Aizawl: In a bid to boost potato cultivation and address seed shortage, Mizoram Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Minister P.C. Vanlalruata on Thursday inaugurated the state’s first aeroponic system for potato seed production at the agriculture farm at Thingdawl in Kolasib district.
Samuel Lalliansanga, Deputy Director of the Department, stated that the state Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Department had implemented the aeroponic system of potato seed production project with 100% funding from the North Eastern Council (NEC).
Lalliansanga stated that the project was implemented to mitigate the issue of insufficient potato seed availability for the state’s farmers during the sowing season.
Lalliansanga stated that the project is expected to produce 2.5 lakh mini tubers (potato seed) per season. He added that, if the project is able to operate for two seasons in a year, the annual yield could reach 5 lakh mini tubers.
“Potato plants will be processed in tissue culture laboratory, after which the plants will be transferred to aeroponic production unit where the roots will be hanging without soil and will be grown with the help of water and nutrients provided using sprayer machines,” he said.
He further explained that the system guaranteed the production of healthy potato seeds, minimized soil requirements, and maximized yield in confined areas.
“The system is not just about addressing seed shortage but also about modernizing agriculture by using efficient and sustainable methods to maximize production in limited space,” he stated
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He stated that the project was executed by Ludhiana-based Blue Stallion Equipment (P) Ltd. at a cost of Rs 1.98 crore.
Currently, the state imports at least 90% of the potatoes it consumes from outside the state.
The initiative is expected to benefit local farmers and contribute to the state’s agricultural self-reliance.
