TIT Correspondent
info@impressivetimes.com
NEW DELHI, 25 JUNE: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has granted its approval for the establishment of the International Potato Centre (CIP)’s South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC) in Signa, Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The proposal was put forth by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare with a vision to bolster food and nutrition security, raise farmers’ incomes, and generate new jobs through improvements in potato and sweetpotato productivity, post‑harvest management, and value addition.
The establishment of this centre aims to unlock the immense potential of the potato sector in India, creating a significant ripple effect across production, processing, packaging, transportation, marketing, and other areas within the value chain. By focusing on research and innovation, the CSARC will enable the development of high‑yielding, climate‑resilient, and nutrient-rich varieties of potatoes and sweetpotatoes.
With agriculture being a vital contributor to rural economies, this initiative will drive sustainable development in the sector, providing farmers access to advanced technologies and best practices. The CSARC in Agra will serve as a pivotal knowledge and research hub for both India and the wider South Asian region, facilitating breakthroughs in crop productivity, pest and disease resistance, post‑harvest processing, and quality improvement.
By leveraging world‑class scientific expertise and innovation, the CSARC aims to position India as a global player in the production, processing, and marketing of potatoes and sweetpotatoes. In doing so, it will not only benefit millions of farmers across the nation but also foster regional collaboration and economic prosperity throughout South Asia.
This landmark initiative signifies a bold step towards achieving the government’s vision of an ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and reinforcing its commitment to agriculture‑driven economic growth and rural upliftment.
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