Tripura is setting an ambitious target to achieve complete self-sufficiency in potato and potato seed production by 2030. This transformative journey is being significantly bolstered by a strategic alliance with International Potato Center (CIP), a global leader in potato research and innovation. Simon Heck, Director General of CIP, exemplified the significance of this collaboration during his visit to Tripura on September 11 and 12, 2025, where he lauded the state as having a “Successful industry that embraces innovation and research” and expressed profound admiration for the dedication of its officials. This partnership is anticipated to forge “new pathways for international partnerships in research, innovation, and sustainable potato cultivation” in the state.
Historically, Tripura’s potato sector faced considerable hurdles, predominantly characterised by a heavy dependence on external sources for potato seeds. The state’s 23,746 potato farmers, who cultivate the crop across 7,622 hectares (or 47,637 kani), traditionally relied on stored potatoes or seeds procured from other states frequently leading to consistently low yields. The average potato yield was a mere 19.16 metric tonnes (MT) per hectare. Consequently, local production, which stood at approximately 1.46 lakh MT annually, fell short of the state’s demand of 1.55 lakh MT, creating a significant supply gap. Earlier attempts to introduce True Potato Seeds (TPS) encountered limited success due to their prohibitive costs and the specialized labor required for their cultivation.
A pivotal turning point arrived with the adoption of the Apical Rooted Cutting (ARC) technique, initiated in 2022-23. The results have been nothing short of extraordinary. Tripura has witnessed an outstanding surge in productivity, achieving a remarkable yield in the range of 60 MT per hectare by many of the farmers – an increase of over three times its previous best, and a figure that CIP’s Director General Simon Heck personally labeled as “Unprecedented”. The ARC program, which initially distributed saplings to 104 farmers in 2023, rapidly expanded to include 402 farmers in 2024, with ambitious plans to reach 4,000 farmers under this initiative.
The collaboration with the International Potato Center (CIP) is comprehensive, touching upon several critical facets of development in the potato domain. Dr. Simon Heck, accompanied by Dr. Neeraj Sharma, CIP’s Country Manager for India, conducted a two-day visit on September 11 and 12, 2025, to observe the progress of ongoing potato projects firsthand and explore avenues for enhancing the partnership. Their visit commenced at the State Horticulture Research Station in Nagicherra, where they were briefed on CIP’s long-standing journey in Tripura, from the initial introduction of TPS technology to the promising outcomes currently being achieved with ARC multiplication. They also toured the Tissue Culture Laboratory, a crucial facility for the state’s potato program, with both Dr. Heck and Dr. Sharma expressing deep appreciation for the scientific dedication of the local staff. The partnership encompasses vital areas such as technology transfer, capacity building, and seed certification. Dr. Sharma explicitly assured that seed certification for potatoes would be integrated into the forthcoming project. A
The second day of the CIP delegation’s visit was marked by a productive stakeholder meeting, bringing together scientists from ICAR and KVK, progressive farmers, and senior state officials, including Dr. Phanibhushan Jamatia (Director of Agriculture) and Dr. Dipak Kumar Das (Director of Horticulture). Both directors emphatically stressed the importance of not only continuing but also scaling up the ARC project, highlighting its proven positive outcomes. Dr. Heck reiterated his profound impression of the commitment displayed by scientists, officials, and farmers alike, expressing firm confidence in Tripura’s potential to spearhead potato innovation. Dr. Sharma further illuminated the untapped potential of a robust potato processing industry in the region, envisioning it as a catalyst for new opportunities and enhanced incomes for farmers. The visit culminated in a crucial meeting with the Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Ratan Lal Nath, who warmly welcomed the CIP team and reaffirmed his steadfast commitment to working closely with the organization. Minister Nath emphasized that cutting-edge potato research and innovation are instrumental in elevating farmer incomes across Tripura.
With this robust international partnership, Tripura has charted a clear and ambitious vision for its agricultural future. Minister Ratan Lal Nath has confirmed the state’s definitive timeline: self-sufficiency in potato seeds by fiscal year 2028-29, followed by complete self-reliance in potato production by fiscal year 2029-30. To achieve these milestones, the state plans to extend its collaboration with CIP until 2029-30. Once these targets are successfully achieved, Tripura is set to transcend its historical supply deficit, evolving into a net exporter of potatoes to neighboring states.This strategic commitment not only promises to meet local demands but also positions Tripura as a leading example of innovative and sustainable potato cultivation in the region.
