Daijiworld Media Network – Koppal
Koppal, Oct 25: Potatoes are usually grown underground, but a rare variety that grows as a vine above ground has caught the attention of farmers and food enthusiasts alike in Koppal district. Progressive farmer Mallappa Kumbar of Kamanur village is cultivating this unusual potato in his orchard, showcasing innovation in traditional farming.
Speaking about his crop, Mallappa said, “I am growing vine potatoes on 1 acre of land across 20 mounds. Unlike regular potatoes, this crop can be harvested only once a year, but the yield is substantial — 500 to 600 kg per mound. The produce is highly nutritious and has multiple health benefits.”
With potential earnings reaching millions of rupees per acre, this rare potato is increasingly seen as a profitable and resilient crop. While conventional potatoes grow underground and form a staple food crop in India, this vine variety grows above the soil, making it a rare agricultural sight. In recent years, farmers in Karnataka have started experimenting with this crop.
“This potato variety is versatile — it can be used in sambar, palya (vegetable stir-fry), or chips,” Mallappa added. “For chips, it is particularly popular. The crop belongs to a wild potato variety, so it can thrive in varied climates and soils,” he said.
To cultivate successfully, each vine must have a minimum spacing of 10 feet between plants and rows. After planting, the crop takes six months to mature. Tubers start sprouting two months after planting, and full harvest is ready in three to four months. Being an annual crop, careful harvesting is crucial: after cutting, about 2 inches of stem must remain to allow regrowth the following year.
Originating from northern Asia, the vine potato is grown in limited varieties and is also cultivated in parts of Western Africa as a major food crop. It is prized for its nutritional and medicinal properties, and some varieties are used to treat minor illnesses.
Mallappa Kumbar has been cultivating this crop for two years, sourcing the tubers from the Mysuru Potato Tuber Fair last year. His success story highlights how innovation in agriculture can combine health, sustainability, and profitability, offering a model for other farmers across Karnataka.