Centre Approves Setting Up International Potato Centre in Agra
The Union Cabinet has given its approval to set up the International Potato Centre’s South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC) in Agra, a move aimed at enhancing potato and sweetpotato productivity to boost food security and farmer income. According to an official release, the CSARC will focus on developing high-yield, climate-resilient varieties through advanced research and innovation.
The establishment of the CSARC in Agra is a significant development for the region, considering the importance of potatoes and sweetpotatoes as staple food crops for millions of people. India is one of the largest producers of potatoes and sweetpotatoes in the world, and the country’s farmers play a crucial role in meeting the global demand for these crops.
The CSARC will be a world-class research centre that will work to improve the productivity and quality of potato and sweetpotato crops in India and South Asia. The centre will focus on developing new varieties that are resistant to diseases and pests, and can thrive in challenging environments. The research centre will also work to improve the storage and processing of potatoes and sweetpotatoes to reduce waste and increase their shelf life.
The establishment of the CSARC is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of millions of farmers and consumers in India and South Asia. By improving the productivity and quality of potato and sweetpotato crops, the centre will help to increase farmer incomes and reduce poverty. The centre will also help to ensure food security by providing a stable supply of these crops to the market.
The CSARC will be a unique institution that will bring together experts from around the world to work on potato and sweetpotato research and development. The centre will have state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, and will provide training and capacity-building programs for farmers, researchers, and students.
The establishment of the CSARC is a testament to the Indian government’s commitment to improving agricultural productivity and food security. The government has been working to promote sustainable agriculture practices, and to improve the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities.
The International Potato Centre is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of potato and sweetpotato farmers and consumers around the world. The centre has a global reputation for its research and development work on these crops, and has helped to improve the productivity and quality of potato and sweetpotato crops in over 60 countries.
The establishment of the CSARC in Agra is a significant milestone in the history of potato and sweetpotato research and development in India. The centre will provide a unique opportunity for Indian researchers and farmers to work with international experts to improve the productivity and quality of these crops.
In conclusion, the establishment of the International Potato Centre’s South Asia Regional Centre in Agra is a significant development for the region, and has the potential to improve the lives of millions of farmers and consumers. The centre will focus on improving the productivity and quality of potato and sweetpotato crops, and will provide a unique opportunity for Indian researchers and farmers to work with international experts.
