Tripura achieves a major agricultural breakthrough with eight new high-yield Arhar Dal varieties developed at Lembucherra Agriculture College, boosting pulse productivity to 2000 kg/ha and advancing India’s self-reliance goals under the National Mission on Pulses.
Tripura’s Agriculture College at Lembucherra has successfully developed eight high-yield varieties of Arhar (pigeon pea), setting the stage for a revolution in pulse cultivation and self-reliance. These newly developed strains are specifically tailored to Tripura’s unique soil texture and climatic conditions, capable of producing yields up to 2000 kilograms per hectare—more than double the previous average.
This milestone, achieved after more than a decade of scientific research, represents a significant stride in India’s ongoing mission to reduce dependence on imported pulses and achieve self-sufficiency in food production.
A Decade of Research and Innovation
The project, initiated in 2009–10, was spearheaded by Assistant Professor Partha Das, with key contributions from scientists Dr. Biman Dey (Agronomy), Dr. D. P. Awasthi (Plant Pathology), and Dr. B. C. Thangjam (Entomology). Supported jointly by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Tripura Government, the initiative has shown remarkable progress in yield potential.
Before 2018, Tripura’s Arhar productivity averaged 705 kg per hectare. With ongoing research and improved agronomic practices, the yield climbed to 823 kg per hectare, and now the newly developed varieties promise to push it to nearly 2000 kg per hectare—a transformative leap that could redefine pulse cultivation in the region.
Government Support and Vision for Self-Reliance
During his visit to the Agriculture College on Wednesday, Tripura’s Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath commended the researchers for their groundbreaking work. He emphasized that the success aligns perfectly with the National Mission on Pulses, launched by the Central Government to boost domestic production and reduce imports.
“India has achieved self-reliance in rice, milk, eggs, and fish. Pulses remain a challenge, but with innovations like these, Tripura will soon help close that gap,” the Minister remarked.
He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ensuring India’s self-sufficiency in every agricultural sector, adding that the success of the Lembucherra college reflects the power of research-led farming innovation.
Academic and Institutional Growth
The minister also highlighted the academic progress of the College of Agriculture, Lembucherra, which has evolved from offering only undergraduate courses to now providing postgraduate programs as well. Out of 200 enrolled students, 175 are undergraduates, mostly from within the state, while postgraduate programs attract students from other parts of India.
Nath noted a rising interest among female students in agricultural education — a sign of inclusive growth and empowerment in the field. “This change reflects a broader social transformation where women are becoming active contributors to food security and innovation,” he said.
Expanding Agricultural Horizons in Tripura
Tripura’s agricultural diversification strategy is also bearing fruit in other sectors. The state has successfully introduced red and white onion cultivation, which was once thought unsuitable for local conditions. In 2017–18, onion farming covered about 163 hectares, and this figure is projected to rise to 225 hectares by 2025–26.
Farmers have shown increasing interest in obtaining seeds, while ARC potato production is also receiving focused attention under new agricultural initiatives. The government’s long-term vision is to enhance the profitability of farming and reduce the state’s dependency on imports.
Toward Food Security and Farmer Empowerment
Minister Nath concluded his remarks by underscoring the fundamental importance of agriculture:
“Agriculture is the backbone of our survival. Destroy agriculture, and everything else collapses. With these new developments, Tripura is moving confidently toward food security and farmer empowerment.”
The development of these eight high-yield Arhar varieties marks not just a scientific success, but also a symbol of Tripura’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and self-reliance. As the state prepares to distribute the new seeds among farmers, it stands poised to become a significant contributor to India’s broader goal of agricultural self-sufficiency.
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