Why in the News?

The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the CIP-South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC) of the International Potato Centre (CIP) in Singna, Agra, Uttar Pradesh.

About the International Potato Centre (CIP):

• Establishment: The CIP was founded in 1971 in Lima, Peru, to promote research on potato, sweet potato, and Andean root crops.
• Global Reach: CIP operates in South America, Africa, and Asia, focusing on sustainable agriculture and nutritional security.
• India Collaboration: CIP began its work in India in 1975 through an agreement with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
• Germplasm Collection: It maintains the world’s largest germplasm bank for potato and sweet potato, making it central to crop breeding and biotech innovation.
• Research Areas: CIP’s activities include crop improvement, pest and disease control, post-harvest technologies, and market linkages.
• Partnership Model: The center works with local governments, agricultural institutions, and NGOs to develop climate-resilient, high-yielding varieties.

Functions of the New Regional Center (CSARC) in India:

• Location and Purpose: The new CIP-CSARC is being set up in Singna, Agra, to serve India and South Asia.
• Core Focus: It will work on developing climate-resilient, disease-free, and processing-grade varieties of potato and sweet potato.
• Food Security Goals: The center aims to enhance food and nutrition security, farmer income, and rural employment through improved productivity and value-added agri-products.
• Global Linkages: It will provide Indian researchers access to CIP’s global network, innovations, and genetic resources.
• Post-Harvest Development: It will strengthen seed quality, post-harvest systems, and improve India’s export potential in potato-based crops.
• National Importance: This will be the second major international agri-research institute in India, after IRRI-SARC in Varanasi.

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now