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Key Points

The Modi-led Cabinet has approved the establishment of the International Potato Centre's South Asia hub in Agra. The centre will focus on boosting potato and sweetpotato productivity through research and innovation. It aims to improve food security, farmer incomes, and create jobs across the value chain. The initiative will also benefit neighboring South Asian nations through sustainable agricultural development.

Key Points: Modi Cabinet Approves International Potato Centre in Agra

  • Aims to enhance food security and farmer income
  • Focus on high-yield, climate-resilient potato varieties
  • Expected to generate jobs in farming and processing
  • Strengthens South Asia's agricultural innovation
1 min read

Cabinet approves establishment of International Potato Centre in Agra

Cabinet greenlights CIP South Asia Regional Centre in Agra to boost potato farming, nutrition, and job creation in India and South Asia.

"High-yielding, nutrient and climate-resilient varieties will accelerate sustainable development in potato and sweetpotato sectors. – Official Release"

New Delhi, June 25

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved a proposal from the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to establish the International Potato Centre (CIP)'s South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC) at Agra, Uttar Pradesh.

According to an official release, the major objective of this investment is to increase food and nutrition security, farmers' income, and job creation by improving potato and sweetpotato productivity, post-harvest management and value-addition.

The potato sector in India has the potential to generate significant employment opportunities in the production sector, processing sector, packaging, transportation, marketing, value chain, etc.

Hence, to untap and explore the huge potential in this sector, the International Potato Centre (CIP) 's South Asia Regional Centre is being established at Singna, Agra, Uttar Pradesh.

High-yielding, nutrient and climate-resilient varieties of potato and sweetpotato developed by CSARC will significantly accelerate the sustainable development of the potato and sweetpotato sectors not only in India but also in the South Asia region through world-class science and innovation.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Great initiative! Agra is perfect location being in the heart of potato belt. UP farmers will benefit most. Hope they focus on reducing input costs too - fertilizers are becoming too expensive for small farmers. 🚜
P
Priya M.
Finally some focus on sweet potatoes! They're so nutritious but neglected in our diets. If this center can develop tasty varieties, it could solve malnutrition in many states. My grandmother used to make amazing shakarkand recipes!
A
Amit S.
Good step but implementation is key. Hope it doesn't become another bureaucratic hub. Farmers need practical solutions - better storage to prevent spoilage, processing units near farms. Potato wastage is huge problem in India.
S
Sunita R.
Climate resilient varieties are much needed! Last year our village lost entire potato crop to untimely rains. If this center can help farmers adapt to changing weather patterns, it will be game changer. Jai Kisan! 🙏
V
Vikram J.
Why only Agra? What about Northeast where potato is staple food? Hope they set up regional centers there too. Arunachal and Meghalaya have perfect climate for potato cultivation but lack research facilities.
N
Neha P.
Excellent news for food processing industry! India imports so many potato products despite being 2nd largest producer. With proper R&D, we can become global hub for potato-based snacks and value-added products. Make in India! 🇮🇳

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