The International Potato Center (CIP) from Peru is set to inaugurate a new facility in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, with an investment of approximately ₹120 crore ($14.42 million). This establishment aims to offer access to high-quality potato seeds, thereby improving crop yields and farmer incomes. Additionally, it will tackle the shortage of potato seeds and concentrate on creating potato varieties that are both highly productive and suitable for processing.
The Agra CIP center will enable farmers to acquire advanced potato cultivation techniques to boost productivity. The initiative, spearheaded by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and supported by the central government, is expected to benefit Uttar Pradesh, the leading potato-producing state in India, and its neighboring regions. Uttar Pradesh's double-cropping regions like Kannauj and Farrukhabad, alongside states like Bihar and West Bengal and other South Asian countries, are anticipated to gain from this venture.
While Uttar Pradesh tops in overall potato production, West Bengal leads in per-hectare yield. The establishment of research centers is viewed as a step towards narrowing this productivity gap. The focus on addressing potato farmers' challenges includes transparent licensing for cold storage and the development of food parks and processing clusters, aiming to enhance storage and processing capabilities.
Source: ThePrint