#Agriculture #PotatoCultivation #ApicalRootedCutting #SustainableFarming #LocalSeedProduction #AgriculturalInnovation #WestBengal #COFAM #UniversityofNorthBengal #InternationalPotatoCentre
In a groundbreaking move to enhance potato cultivation and support local farmers, the Agriculture Department of the Government of West Bengal has initiated the use of Apical Rooted Cutting (ARC) at the Centre of Floriculture and Agri-Business Management (COFAM) department of the University of North Bengal in Siliguri. This strategic step aims to bring down production costs and contribute to the self-sufficiency of potato seeds in the region.
Empowering Local Farmers:
Traditionally, potato seeds were sourced from other states, incurring additional transportation costs for farmers in North Bengal. The collaboration with the International Potato Centre has allowed the Agriculture Department to implement the ARC process, wherein potato seeds are grown through tissue culture at the COFAM department’s laboratory. This not only ensures a local supply of seeds but also decreases the financial burden on farmers.
Demonstration and Training:
To facilitate the adoption of ARC, a demonstration-cum-technical discussion was organized, drawing the participation of around 50 farmers from Jalpaiguri district. Mahefuz Ahmed, Assistant Director of the Agriculture department, highlighted the significance of this collaboration and how it aligns with the department’s commitment to reducing the cost of production. The training provided to farmers emphasized the ARC process, offering practical insights into its implementation.
Successful Trials and Expansion:
Following an initial trial in Jalpaiguri two years ago, the Agriculture department escalated the implementation of the ARC process. This year, the cultivation process commenced in various areas of North Bengal, including the University of North Bengal. With a shipment of approximately 1 lakh 27 thousand tissues from Haryana on December 28, the cultivation began with 2,000 tissues at NBU.
Technical Insights from COFAM:
Amarendra Pandey, Technical Officer of COFAM, highlighted the process involved in ARC, detailing the stages from tissue culture to the use of routex hormone and planting in coco peat. The entire process takes around 75 to 90 days, promising increased potato production in the region and, consequently, improved outcomes for farmers.
West Bengal’s adoption of the Apical Rooted Cutting process signifies a pivotal moment in the region’s agricultural landscape. By empowering local farmers, reducing production costs, and ensuring a sustainable supply of potato seeds, this initiative holds the potential to transform the potato cultivation sector in North Bengal.
