Economic Potential of Potato Production Using Apical Rooted Cuttings Technology in Karnataka, India

Abstract

Adopting Apical Rooted Cuttings (ARC) technology presents a transformative shift in potato cultivation in Karnataka, where high-quality seed tubers in traditional method of cultivation remain costly and disease-prone. This study assesses the economic potential of ARC technology compared to traditional method of potato cultivation, using data from ARC pilot implementation in Hassan district of Karnataka. A multistage purposive sampling technique was adopted to collect data from a sample of 80 farmers, consisting of 40 using the ARC and 40 employing traditional methods. Data on ARC multiplication was collected from two tissue culture laboratories and seven ARC nurseries.  Results indicated that the ARC technology significantly reduces costs, especially in seed material and improves yield by 3.19 quintals per hectare. At a 15 per cent adoption level, projected state-level benefits include ₹ 1,254.69 lakh in input cost savings, ₹ 224.41 lakh from yield gains and ₹ 364.23 lakh from employment generation from tissue culture labs and nurseries. These findings highlight ARC’s potential to enhance farmer income, reduce production costs and create rural employment opportunities, making it a sustainable, decentralized and economically viable alternative to traditional methods. The study supports scaling ARC technology across suitable agro-climatic zones in India through targeted policy support and awareness programs.