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Indian potato production potential (54 million tonnes) strengthens the cause of export of this crop from the country. Government of India has identified districts of Agra and Farrukhabad in Uttar Pradesh, and Sabarkantha and Banaskantha in Gujarat for potato export promotion in the Agri-export policy-2018. However, issues like suitable varieties, sustainable production and protection technologies, and efficient marketing channel are challenges for acceleration of potato export in a significant way. One of the critical gaps, suitable export potential varieties was taken up in current study. Eight potato varieties were evaluated in replicated field trials at farmer's fields in district Agra and Gandhinagar. Based upon yield performance and feedback from exporters, potato varieties Kufri (K) Frysona (35.3), K Ganga (31.8), K Chipsona-3 (28.2), K Sangam (28.0) and K Bahar (24.0) have better export-grade (>55mm) tuber production potential (tha-1) in western Uttar Pradesh. Variety K Chipsona-3 (30.7), K Sangam (29.6), K Ganga (27.2) and K Frysona (24.9) are exhibiting prospects of export from Gujarat. Newly released specialty potato cv. K Neelkanth has also attracted the attention of exporters. Suitable potato varieties acceptable for importing destinations and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) developed by ICAR-CPRI holds a better future for Indian potato export. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]