Centre approves South Asia unit of International Potato Centre at Agra
India’s Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of a regional-level research wing of the International Potato Center (CIP) based in Peru, in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The new center aims to improve potato and sweet potato research and development in South Asia. The new center will be known by the abbreviation, CIP-South Asia Regional Center (CSARC), it will assist farmers in India and adjacent countries whilst also increasing productivity and global food security.
International Potato Center (CIP)
The CIP was founded in 1971 in Lima, Peru as an institution dedicated to potato, sweet potato, and other root-crop research and development. The potato is indigenous to the Peruvian-Bolivian Andes and was first introduced to India in the 17th century. The CIP has worked in India since 1975, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Functions of the CSARC
The CSARC will work with the objective of enhancing food and nutrition security, increasing farmers’ income, and creating skilled jobs. Its contribution to improving potato and sweet potato productivity will also be through seed quality, improved post-harvest management, and value addition. The center will develop disease-free and climate-resilient varieties of crops using the best of global scientific talent and genetic resources.
Financial Aspects and Landing Allocation
The CSARC has an estimated total cost of investment at ₹171 crore. ₹111.5 crore will be invested from India’s side and the CIP will invest ₹60 crore. The Government of Uttar Pradesh has allocated 10 hectares of land for the functions of the new center.
Importance of the CSARC
Potatoes are the world’s third most-produced food crop and sweet potatoes rank sixth. India is the second largest potato producer in the world, however the yield is below its potential. The CSARC will give access for a wide range of germplasm, allowing for the development of domestic seed production which decreases dependence on imports as well as develop India’s ability to produce and export potato and sweet potato products.
Global context and comparison
The CSARC is the second establishment of a CIP wing outside of Peru, with the first being established in 2017, the China Center for Asia Pacific. The CSARC is also reminiscent of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) context, which established a regional centre in Varanasi in 2017.
India’s Position in World Potato Production
China is the leader in potato production, followed by India. In 2020 India produced 51.30 million tonnes of potato. The major producing states include Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Bihar. With the CSARC it is expected to enhance both the research capacity and production function in these states.