Lucknow — Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision to give the state’s agricultural innovations global recognition is turning into reality. The path has been cleared for the establishment of the South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC) of the International Potato Center (CIP) in Agra, which will conduct world-class research on tuber crops such as potatoes and sweet potatoes.
On Tuesday, a delegation led by Dr. Simon Heck, Director General of CIP, Peru, met CM Yogi to discuss the project’s progress. The delegation also included CIP Country Manager Neeraj Sharma, senior advisor Raman Abrol, and IRRI South Asia head Sudhanshu Singh. CM Yogi suggested that until the Agra-based center in Singna village is completed, CIP’s technologies could be introduced to farmers through the state’s agricultural science centers. He also emphasized research on other tuber varieties to boost production and open new export opportunities.
Highlighting the project’s significance, CM Yogi noted that the center will help increase farmers’ incomes, strengthen the processing industry, and position Uttar Pradesh as an international agricultural hub. Uttar Pradesh is India’s largest potato producer, with 2.44 million metric tons grown over 696,000 hectares in 2024–25 — accounting for 35% of the nation’s total production. Agra alone cultivates potatoes over 76,000 hectares. Despite such high output, there has been a lack of quality seeds and processing-friendly varieties, a gap CSARC aims to fill.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved ₹111.50 crore in June for the project. The center will serve as a global model for seed innovation, apical rooted cuttings, germplasm conservation, and value chain expansion. CSARC will work with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), state agricultural universities, and private companies to provide farmers with cutting-edge technologies and training.
Founded in 1971 in Peru, CIP operates in over 20 countries and has been active in India for 50 years, contributing to the development of climate-resilient varieties, pest management, and nutrient-rich crops. With CSARC, Uttar Pradesh will play a central role in the global seed and processing network.
Dr. Heck expressed gratitude to CM Yogi for his support, stating that CSARC will not only increase farmers’ earnings but also make Uttar Pradesh the potato innovation hub of South Asia.
