The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of the South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC) of the International Potato Center (CIP) in Singna, Agra, with an investment of ₹111 crore. The decision, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to strengthen India’s potato and sweet potato sectors through advanced research, innovation, and international collaboration
The new research centre will focus on developing high-yielding, nutrient-rich, and climate-resilient varieties of potato and sweet potato. It is expected to significantly enhance food and nutrition security, increase farmers’ incomes, and generate employment opportunities across the entire value chain—including production, processing, packaging, transportation, and marketing
The Uttar Pradesh government has provided 10 hectares of land free of cost for the centre at Singna in Agra, the state that leads India in potato production. The CSARC will also serve farmers in other major potato-growing states such as Bihar and West Bengal, and is intended to benefit the wider South Asian region
Key research areas at the centre will include seed production, integrated pest management, sustainable cultivation practices, and farmer training. The initiative is designed to help Indian farmers adopt global best practices, boost crop yields, and reduce post-harvest losses
According to official statements, the investment is part of a broader strategy to modernise India’s agri-food sector and position the country as a regional leader in potato innovation. The centre will operate in coordination with international agencies and is expected to unlock significant potential for rural employment and economic growth
Prime Minister Modi, in a statement, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to farmer welfare, highlighting that the new centre will directly benefit potato producers across the country
The total project cost is estimated at ₹171 crore, with the remaining funds to be contributed by the International Potato Center. The establishment of the CSARC marks a significant milestone in leveraging world-class science and innovation to accelerate the sustainable development of India’s potato and sweet potato sectors