Seed economy initiatives by ICAR-IIVR could transform Tripura agriculture by promoting local seed production, vegetable diversification, and innovative grafting technologies like Pomato and Brimato, offering farmers higher income opportunities and strengthening sustainable rural agricultural development.
A strong and sustainable seed economy could significantly transform the agricultural landscape of Tripura, offering new income opportunities for farmers and reducing dependence on imported seeds. Experts from ICAR–Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR) in Varanasi have expressed readiness to collaborate with the state government to develop a robust local seed production ecosystem alongside diversified vegetable cultivation.
The proposal was highlighted during an interaction between journalists from Tripura and scientists at IIVR. The meeting was part of a media exposure tour organized by Press Information Bureau (PIB) Agartala that covered the cities of Lucknow, Ayodhya, and Varanasi between March 5 and March 11.
Speaking to the visiting journalists, IIVR Director Dr Rajesh Kumar emphasized that strengthening the seed economy could create a sustainable rural income model for farmers in Tripura.
Local Seed Production Could Boost Farmers’ Income
According to Dr Kumar, the institute is prepared to assist the Government of Tripura with training, technological support, and supply of foundation seeds if the state shows interest in developing its own seed production capacity.
He explained that Tripura already possesses a strong agricultural base and a community of capable farmers who can adopt improved seed production techniques with proper training.
“Tripura has significant agricultural potential among northeastern states and already records the highest vegetable productivity in the region,” Dr Kumar said.
However, despite this high productivity rate, the state’s overall vegetable output remains lower than the national average. As a result, Tripura still depends heavily on vegetables transported from other parts of India.
Strengthening local seed production could help farmers increase vegetable cultivation, improve productivity, and reduce the state’s reliance on outside markets.
Diversified Farming Beyond Paddy
Dr Kumar also encouraged farmers in Tripura to gradually shift from traditional paddy cultivation toward diversified farming systems, especially vegetable farming.
Vegetable cultivation, he explained, offers faster economic returns compared to many conventional crops and can significantly raise farm incomes within a short period.
“Vegetable farming is capable of generating income quickly and producing higher yields, which can strengthen both farmers’ livelihoods and the overall agricultural economy,” he added.
Developing a seed-based rural economy could be a key step toward achieving this transformation. Farmers could grow specific vegetables for seed production and sell certified seeds commercially in regional and national markets.
The initiative could also align with India’s expanding Act East Policy, which aims to strengthen economic and trade links between northeastern states and Southeast Asian markets.
Addressing the Seed Quality Challenge
One of the major challenges facing agriculture in the northeastern region is the shortage of high-quality seeds. Dr Kumar noted that IIVR can provide logistical support if the Tripura government places bulk orders for certified vegetable seeds.
Another solution is to train farmers in scientific seed production techniques so that high-quality seeds can be produced locally and supplied to farmers before the sowing season.
Such initiatives could significantly reduce supply disruptions and improve crop productivity across the state.
Innovative Grafting Technology: One Plant, Two Crops
Apart from seed production, IIVR is also promoting innovative grafting technologies that allow farmers to harvest two different crops from a single plant.
Among the institute’s experimental developments are “Pomato,” which produces both potatoes and tomatoes from the same plant, and “Brimato,” which yields brinjals and tomatoes simultaneously.
Dr Kumar described these technologies as promising innovations that could increase crop diversity and productivity on limited farmland.
However, he noted that farmers from Tripura have not yet approached the institute for training in grafting technology.
“If the state government or farmers show interest, IIVR is ready to provide full technical support and training,” he said.
Kitchen Garden Initiative for Nutritional Security
IIVR is also promoting household vegetable cultivation through its kitchen garden initiative. Under the programme, families receive seed packets containing ten different vegetable varieties to grow in their home gardens.
The initiative aims to encourage domestic vegetable production while improving household nutrition and food security.
Training Opportunities for Northeastern Farmers
Under the North Eastern Hill Component Programme, IIVR regularly conducts specialized training programmes for farmers from northeastern states.
Dr Kumar invited farmers from Tripura to visit the institute in Varanasi to receive hands-on training in modern vegetable cultivation, seed production techniques, and agricultural innovations.
If implemented effectively, experts believe the seed economy model could become a game changer for Tripura’s agriculture sector—enhancing farmers’ income, boosting vegetable production, and strengthening rural livelihoods across the state.
