ARC: The Government of West Bengal has taken a major step to strengthen agricultural sustainability by expanding tissue culture–based seed potato production across the state. This initiative is being implemented under the Apical Rooted Cutting (ARC) programme to ensure the availability of high-quality, disease-free potato planting material for farmers.
The programme is being executed by the Department of Agriculture, West Bengal, with a focus on improving productivity and reducing farmers’ dependence on traditional seed sources.
Four Tissue Culture Laboratories Established Across the State (ARC)
Under this initiative, four advanced tissue culture laboratories have been set up in different parts of West Bengal. These laboratories use modern plant biotechnology techniques to produce healthy potato plantlets in a controlled environment.
Tissue culture ensures:
- Uniform crop quality
- Resistance to major diseases
- Higher yield potential
- Reduced crop loss
This scientific approach is especially important for potato cultivation, where seed quality plays a crucial role in overall production.
Over 7 Lakh Seedlings Produced Since 2020
According to official data shared under the ARC programme:
- From 2020–21 till the present, more than 7 lakh seed potato plantlets have already been produced.
- These plantlets are supplied to farmers for further multiplication and large-scale cultivation.
The steady increase in production reflects the state government’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural supply chain through technology-driven solutions.
Boost to Farmers and Food Security (ARC)
West Bengal is one of India’s leading potato-producing states. By adopting tissue culture and ARC technology, the state aims to:
- Increase farmers’ income
- Ensure timely availability of quality seeds
- Reduce dependence on imported or uncertified seed potatoes
- Support long-term food security
This initiative is also expected to help small and marginal farmers by lowering production risks and improving crop reliability.
A Step Towards Modern, Sustainable Agriculture
The expansion of tissue culture facilities under the ARC project highlights West Bengal’s focus on scientific farming practices. By combining traditional agricultural knowledge with modern biotechnology, the state is moving towards a more resilient and sustainable agricultural system.
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