International Potato Center (CIP )

International Potato Center (CIP ) : Recently, the Government of India approved the establishment of the South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC) of the International Potato Center (CIP) in Singna, Agra (Uttar Pradesh).

o This significant move aims to strengthen agricultural research, promote climate-resilient farming, enhance food security, and boost farmer incomes across South Asia.

• About CIP : Established in 1971, the International Potato Center (CIP) is a research-for-development organization. (HQ : Lima, Peru)

o Focuses on potato, sweet potato, and Andean root and tuber crops

o Has a research presence in over 20 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

• Key Highlights : The centre will benefit farmers in India (especially from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal) and serve other South Asian countries.

o Primary Objectives: Enhance food and nutrition security, boost farmers’ income and job creation , improve productivity, post-harvest management, and value addition of potato and sweet potato.

- Develop climate-resilient, disease-free, and processing-friendly varieties.

• Significance of Potato Sector: India is the world’s 2nd largest producer and consumer of potatoes.

o This will be India’s second major international agri-research centre after IRRI-SARC (International Rice Research Institute - South Asia Regional Centre), established in Varanasi (2017).