Potatoes, a vital global staple, are essential not only for food security but also for sustaining farmers’ income. In a move towards self-sufficiency in potatoes, the government of Tripura has embarked on an innovative journey, introducing advanced farming techniques and high-quality seed varieties to revolutionize this sector.
The State Agriculture Department of Tripura is leading this change by implementing advanced potato farming practices and introducing premium potato seed varieties. These seeds, which include Mohan, Lima, Himalini, Uday, and Sangam, are known for their high yield and disease resistance, qualities that promise to elevate the productivity of local farms. The distribution of these seeds has primarily focused on the Teliamura subdivision of Khowai district, aiming to empower farmers with the potential for enhanced production.
Nitesh Dey, Agricultural Supervisor in the Teliamura Subdivision, along with agricultural experts, has been actively involved in evaluating the impact of these methods through field visits. The results are promising: farmers have reported a doubling of their potato yields, translating into increased financial stability and a bright outlook for the future.
Central to Tripura’s potato initiatives is the adoption of the Apical Rooted Cutting (ARC) method. This technique represents a leap forward in potato cultivation by addressing the persistent issues of seed degradation and low yield. Unlike traditional methods, which rely on reused seed tubers susceptible to disease, the ARC method involves propagating plants from the apical portion of microplants in sterile conditions. These cuttings develop into mini-tubers or seed tubers, providing farmers with robust, disease-free plants capable of delivering higher yields.
The success of this initiative is evident among the selected group of ten farmers across five gram panchayats who participated in the pilot phase. Each received 100 kg of superior potato seeds, and the outcomes have been overwhelmingly positive. “We provided 100 kg of potato seeds under the ARC method to selected farmers, and they have seen their yields double. This has brought immense satisfaction and financial relief to them,” explained Nitesh Dey.
Such improvements are not only uplifting individual farmers but also paving the way for more widespread adoption of advanced potato farming practices across Tripura. The local agricultural community, which once struggled with low productivity, is now in the throes of a transformation that promises long-term sustainability and prosperity.
The strategic introduction of the ARC method stands as a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional propagation methods. With its ability to provide disease-free, high-quality seed potatoes, the ARC method is not just a scientific innovation but a beacon of hope for economic upliftment in the region. The journey of potato cultivation in Tripura is a clear example to how strategic interventions and progressive policies can drive potato production.
