Agartala, March 28, 2025: Tripura’s Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Ratan Lal Nath presented a basket of locally grown potatoes, two packets of ‘Kali-Khasha’ rice and millet-based biscuits to Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on the floor of the state assembly in Agartala on Friday.
These items were also distributed to all members of the house including representatives from IPFT, TIPRA Motha Party, CPIM and Congress.
Tripura has witnessed a significant transformation in potato cultivation, achieving record yields with the adoption of Apical Rooted Cutting (ARC) technology, Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath announced in the state assembly’s budget session on Friday.
“The state has made remarkable progress in potato farming, and the introduction of ARC technology has significantly boosted production. Farmers are reaping higher yields, and this initiative will contribute to Tripura’s self-sufficiency in seed production,” said Nath.
Potato cultivation in Tripura dates back to the 17th century, introduced by European traders. The first significant expansion occurred between 1940 and 1947, with the state adopting popular varieties like Up-to-Date, Lalit, Kufri Jyoti, and Kufri Sindhuri. The average yield at that time was 1,500 kg per kani.
In 1988-89, Tripura took a major leap by introducing True Potato Seed (TPS) technology, developed at the State Horticulture Research Station, Nagicherra. This innovation increased yields to 4,000 kg per kani.
Under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), Tripura 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 aims to enhance seed production efficiency and reduce dependency on external suppliers,” said Nath. The project, spanning 2022-2025, is titled “Better Seed Production of Potato Through Apical Rooted Cutting (ARC) Technology.”
For the first time in 2023-24, Tripura adopted ARC-based potato farming in eight districts involving 104 farmers across five production zones—Kufri Mohan, Kufri Lima, Kufri Himali, Kufri Uday, and Kufri Surya. The total ARC cultivation covered 15.75 kani in Sepahijala district.
“This initiative has yielded extraordinary results, with farmers reporting significantly higher production,” Nath stated.
In 2024-25, ARC potato farming will expand to 402 farmers, with 40 receiving government-subsidized mini-tubers. The yield stood at 6,000 kg per kani estimated yield will surpass 10,000 kg per kani, a substantial increase from previous years.
“The government is committed to promoting certified seed production, ensuring better returns for farmers,” said Nath. The highest recorded field yield reached 3,000 kg per hectare, with 10,000 kg per kani in controlled trials at South Tripura’s Bokafa Krishi Mahavidyalaya.
To enhance farmer participation, 402 cultivators have been offered a buyback price of Rs 28 per kg for 400 metric tons of potato seed. In the next Rabi season (2025-26), around 8,000 farmers will be included in large-scale ARC cultivation.
Tripura’s high-yielding potatoes are gaining national and international recognition, particularly in the processing industry. Leading companies like McDonald’s, KFC, McCain Foods, and PepsiCo have expressed interest in specific varieties such as Kufri Chipsona-3 and Kufri Samrat, which are ideal for French fries, frozen potatoes, and chips due to their high starch content and crispy exterior.
“We aim to position Tripura as a leading producer of high-quality potato seeds and processing-grade potatoes,” Nath asserted. “This initiative will strengthen the economy and enhance farmers’ incomes.”
With government-backed policies and technological advancements, Tripura’s potato cultivation is set to achieve unprecedented growth, solidifying its status as a major agricultural hub in India.
