Sonamura, Mar 23, 2025, TRIPURATIMES Desk

Sonamura, Mar 23: The Tripura government has set an ambitious goal to achieve self-sufficiency in potato production by the 2029-30 financial year. The Agriculture and Horticulture Department has launched a multi-pronged initiative to support farmers with high-yield potato seeds and advanced cultivation methods.

In the 2024-25 financial year, the department distributed ARC (Apical Rooted Cuttings) potato seeds to 402 farmers across eight districts. This initiative follows the successful introduction of five high-yielding potato varieties from Haryana — Kufri Mohan, Kufri Himalini, Kufri Uday, Kufri Lima, and Kufri Thor-2.

The previous financial year saw 104 farmers cultivating these improved varieties. One of the notable successes was achieved by Sajal Bhaumik from Betagaon, South Tripura, who recorded a remarkable yield of 61.2 metric tons per hectare. This far exceeded conventional production rates, setting a new benchmark in the state’s agricultural sector.

To ensure seed availability for the upcoming sowing seasons, the government procured 40 metric tons of seed potatoes from farmers at Rs 25 per kg through the Tripura Horticulture Corporation. The stored seeds were distributed among around 400 farmers this year, with each receiving 100 kg of seeds.

Encouraged by the record harvests, the government has announced a price hike for seed procurement, increasing it to Rs 28 per kg to further motivate farmers. Additionally, in the 2025-26 financial year, the plan is to encourage 4,000 farmers adopting the high yeilding potato cultivation by distributing the seeds stored this year.

Another significant milestone was achieved with the use of ARC method seeds. Komal Debnath from the South Tripura’s Betaga said that an outstanding yield of 51.2 metric tons per hectare using this innovative technique was achieved. The success of this method has garnered considerable interest from farmers across Tripura.

This year’s overall potato yield has reached an impressive 36.5 metric tons per hectare, far surpassing the traditional yield of around 19.16 metric tons per hectare. To prevent the misuse of subsidized seeds in the market, the government has assured strict monitoring.

With a clear focus on sustainability and self-reliance, the Agriculture and Horticulture Department remains committed to expanding potato cultivation across the state.