The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of the International Potato Centre (CIP)’s South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC) at Singna, Agra in Uttar Pradesh. The initiative, led by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, is aimed at improving food and nutrition security, increasing farmers’ income, and creating employment through advancements in potato and sweetpotato productivity, post-harvest management, and value addition.

The CSARC at Agra will focus on developing and disseminating high-yielding, nutrient-rich, and climate-resilient potato and sweetpotato varieties. These innovations will not only benefit Indian agriculture but also support sustainable development across the South Asia region. The potato sector in India holds vast potential for employment across production, processing, packaging, transportation, marketing, and value chain development.

The new regional centre will help unlock this potential, promoting science-based innovation and climate-resilient agricultural practices. This decision marks a significant step in the government’s commitment to agricultural modernisation, nutritional improvement, and regional collaboration.