In a significant agricultural shift, Tripura, India, is embracing advanced Apical Rooted Cutting (ARC) technology in potato farming, moving away from traditional varieties such as “Jyoti” and “TPS.” This transition, highlighted by Ratan Lal Nath, the state’s Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, promises to revolutionize productivity and enhance farmer livelihoods. During a recent press briefing in Nagicherra, Nath emphasized the transformative potential of ARC technology, revealing that it has led to remarkable productivity increases—from an average of 18 tons to as much as 61 tons per hectare.
The statistics speak volumes, with farmers like Sajal Bhowmik from South Tripura achieving an impressive yield of 61.50 MT per hectare. Other notable contributors include Harendra Das from Dhalai and Brajlal Debnath from South Tripura, who have also reported significant harvests. This surge in productivity is attributed to the innovative ARC method, which originated in Vietnam and Kenya. The technique involves utilizing apical cuttings from tissue-cultured plantlets, which are rooted in polyhouses before being transplanted into fields. This not only increases yield but also reduces costs and improves seed quality.
The Horticulture Research Center in Nagichhara has been pivotal in spearheading the ARC initiative, demonstrating that the method can seamlessly integrate into existing crop rotation systems. Initially rolled out to 104 farmers across eight districts, the program includes five different potato varieties and is poised for expansion due to its success. Nath envisions making ARC seedlings widely accessible to a larger base of farmers, aiming to foster a sustainable and self-reliant agricultural ecosystem in Tripura.
The state government’s commitment to this agricultural transformation is robust, promising extensive support through resources, training, and subsidies. This strategic shift not only seeks to enhance the livelihoods of local farmers but also aims to position Tripura as a leader in innovative and sustainable agriculture. As ARC technology continues to gain traction, it represents a promising future for potato farming in the region, potentially setting a benchmark for agricultural practices across India.
