Agra, Uttar Pradesh – 26 June 2025 – The International Potato Center (CIP) today announced the establishment of the CIP South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC) in Singna, Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The new center, recently approved by the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will serve as a cutting-edge hub for potato, sweetpotato and other root and tuber crop research and development in close collaboration with ICAR institutes, State Agricultural Departments, Indian universities and private sector partners.
CSARC will be constructed on 10 hectares of land allocated by the Government of Uttar Pradesh. The center will focus on developing high-yielding and climate-resilient potato varieties, improving seed systems and pest management, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. It will also enhance post-harvest handling, processing, and marketing, creating new job opportunities and economic benefits for farmers across the region.
“As we celebrate 50 years of partnership and research in India, this new CIP South Asia Regional Centre in Agra represents the next chapter in our shared journey,” said Dr. Simon Heck, director general of CIP. “CSARC will strengthen the productivity and sustainability of India’s potato sector through world-class science and innovation. It will position India as a regional and global leader in root and tuber crops research while delivering direct benefits to farmers in India and across South Asia. Regional centers like CSARC are instrumental for connecting international science partnerships with the needs and opportunities in local agricultural systems. We look forward to making this a successful example for India and South Asia.”
Dr. Neeraj Sharma, country manager for CIP India, added, “This center provides a significant boost for India’s farming communities and scientific institutions alike. From enhancing varietal development to reducing post-harvest losses and improving value chains, CSARC will play a pivotal role in accelerating innovation where it matters most—on the farm. We are grateful for the Government of India’s support and look forward to deepening our collaboration with partners across the region.”
India is the world’s second-largest producer of potatoes, and Uttar Pradesh leads domestic production. CSARC aims to consolidate this leadership by accelerating the delivery of technology and knowledge to farmers, enabling greater productivity, profitability, and resilience.
About the International Potato Center (CIP)
Founded in 1971 and headquartered in Lima, Peru, CIP is a research-for-development organization dedicated to improving food and nutrition security, increasing farmer incomes, and supporting climate-resilient agriculture through potato and root crop innovations. CIP has worked in India since 1975 and collaborates closely with national and regional partners across Asia and Africa.