Agra to emerge as global hub for tuber crop innovation under CM Yogi

Lucknow, Aug 2025 : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision and commitment to positioning Uttar Pradesh as a global leader in agricultural innovation are steadily becoming a reality. The path has been cleared for the establishment of the South Asia Regional Center (CSARC) of the International Potato Center (CIP) in Agra, which will conduct world-class research on tuber crops such as potato and sweet potato.

On Tuesday, Chief Minister Yogi met with a delegation led by Dr. Simon Heck, Director General of CIP, Peru, to review the progress of the project. The delegation included CIP Country Manager Neeraj Sharma, Senior Advisor for South Asia Raman Abrol, and Sudhanshu Singh, South Asia Head of the IRRI.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister emphasized the need to begin farmer training using CIP technologies through Krishi Vigyan Kendras until the center’s construction in Singna village, Agra, is completed. He also called for prioritizing research on other tuber crops in addition to potatoes, to boost production and tap into global export markets.

Highlighting the importance of the initiative, CM Yogi said the upcoming center would be instrumental in enhancing farmers’ incomes, strengthening the food processing sector, and positioning Uttar Pradesh as an international agricultural hub. He informed the delegation that Uttar Pradesh is India’s top potato-producing state, accounting for 35% of the national output. In 2024–25, the state produced 244 lakh metric tonnes of potatoes over 6.96 lakh hectares, with Agra alone cultivating potatoes on 76,000 hectares. Despite such significant production, there remains a shortage of quality seeds and processing-grade varieties—a gap that CSARC aims to bridge.

In June, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved ₹111.50 crore for the establishment of this centre. CSARC is envisioned as a global model for seed innovation, apical-rooted cuttings, germplasm conservation, and value chain development. It will provide cutting-edge technology and training to farmers in collaboration with the ICAR, state agricultural universities, and private sector partners.

Established in 1971 in Peru, CIP operates in over 20 countries and has completed five decades of research in India, making significant strides in developing climate-resilient varieties, pest management solutions, and nutritionally enhanced crops. With CSARC, Uttar Pradesh is set to play a pivotal role in the global seed and processing ecosystem.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the Government of India and CIP was signed on July 28. Dr. Simon Heck thanked Chief Minister Yogi for his unwavering support, stating that CSARC will not only raise farmers’ incomes but also establish Uttar Pradesh as the potato innovation hub of South Asia.