The potato was introduced to Sri Lanka in 1850s by Europeans who settled in higher areas of the country.
At present potato is extensively cultivated in the district of Nuwara Eliya (Up country wet zone >1000m amsl) in two major seasons, "Yala" (Feb - July) and "Maha" (Aug - Dec.) where annual rainfall is >2,500mm and temperature ranges between 10-15 C with the relative humidity of 80%. It also widely grown in Badulla District (Up Country intermediate zone- 1000 to 1500 m amsl) in paddy fields and high land during "Yala' and "Maha" seasons respectively. This area experiences the rainfall of 1500 - 2250 mm annually with 70 % RH and 15- 22 C range in temperature.
Puttlam and Jaffna are the other two districts where the potato is grown in lesser extent.
Potato is the most popular crop of upcountry farmers due to its high net return.
Agricultural Statistics Sri Lanka
Potato Seed in 1962 : | 1138.00 | tonnes | Official data | ℹ |
Potato Area Harvested in 1962 : | 512.00 | Ha | Official data | ℹ |
Potato Yield in 1961 : | 48734.50 | Hg/Ha | Calculated data | ℹ |
Potato Production in 1961 : | 3928.00 | tonnes | Official data | ℹ |
Potato Seed in 1961 : | 1286.00 | tonnes | Official data | ℹ |
Potato Area Harvested in 1961 : | 806.00 | Ha | Official data | ℹ |