Current Affairs - National - Discussion

The Union Cabinet has approved the setting up of the CIP–South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC) in Singna, Agra, as a regional extension of the Peru-based International Potato Center (CIP). With a total project cost of ₹171 crore, of which ₹115 crore will be contributed by India, the CSARC is expected to significantly strengthen India's potato and sweet potato research capabilities. The centre will focus on developing climate-resilient, high-yielding, and disease-free crop varieties while enhancing post-harvest value addition and seed production. This strategic location in Agra also supports India’s goal of reducing seed imports and boosting food and nutritional security in the region.