Mizoram Minister Inaugurates State’s First Aeroponic Potato Seed Facility At Kolasib District

AIZAWL: Mizoram Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister PC Vanlalruata, on Thursda, formally inaugurated the aeroponic process of potato seed production, which produces seeds without the need for soil, at the agricultural farm in Kolasib district's Thingdawl, according to an official statement.

Samuel Lalliansanga, deputy director of the department stated, "The state agriculture & farmers' welfare department has implemented the aeroponic system of potato seed production project with 100% funding from the North Eastern Council (NEC)."

According to Lalliansanga, the project's implementation was made necessary by the failure of the state's farmers to obtain enough potato seeds for the sowing season.

The project's capacity is expected to be 2.5 lakh mini tubers (potato seed) per season. He continued to say that if production can be carried out for two seasons in a year, it will yield 5 lakh mini tubers annually.

"Potato plants will be processed in tissue culture laboratory, after which the plants will be transferred to aeroponic production unit where the roots will be hanging without soil and will be grown with the help of water and nutrients provided using sprayer machines," he said.

He added, "This system ensures healthy potato seeds and the seeds can be grown using less soil and can help in harvesting more in limited spaces."

He stated that Blue Stallion Equipment (P) Ltd., Ludhiana, was responsible for the project, which had a cost of Rs. 198 lakh.

Currently, the state imports at least 90% of its potato consumption from outside the state.

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