• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a proposal to set up the South Asia Regional Research Centre of the International Potato Centre (CIP) in Agra entailing financial support of Rs 111.5 crore.

• The major objective of this investment is to increase food and nutrition security, farmers’ income, and job creation by improving potato and sweet potato productivity, post-harvest management and value-addition.

• The International Potato Center (CIP) was founded in 1971 as a research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweet potato and Andean roots and tubers. Its headquarters is situated in Peru’s Lima.

• The potato sector has the potential to generate significant employment opportunities in production, processing, packaging, transportation, marketing, and value chain.

• In order to explore the huge potential in this sector, the CIP’s South Asia Regional Centre is being established at Singna, Agra, Uttar Pradesh.

• High-yielding, nutrient and climate-resilient varieties of potato and sweet potato developed by the unit will significantly accelerate the sustainable development of the crop not only in India but in the South Asia region also through world-class science and innovation.

• Research at the regional centre will focus on seed production, pest management, sustainable production, and training of farmers. 

• The Uttar Pradesh government has already allocated 10 acres for the research centre. 

Some key points on potato:

• Potato (Solanum tuberosum) belongs to the solanaceae family of flowering plants. It originated and was first domesticated in the Andes mountains of South America.

• Potato is the third most available food crop globally – after rice and wheat, making it a crucial staple.

• Two-thirds of the global population consume potato as a staple food.

• Potatoes contribute to the food security and nutrition as well as  livelihoods and employment of people in rural and urban areas the world over.

• While many other crops, especially cereals, are not sufficiently resilient to challenges, such assoil degradation and water scarcity, the potato has potential for increased productivity. 

• Farmers in approximately 160 countries now produce almost 400 million tonnes of potato a year. 

• With 735 million people suffering from hunger, potatoes can have a significant role in improving food security and nutrition.

• There are over 4,500 varieties of potatoes planted worldwide.

• The potato offers livelihood opportunities for the many farmers who grow it as a cash crop, and those working along its value chain, especially rural small-scale and family farmers. 

• International Day of Potato is observed on May 30.

• In India, potatoes are grown in almost all states.

• The major potato producing states are Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Assam.

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