Uttar Pradesh, a significant contributor to India’s agricultural output, is poised for a major boost in its potato farming sector. The establishment of a South Asia regional branch of the renowned International Potato Center (CIP), headquartered in Lima, Peru, is underway in Singna, Agra. This initiative promises to open doors of prosperity for farmers in the state, equipping them with advanced technology, superior seed varieties, and access to global expertise.
Recently, Shri Dinesh Pratap Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Horticulture, Agricultural Marketing, Foreign Trade, and Exports, along with Dr. Arun Kumar, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Forest and Environment, conducted a thorough review meeting with departmental officials at Agra’s circuit house. This was followed by an on-site inspection of the Government Horticulture Farm in Singna, the designated location for the new research center.
Minister Dinesh Pratap Singh highlighted the significance of this development, emphasizing the large scale of potato cultivation in Agra and its surrounding districts. “The establishment of the International Potato Center branch will provide our farmers with access to world-class seeds,” he stated. “This will lead to remarkable progress in both the quality and yield of potatoes. Furthermore, farmers will benefit from new cultivation techniques.” He added that this project aligns with the “double engine government’s” commitment to enhancing agricultural production and doubling farmers’ income. The minister also mentioned that the Director-General of CIP, Dr. Simon Heck, recently met with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to discuss the center’s establishment, underscoring the high-level support for the project.
This facility in Agra will be only the fourth such CIP center globally, following existing centers in Peru, Kenya, and China. It represents a matter of significant pride for Agra and Uttar Pradesh, positioning the region at the forefront of potato research and development in South Asia. The center is expected to house germplasm facilities crucial for potato processing and export, further enhancing the crop’s value chain. Minister Singh expressed optimism that the center’s establishment would enable the export of high-quality potato seeds, directly contributing to the prosperity of the farming community. A visit by a delegation from the CIP board to the Singna site is anticipated in May or June.
The project involves careful planning regarding logistics and environmental considerations. A key aspect discussed during the ministerial review was the access route for scientists and personnel to the proposed center, which passes through the Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary in Keetham. Recognizing the ecological sensitivity of the area, permission for limited road use has been granted under specific conditions.
Dr. Arun Kumar, Minister for Forest and Environment, stressed the importance of this international institute not just for Agra but for farmers across Uttar Pradesh and India. He directed senior Forest Department officials to ensure full coordination with the Horticulture Department, strict adherence to all environmental standards, and prompt execution of related tasks. Since the access road falls within an Eco-Sensitive Zone, stringent measures are mandated. Obtaining necessary permissions from judicial bodies and the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), along with comprehensive studies on the long-term environmental impact by reputed institutions like BNHS or the Wildlife Institute of India, are prerequisites.
To manage access and minimise disturbance, plans include the construction of a fully automated, modern, intelligent electronic gate. The Horticulture Department will provide the budget for its construction, full-time security, and maintenance, while the Forest Department will manage its operation. Travel beyond the gate within the sanctuary area will be facilitated using battery-operated, non-polluting vehicles only. This regulated access aims to balance the research center’s operational needs with the imperative of preserving the sanctuary’s delicate ecosystem.
In terms of infrastructure, 10 hectares of land at the Government Potato Farm in Singna have been identified and formally leased, free of cost, to the National Horticulture Board (NHB) for 99 years, with the change reflected in revenue records. Additionally, the building of the Government Food Science Training Center will be provided to the NHB for three years, free of charge, to facilitate the initial setup. To further bolster local capabilities, a proposal amounting to Rs. 724.44 lakh has been submitted to the Horticulture Department for the strengthening and upgradation of the existing Government Potato Seed Production Farm infrastructure.
The meeting saw the participation of key figures including Mr. Jonathan Makey, Administrative Head of the International Potato Center (CIP), Shri B.L. Meena, Additional Chief Secretary for Horticulture and Food Processing, Shri V.V. Dwivedi, Director of Horticulture, and various district administration officials, highlighting the collaborative effort underpinning this ambitious project.
