Agartala: Tripura‘s Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath has stated that the state’s “remarkable progress” in potato farming is directly attributable to the implementation of Apical Rooted Cutting (ARC) technology.
“The State has made significant advancements in potato farming, and the introduction of ARC technology has led to increased yields. This initiative will contribute to Tripura’s self-sufficiency in seed production,” Nath said during the recent budget session in the State Legislative Assembly.
Under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), the State signed an MoU with the International Potato Center (CIP) in Peru and the Department of Horticulture & Soil Conservation on January 17, 2023, to implement ARC technology.
This initiative is aimed at enhancing seed production efficiency and reducing dependency on external suppliers.
The project, which started in 2022 and will continue till 2025, is titled ‘Better Seed Production of Potato Through Apical Rooted Cutting (ARC) Technology.’
During the 2023-24 agricultural season, Tripura adopted Apical Rooted Cutting (ARC) technology for potato farming across all eight districts for the first time.
The initiative engaged 104 farmers in five production zones, cultivating varieties such as Kufri Mohan, Kufri Lima, Kufri Himali, Kufri Uday, and Kufri Surya.
In Sepahijala district, 15.75 kani were dedicated to ARC cultivation.
“This initiative has yielded extraordinary results, with farmers reporting significantly higher production,” Nath said.
In 2024-25, ARC potato farming will expand to 402 farmers, with 40 receiving government-subsidised mini-tubers.
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The estimated yield has already reached 6,000 kg per kani and is expected to surpass 10,000 kg per kani in the coming years.
Minister Nath stated that Tripura is poised to become a leading producer of high-quality potato seeds and processing-grade potatoes.
