Tripura farmers achieve four-fold rise in potato yield with ARC technology

Tripura farmers have reported a four-fold increase in potato yield after adopting the ARC (Automatic Ridge Cultivation) technology. Tripura’s agriculture sector is witnessing a major transformation with the introduction of the Automatic Ridge Cultivation (ARC) method.

According to the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, farmers in North Tripura’s Kanchanpur region are now harvesting nearly 9,000–10,000 kg per kani, a significant rise from the traditional 2,500–3,000 kg.

The minister observed the successful ARC-based cultivation in fields of potato growers at Kanchanpur, Subhash Nagar, and Karnajoy Para, calling this shift “a new story of courage and opportunity for farmers.”

What ARC Technology Offers

• Mechanised ridge formation, improving aeration and root development
• Uniform spacing, ensuring better tuber growth
• Lesser manual labour and increased efficiency
• Higher yield stability, even in challenging soil conditions

Tripura currently has 23,700 potato farmers cultivating 18,770 acres of land. The government aims for:

• Seed potato self-sufficiency by 2028–29
• Complete potato self-reliance by 2029–30

Traditionally, seed potatoes were sourced from Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Bihar, Gujarat, West Bengal and Haryana. The State also recalls the legacy of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur, who first encouraged potato cultivation, and the 1988–89 introduction of True Potato Seed (TPS) technology.

The ARC method is now expected to spread across Tripura, promising higher productivity, improved incomes, and reduced dependence on external seed sources.

Exam Hook (One Line)

ARC technology is a mechanised ridge-based cultivation system that drastically boosts potato yield by improving root aeration and spacing.

MCQs

1. With reference to the ARC method used in Tripura, consider the following statements:

1.It is a mechanised system that creates uniform ridges for better crop growth.
2. It increases potato yield to nearly four times compared to traditional methods.
3. The ARC system was introduced by the Central Government under PMKSY.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)

2. Consider the following statements regarding potato cultivation in Tripura:

1. Tripura aims to become self-sufficient in seed potato production by 2028–29.
2. Uttar Pradesh and Punjab are major suppliers of potato seeds in India.
3. True Potato Seed (TPS) was introduced in Tripura in the late 1980s.

Which of the statements above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d)