The Union Cabinet has given the green light for the establishment of the South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC) of the International Potato Center (CIP) in Singna, Agra. This initiative is a collaboration with the Peru-based CIP aimed at enhancing research and development in potato and sweet potato farming across India and South Asia.
Founded in 1971 in Lima, Peru, the CIP focuses on potatoes, sweet potatoes, and Andean roots and tubers. It has gained global recognition for its conservation of potato germplasm and its efforts to develop climate-resilient and disease-free varieties. Notably, CIP formed a partnership with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 1975, furthering its commitment to agricultural advancement.
The CSARC is set to achieve several key objectives:
This centre will also provide India with access to CIP’s extensive global germplasm collection, decrease dependency on imported seeds, and foster food processing and export initiatives.
The total cost of the project is estimated at ₹171 crore, with India contributing ₹111.5 crore. The remaining costs will be covered by CIP. Additionally, Uttar Pradesh has allocated 10 hectares of land for the establishment of the centre.
The establishment of CSARC is crucial for several reasons:
The centre is expected to help bridge these yield gaps by providing better seeds and agricultural practices.
India ranks as the second-largest potato producer in the world, after China. In 2020, China produced 78.24 million tonnes, while India produced 51.3 million tonnes. Together, these two countries contribute to over one-third of the global potato production.
“Agriculture is not crop production as much as it is the production of food and fibre from the world’s land and waters. Without it, we are nothing.” – Theodore L. White.
Q1. What is the purpose of the CSARC?
Answer: The CSARC aims to enhance potato and sweet potato farming through improved productivity, seed quality, and climate-resilient varieties, while also supporting farmers' income and nutrition security.
Q2. How much funding has been allocated for the CSARC?
Answer: The total project cost for the CSARC is ₹171 crore, with India contributing ₹111.5 crore and the remainder funded by the International Potato Center.
Q3. Why is potato farming significant in India?
Answer: Potatoes are the third most consumed food crop globally, and India aims to enhance its yield from 25 tonnes per hectare to over 50 tonnes, addressing food security and nutrition.
Q4. What role does the CIP play in agriculture?
Answer: The CIP focuses on research and development of potatoes and sweet potatoes, contributing to global food security through germplasm conservation and the creation of disease-resistant varieties.
Q5. How does India rank in potato production?
Answer: India is the second-largest potato producer, following China, and produced 51.3 million tonnes in 2020, contributing significantly to global production.
Question 1: What is the primary objective of the CSARC?
A) To enhance potato productivity
B) To promote rice farming
C) To develop livestock management
D) To support textile industry
Correct Answer: A
Question 2: How much land has been allocated for CSARC in Uttar Pradesh?
A) 5 hectares
B) 10 hectares
C) 15 hectares
D) 20 hectares
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Which organization is collaborating with India for the CSARC?
A) FAO
B) CIP
C) ICAR
D) WHO
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What is the potential yield of potatoes in India?
A) 25 tonnes/hectare
B) 35 tonnes/hectare
C) 50 tonnes/hectare
D) 60 tonnes/hectare
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: What is the total cost of the CSARC project?
A) ₹171 crore
B) ₹200 crore
C) ₹150 crore
D) ₹100 crore
Correct Answer: A
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