The proposed centre aims to raise farmers’ incomes, boost potato and sweet potato productivity, and improve post-harvest value chains. The Government of India will provide financial assistance of INR 111.5 crore, marking a significant investment in India’s agri-food innovation landscape.

Strategic Location & Government Support

The CSARC will be set up in Singna, Agra, with 10 hectares of land allotted free of cost by the Uttar Pradesh government. As the country’s top potato-producing state, Uttar Pradesh stands to benefit substantially from the new centre. India is the second-largest producer of potatoes globally, making the move both timely and strategic.

The project will be implemented by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, in collaboration with the state government and international agencies.

Focus Areas: Innovation, Training, and Sustainability

The CSARC will focus on:

• Developing high-yielding, climate-resilient, and nutrient-rich varieties of potato and sweet potato
• Enhancing seed production and pest management
• Promoting sustainable farming practices
• Reducing post-harvest losses through better storage and processing techniques
• Training farmers to adopt global best practices
• These efforts are expected to improve food and nutritional security while generating employment and increasing rural incomes.

Driving Modernisation in Agri-Food Sector

Officials noted that the initiative aligns with the government’s vision to modernise India’s agri-food sector. By encouraging value addition, strengthening processing, packaging, and marketing infrastructure, and integrating farmers with international markets, the centre is poised to transform India's role in the global potato value chain.

The CSARC is also expected to serve as a regional hub for potato innovation, enabling India to play a leading role in addressing food challenges in South Asia.