Agra : In a move hailed as historic and transformative for Uttar Pradesh’s agricultural sector, the Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of the South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC) of the International Potato Center (CIP) at Singna in Agra. The announcement was met with enthusiasm by Yogendra Upadhyay, Minister for Higher Education, Uttar Pradesh, and MLA from Agra South, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visionary leadership.
Calling the decision a matter of pride for Agra, a boon for farmers, and a transformative step for the state, Minister Upadhyay said the center will usher in cutting-edge global technologies and innovations in the fields of potato and sweet potato cultivation.
“This center will provide advanced varieties, modern production techniques, post-harvest management solutions, value addition processes, and marketing and export support for potato and sweet potato crops,” said Upadhyay. “It will create new agricultural opportunities, generate employment, and significantly increase farmers’ income.”
The minister also emphasized that the center will not only position Agra as a hub for agricultural research and innovation, but also strengthen India’s leadership role in South Asia’s agri-tech landscape. He added that climate-resilient, nutrient-rich, and high-yield varieties developed at this center will play a key role in enhancing regional food security.
Minister Upadhyay lauded PM Modi’s strategic guidance and CM Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, under which Uttar Pradesh is moving swiftly toward a new agricultural revolution. He also extended special thanks to the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare for its support in approving the project.
The establishment of the CSARC in Agra is expected to place India at the forefront of sustainable and innovative potato research in South Asia, while bringing tangible benefits to local farming communities across Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
