Global Potato Research Centre Approved in Agra

Global Potato Research Centre Approved in Agra

Why in the News?

The Union Cabinet has approved the setting up of a South Asia Regional Centre of the International Potato Center (CIP) in Agra, aimed at improving food security, enhancing potato and sweet potato productivity, and supporting farmers in India and South Asia.

Global Potato Research Centre Approved in Agra

Functions and Goals of CSARC

  • The CSARC will focus on developing climate-resilient, disease-free, and processing-friendly varieties of potato and sweet potato.
  • It aims to improve crop productivity, post-harvest management, and value addition.
  • The initiative is expected to enhance food and nutrition security, create jobs, and raise farmers’ incomes.
  • Access to CIP’s global germplasm bank will aid in better seed production and reduce reliance on imports.

Significance for India and Global Outlook

  • Potato ranks as the third most produced food crop globally after rice and wheat; sweet potato is sixth.
  • India’s current potato yield is 25 tonnes/hectare, half the potential of 50+ tonnes.
  • Sweet potato yield is 11.5 tonnes/hectare, well below the 30-tonne potential.
  • The CSARC is expected to support domestic seed production, reduce import dependence, and boost exports and food processing.
  • India is the second-largest potato producer after China, with 51.3 million tonnes produced in 2020.

About CIP and the Proposed Centre:

– The International Potato Center (CIP), established in 1971 and headquartered in Lima, Peru, specialises in potato, sweet potato, and Andean root crops.

– The proposed CIP-South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC) will be set up at Singna, Agra.

– CIP first partnered with ICAR in 1975 for agricultural research in India.

– India will contribute Rs 111.5 crore of the total Rs 171 crore project cost, with CIP funding the rest.

– The Uttar Pradesh government has allotted 10 hectares of land for the centre.