India, the world’s second-largest potato producer after China, is undergoing a significant transformation in potato cultivation, propelled by the adoption of aeroponics. This innovative soilless farming technique not only accelerates the production of high-yielding, disease-resistant potato seeds but also enables farmers to gain access to these improved varieties more rapidly.
Brajesh Singh, the director of ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) in Shimla, emphasizes the key objective of this technological shift: “The main motive is to ensure faster multiplication of quality seeds and to ensure farmers have access to high-yielding, disease- and climate-resistant seeds.” Aeroponics has emerged as a game changer by allowing multiple seed generations within a single year, reducing the time traditionally required to move new potato varieties from lab to field from 5-6 years to just 3-4 years.
This method suspends plant roots in the air, periodically misting them with a nutrient-rich water solution. It provides essential nutrients and oxygen while creating a controlled environment that significantly lowers the risk of soil-borne pests and diseases. Such conditions are especially beneficial for high-value crops and seed production, like potatoes and leafy vegetables.
Currently, approximately 20% of India’s potato seed area, within its total of 2.2 million hectares dedicated to potatoes, employs aeroponic techniques. The speed of seed development via aeroponics allows farmers to access these improved varieties sooner, leading to higher yields and more secure incomes. Additionally, it opens doors for private companies, cooperatives, and farmer-producer organizations to enter the lucrative high-value seed market.
To bolster the adoption of aeroponic technology, ICAR-CPRI has developed 76 high-yielding potato varieties suited for various climates since its inception in 1956. The institute has shared its aeroponic seed technology with around 40 private firms and state horticulture departments, enabling the production of virus-free “mini-tubers.” These mini-tubers significantly quicken distribution to farmers, and it is reported that nearly 90% of India’s potato acreage already uses improved varieties from CPRI. Roughly 50 companies have embraced aeroponics for potato seed production, boasting an annual capacity exceeding 100 million mini-tubers, highlighting early commercial traction for this method.
In the 2024-25 agricultural year, India achieved a record production of 60.18 million tonnes of potatoes, marking an increase of 3.12 million tonnes from the previous year. However, yield disparities across states persist. For example, Gujarat averages yields of 42 tonnes per hectare, while Uttar Pradesh sees about 35 tonnes per hectare. Aeroponic seeds have the potential to bridge this yield gap by providing farmers with consistent, high-quality seed material.
India currently boasts an average potato yield of 25 tonnes per hectare, surpassing China’s 18 tonnes, due to advancements in seed quality and crop management. Potatoes comprise 28% of the country’s total vegetable production, contributing ₹37,200 crore to the sector’s gross value output in the fiscal year 2023-24. Additionally, India exported dehydrated potato granules and processed products, generating $63.3 million and $18.8 million in revenue, respectively, for FY2025.
Experts believe that while aeroponics primarily aims to enhance domestic seed quality, it holds significant potential for fortifying India’s presence in the global potato seed and processed food markets over time. As more farmers adopt this innovative approach, the ripple effects on productivity, economic stability, and export capabilities could be substantial.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/aeroponics-farming-fast-tracking-potato-revolution-high-quality-seed-pests-erratic-weather-vegetables-processed-food-11761713302052.html
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Publish Date: 2025-10-29 13:27:00
