, maize or farm refuses acts as good mulch and is applied on ridges.
• In hilly regions, local available material such as pine needles or leaf litter are quite effective in controlling run off loss and conserving moisture.

Weed management

• Weeds are well managed by cultural or chemical methods or combination of both the methods.
• They are effectively controlled by hoeing and weeding when the crop is about a month old followed by earthing up.