The Government of India has approved the establishment of the South Asia Regional Centre of the International Potato Centre (CIP) in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, to boost potato farming and food security in the region.
About the Centre
- The CIP-South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC) will be set up in Agra, aiming to support farmers in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, the country’s main potato-growing regions.
- It will also serve the broader South Asia region, promoting cross-border agricultural cooperation.
Objectives of the Regional Centre
- Improve the productivity of potato and sweet potato crops.
- Strengthen post-harvest practices and promote value-added products.
- Help in enhancing farmers’ income, creating jobs, and ensuring food and nutrition security in the region
Background on International Potato Center (CIP)
- The CIP is a Peru-based research organisation, focused on improving potato and root crop farming globally.
- China already hosts a regional CIP hub — the China Center for Asia Pacific (CCCAP) — catering to East Asia and the Pacific.
India’s Role in Potato Production
- India is the world’s second-largest potato producer and consumer, after China.
- In 2020, India produced 51.30 million tonnes, while China led with 78.24 million tonnes.
- UP and West Bengal are the top potato-producing states, followed by Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab.
Conclusion:
The Agra-based regional centre will strengthen India’s position in potato research, support South Asian farmers, and help in meeting regional food security goals through innovation and collaboration.
