New Delhi, 25 June (IANS). The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday approved the proposal of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare for the establishment of South Asia Regional Center (CSARC) of International Potato Center (CIP) in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
The main objective of this investment is to promote food and nutritional security, farmers’ income and employment generation by improving potato and sweet potato productivity, management and value edition after harvesting.
India’s potato sector has the ability to create important employment opportunities in production sector, processing sector, packaging, transportation and marketing value chains.
According to an official statement, to exploit and explore immense possibilities in the region, South Asia Regional Center of the International Potato Center is being established in Singana, Agra.
The statement said that the high yielding potato and sweet potato developed by CSARC, nutrient and climate-friendly varieties will significantly give significant speed to the sustainable development of potato and sweet potato regions not only in India but also in South Asia region through world-class science and innovation.
Meanwhile, research is underway to find new use of potatoes in the country, developing a method of bio-ethanol production from IIT BHU potato peels, which can help India reduce its dependence on crude oil imports.
Scientists are also working on new potato varieties like Kufri Kuffi Neelkanth, which are full of antioxidants.
According to CIP scientists, India will become the world’s top potato producer by 2050, which would potentially overtake China. The annual production of the country will reach 100 million tonnes.
Amul is preparing potato seeds in Prayagraj to export Germany. Uttar Pradesh has exported potatoes to Guyana for the first time.
The potato industry is facing challenges related to storage, transportation and potential insects and disease management as potatoes are trading rapidly globally.
Focus on improving potato storage is also being paid to reduce damage and to ensure continuous quality.
-IANS
SKT/
