New Delhi: The Union government on Wednesday approved a proposal to set up the South Asia regional research centre of the International Potato Centre (CIP) in Agra entailing financial support of Rs 111.5 crore.
The decision was taken by the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.
The major objective of this investment is to increase food and nutrition security, farmers’ income, and job creation by improving potato and sweet potato productivity, post-harvest management and value-addition, an official release said.
In a post on X, Modi said his government is fully committed to the welfare of farmers, and the decision will be beneficial to potato producers.
The potato segment has the potential to generate significant employment opportunities in production, processing, packaging, transportation, marketing, and value chain.
In order to explore the huge potential in this sector, the International Potato Centre (CIP)’s South Asia regional Centre is being established at Singna, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, the release said.
High-yielding, nutrient and climate-resilient varieties of potato and sweet potato developed by CSARC will significantly accelerate the sustainable development of the crop not only in India but in the South Asia region also through world-class science and innovation.
India is one of the largest producers of potatoes.
Vaishnaw informed that research at the regional centre will focus on seed production, pest management, sustainable production, and training of farmers.
The Uttar Pradesh government has already allocated 10 acres for the research centre.
Headquartered in Lima, Peru, the International Potato Center (CIP) focuses on research and development of potato, sweet potato and Andean roots and tubers.
