India to Host Global Potato Research Hub in Agra

In a major step toward strengthening agricultural research and food security, the Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of the CIP-South Asia Regional Center (CSARC) in Singna, Agra district. The center will serve as a regional wing of the Peru-based International Potato Center (CIP)—a global leader in potato and sweet potato research. With India being the second-largest potato producer and consumer globally, the center is expected to revolutionize potato seed quality, enhance yields, and boost processing and exports.

Why in News?

On June 25, 2025, the Union Cabinet chaired by PM Narendra Modi approved the proposal to establish the CSARC. It is set to become a hub for potato and sweet potato R&D, aiding farmers in India’s potato belt and neighboring South Asian countries. The move comes amid rising potato prices and increasing demand for climate-resilient and high-yielding varieties.

About the International Potato Center (CIP)

• Founded: 1971
• Headquarters: Lima, Peru
• Focus Areas: Potato, sweet potato, and Andean tubers
• Presence: Active in Latin America, Africa, and Asia
• India Ties: CIP started work with ICAR in 1975 for research in potato and sweet potato

Key Features of the New CSARC Center in Agra

• Location: Singna, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
• Investment: ₹171 crore (₹111.5 crore from India, ₹60 crore from CIP)
• Land Provided by: Uttar Pradesh Government (10 hectares)
• Target Region: India and neighboring South Asian countries (e.g., Nepal, Bangladesh)

Functions and Objectives

• Develop high-yielding, disease-free, and climate-resilient potato and sweet potato varieties
• Enhance post-harvest management and processing
• Promote value addition and export potential
• Boost local seed production to reduce import dependence
• Support job creation and farmer income
• Improve India’s access to global germplasm and genetic resources

Why This Matters for India

• Global Position: India is the second-largest potato producer after China
• India (2020): 51.30 million tonnes
• China: 78.24 million tonnes

Yield Gap

• Potato: India – 25 tonnes/ha, Potential – 50+ tonnes/ha
• Sweet Potato: India – 11.5 tonnes/ha, Potential – 30 tonnes/ha
• States Benefited: UP, Bihar, West Bengal, Gujarat, Punjab, MP
• Food Security: Potato is the third most available food crop after rice and wheat

Global Context & Past Models

Similar Centers

• China: CIP-China Center for Asia Pacific (CCCAP) set up in 2017, Beijing
• India (2017): IRRI-South Asia Regional Center (IRRI-SARC) set up in Varanasi

ICAR Collaboration

• CPRI (Shimla): Works on potato
• CTCRI (Thiruvananthapuram): Works on sweet potato and other tubers