NEW DELHI: The Union cabinet on Wednesday approved setting up of Peru-based International Potato Center’s south Asia regional research unit in Agra at an investment of over Rs 111 crore.The aim of establishing the regional centre is to explore the potential of potato sector in India to generate employment opportunities by improving potato and sweet potato productivity, better post-harvest management and value-addition. India is the second largest producer of potato in the world after China. “High-yielding, nutrient and climate-resilient varieties of potato and sweet potato developed by South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC), making use of world-class science and innovation, will significantly accelerate the sustainable development of the potato and sweet potato sectors not only in India but also in the south Asia region,” said a govt statement. “The major objective of this investment is to increase food and nutrition security, farmers’ income, and job creation…” it added. The Uttar Pradesh govt has already allocated 10 acres for the research centre at Singna in Agra. Union information and broadcasting minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, briefing reporters on the cabinet decision, said research at the centre will also focus on seed production, pest management, sustainable production, and training of farmers.
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