Scaling potato zero tillage and mulching (PZTM) in India

This solution track scales Potato Zero Tillage and Mulching as a resource-efficient alternative to conventional potato production in India’s eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains. The practice involves planting potato seed tubers directly into untilled soil and covering them with rice-straw mulch, reducing land preparation, labour, irrigation requirements and production costs while creating productive use for rice residues. Evidence from Bihar reports 16% higher gross margins, 31% lower production costs and up to 50% fewer irrigation events. Scaling combines community-based and digital extension through JEEViKA and Digital Green with government institutionalisation and emerging private-sector market partnerships. By 2030, the broader ambition is to reach 300,000 farmers and 200,000 hectares across Southern and South-Eastern Asia