Update on Progress of CIP Centre in Agra (Announced in April 2024)
Recent Developments:
- Location: The International Potato Centre of Peru is progressing with the establishment of a center in Seengna village, 25 km from Agra, after the land transfer by the UP state horticulture department.
- Construction: Land transfer formalities have been completed, and the National Horticulture Board is set to commence construction soon. CIP, Peru, is actively involved in setting up the research center, focusing on developing new, profitable, and nutritious potato varieties.
- Government Support: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed support for the project during an election speech at Kothi Meena Bazar ground before the 2014 Lok Sabha election. This initiative, followed up by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the Union Agriculture Ministry, led to the decision to establish the center eight years ago.
- Production and Demand: Agra, a significant potato-growing area, contributes around 34% of India‘s total potato production, covering over 158,205 hectares. Potatoes from Agra are highly sought after by wafers and chip makers, with farmers directly selling their produce to southern states and neighboring countries.
- Research and Development: The new branch of the International Potato Research Centre will offer farmers improved seed varieties, with a focus on potato processing and developing varieties suitable for making chips. Horticulturists in Agra anticipate that the research center will assist farmers in obtaining quality seeds and learning new cultivation techniques.
- International Expansion: Seven years after China got a regional centre of Peru-based International Potato Center (CIP), India is set to get a similar center. The CIP-South Asia Regional Centre (CIP-SARC) coming up in Agra will showcase India‘s commitment to advancing potato research and development.
- Innovations: Agricultural scientists plan to bring maximum germplasm from Lima, Peru, to the Agra branch, introducing new potato varieties that yield better crops, including early maturing varieties. This innovation aims to help farmers achieve better prices in a shorter time, thereby increasing their income.
- Technological Advancements: The advanced lab in Agra will introduce new technology for preparing potato seeds, aiming to reduce costs and enhance farmers’ incomes.
- Future Goals: With the establishment of the new research center in Agra, India aims to develop exportable potato varieties tailored to local conditions.
This update highlights the significant progress made in the establishment of the CIP center in Agra, showcasing the commitment to transforming potato farming in the region and India‘s upcoming role in potato research and development.
