From the archive record
A traditional potato harvesting scene unfolds in Wilderness Orchard, where two farmers work together in the field using time-tested agricultural methods. One farmer uses a hoe (kudal) to carefully loosen and dig the soil, while the other follows behind, collecting freshly unearthed potatoes from the ground. As the soil is turned over, clusters of potatoes become visible beneath the surface, revealing the results of months of cultivation. Hand-harvesting allows farmers to recover the crop carefully while minimizing damage to the tubers. This labor-intensive process remains common in many rural and small-scale farming communities. Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are among the world's most important food crops and are widely cultivated across India's hill regions and agricultural landscapes. The