A new tomato variety, ArkaAbhed, has brought hope to farmers in the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh. For years, farmers in the region have struggled with erratic weather and devastating plant diseases that could destroy entire harvests overnight. However, the introduction of ArkaAbhed has transformed fields and breathed new life into the local agricultural economy.
The Lower Subansiri Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) introduced ArkaAbhed to the region, and the results have been remarkable. The high-yielding, disease-resistant variety has quickly become a favorite among local farmers. The journey began in 2023, when KVK scientists set up on-farm trials to test the variety’s performance in the region’s challenging climate. The results were so promising that by the 2024-25 season, KVK scaled up to frontline demonstrations, putting the seeds directly into the hands of local farmers.
What makes ArkaAbhed a game-changer for the community is its unique resistance to four major crop killers: tomato leaf curl virus, bacterial wilt, early blight, and late blight. This means that farmers can drastically reduce their use of expensive chemical sprays, saving money and labor. The variety has also led to a significant increase in yields, with a potential of 70 to 75 tonnes per hectare. The tomatoes are firm, well-shaped, and weigh around 90-100 grams, making them ideal for sale at premium prices.
The impact of ArkaAbhed has been felt across the district, with farmers reporting significant financial rewards. The variety’s long shelf-life has also reduced post-harvest losses, allowing farmers to sell their produce at higher prices. According to a representative from the KVK, the success of ArkaAbhed has been incredibly rewarding, proving that climate-resilient tools can completely transform farmers’ livelihoods.
Building on this momentum, the KVK plans to continue its hands-on training and technical support, ensuring that more families across the district can access these high-performing seeds and secure a more prosperous, sustainable farming future.
