Title: CIP South Asia Regional Center in Agra: Boosting Potato & Sweet Potato Research
(GS 3: Agriculture)

• Establishment Approval: South Asia regional center of Peru-based International Potato Center (CIP) approved in Singra, Agra (UP).
• Primary Objectives: Enhance food/nutrition security, increase farmers' income, and generate employment through improved productivity and value addition for potatoes/sweet potatoes.
• Project Investment: Total cost ₹171 crore (India: ₹111 cr, CIP: ₹60 cr). UP allocated 10 hectares land.
• Employment Potential: Significant job creation in production, processing, packaging, transportation, and marketing.
• Research Focus: CSARC to develop high-yielding, climate-resilient, nutrient-rich varieties for sustainable development in South Asia.
• India's Potato Dominance: World's 2nd-largest producer (51.3 million tonnes in 2020); UP & WB top producers (15 MT each).
• ** Related Institution’s information: International Potato Center (CIP): It was founded in 1971, is headquartered in Lima, Peru, and focuses on potato, sweet potato, and Andean roots and tubers.