Cabinet Approves International Potato Centre’s South Asia Regional Hub in Agra
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 25th June: In a move aimed at strengthening India’s agricultural research and boosting farmer income, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the establishment of the International Potato Centre (CIP)’s South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC) at Singna, Agra in Uttar Pradesh.
The newly approved centre will serve as a major hub for research, innovation, and value-addition in potato and sweet potato cultivation, with a focus on enhancing food and nutritional security, increasing farmers’ income, and promoting job creation across the agricultural value chain.
According to a statement from the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, CSARC will play a crucial role in developing high-yielding, nutrient-rich, and climate-resilient varieties of potato and sweet potato. These innovations are expected to drive sustainable agricultural growth not only in India but across the South Asia region.
Officials highlighted the significant potential of the potato sector in India to generate large-scale employment, spanning activities such as production, processing, packaging, transportation, marketing, and value-chain development. The centre is expected to unlock this potential by introducing world-class science and technology into farming practices.
The International Potato Centre (CIP), headquartered in Peru, is a global leader in potato research and development. The establishment of its South Asia Regional Centre in India marks a strategic collaboration to address food security and climate resilience challenges in the region.
This development aligns with the Government of India’s vision to modernize agriculture and enhance rural livelihoods through research-led, farmer-focused interventions.
