In a significant move to strengthen agricultural research and rural livelihoods, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the establishment of the South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC) of the International Potato Centre (CIP) in Singna, Agra, with a financial outlay of ₹111.5 crore.
The decision, taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to enhance food and nutritional security, increase farmers’ incomes, and generate employment by improving the productivity and value chain of potato and sweet potato crops.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the centre will focus on high-yielding, nutrient-rich, and climate-resilient varieties, along with seed production, pest management, sustainable cultivation practices, and farmer training. The initiative is expected to benefit not only India but also the broader South Asian region through advanced research and innovation.
The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated 10 hectares of land free of cost for the centre, which will be developed in collaboration with international agencies. India is currently the world’s second-largest producer of potatoes, with Uttar Pradesh leading domestic production.
Officials emphasized that the centre will also support post-harvest management, value addition, and market linkages, unlocking employment opportunities in processing, packaging, transportation, and marketing. The project aligns with India’s broader goals of agricultural sustainability, rural development, and global leadership in agri-innovation.
The CIP, headquartered in Lima, Peru, is a global leader in root and tuber crop research. The Agra centre will serve as its South Asia hub, accelerating India’s role in regional food systems and climate-resilient agriculture.
