India Boosts Agriculture with New Potato Research Hub in Agra

The Union government gave the green light on Wednesday to a proposal to establish the South Asia regional research centre of the International Potato Centre (CIP) in Agra, with financial backing amounting to Rs 111.5 crore.

This decision was ratified by the Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as stated by Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

The initiative targets boosting food and nutrition security as well as increasing farmers' incomes and job opportunities via improved cultivation and value-addition of potatoes and sweet potatoes, according to an official release. Prime Minister Modi expressed the government's commitment to farmers' welfare, stating that the development bodes well for potato producers and the industry's potential to generate jobs in various sectors such as production, processing, and marketing.

The CIP's new South Asia centre at Singna, Agra, is set to leverage its world-class science and innovation to propel the sustainable growth of nutrient-rich potato crops, not only in India but across the South Asia region.

India ranks among the top global potato producers. Vaishnaw highlighted that research efforts at the facility will encompass seed production, pest control, sustainable farming, and farmer training. The state government of Uttar Pradesh has allocated a 10-acre tract for the centre.

(With inputs from agencies.)