Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal, has long been a key contributor to India’s potato production, accounting for 27 per cent of Uttar Pradesh’s total output. Yet, despite its agricultural significance, local farmers have struggled with low profits, seed shortages, and post-harvest losses. Now, a breakthrough promises to transform the region’s potato industry—the approval of the International Potato Centre’s South Asia Regional Centre in Singna village. 

Farmers in Agra cultivate potatoes across 71,000 hectares, producing nearly five million metric tons annually. However, the sector faces persistent hurdles. High-quality seeds remain scarce and expensive, forcing farmers to spend heavily only to sell their produce at meagre prices, often less than ₹10 per kilogram. Compounding the problem, nearly 20 per cent of the yield is lost due to inadequate storage and processing facilities. 

Climate change has further strained production, with rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall disrupting crop cycles. Many small-scale farmers, burdened by rising input costs and exploitative middlemen, struggle to break even. Most of Agra’s potatoes are transported to South India and Gujarat, where traders dictate prices, leaving growers with minimal profits. 

The newly approved CSARC aims to address these challenges through cutting-edge research and infrastructure development. The centre will focus on breeding high-yielding, climate-resistant potato varieties, reducing dependency on the current ‘Kufri Bahar’ strain. By introducing disease-tolerant and drought-adaptive seeds, scientists hope to boost both productivity and profitability for farmers. 

Another critical area of intervention is post-harvest management. With better cold storage and processing units, spoilage rates could drop significantly, preserving more of the harvest for domestic and international markets. The centre will also promote value-added products like potato starch and chips, enabling farmers to tap into higher-margin segments. 

Beyond benefiting local growers, CSARC is expected to position Agra as a regional leader in potato research. The facility will serve neighbouring countries, including Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, fostering cross-border agricultural collaboration. Given India’s current potato exports worth $1 billion annually, experts believe the centre could further expand trade opportunities. 

Farmers’ groups have welcomed the move, though some emphasise the need for swift implementation. "We’ve waited years for such an initiative," said a potato grower from Kiraoli. "If the government ensures timely support, Agra can become the potato capital of South Asia." 

The establishment of CSARC marks a pivotal moment for Agra’s agrarian economy. By integrating science, technology, and farmer-centric policies, the project could redefine potato cultivation in the region. As officials finalise plans, the focus remains on empowering farmers, ensuring that the city, famed for the Taj, may soon be equally renowned for its potatoes. 

"This is our chance to modernise farming," said an agriculturist. "With the right tools, Agra’s farmers can finally thrive."