Kanchanpur witnessed a significant boost to its agricultural landscape on Saturday as Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Ratan Lal Nath, visited the farmlands of potato growers Jyotirmoy Das and Dhananjay Das to take part in potato plantation using the Automatic Ridge Cultivation (ARC) method. The minister’s visit marked a symbolic push toward modernising agricultural practices and enhancing productivity across Tripura.
Describing the morning’s misty sunlight as “a doorway opening to new possibilities,” Minister Nath highlighted the transformative potential of the ARC technique during plantation activities held at Subhash Nagar and Karnajoy Para under Dainchara Village Council. He emphasised the deep emotional and cultural connection farmers share with their land, calling the new method “a story of courage” for potato cultivators.
“When farmers prosper, the entire state prospers. Our goal is clear—empower our farmers,” the minister said, according to a press statement issued from his office. He added that the initiative is expected to inspire cultivators not only in Kanchanpur but across regions like Karbook, fostering dreams of abundant harvests and sustainable growth.
Providing an overview of potato farming in Tripura, Minister Nath stated that around 23,700 farmers are currently engaged in potato cultivation across 47,341 kanis of land. Traditionally, the yield ranged between 2,500 and 3,000 kg per kani, but the introduction of the ARC method has significantly boosted production, increasing output to 9,000–10,000 kg per kani.
Looking ahead, he announced the government’s ambitious target: by the 2028–29 financial year, Tripura aims to achieve complete self-sufficiency in seed potato production, and by 2029–30, full self-reliance in potato cultivation.
Minister Nath expressed strong optimism that the adoption of advanced farming methods like ARC would open a new chapter in Tripura’s agricultural development, steering the state toward a future of enhanced productivity and self-sustaining potato production.
