The International Potato Center (CIP) hosted an interactive learning exchange on potato and sweetpotato value chains with a delegation from the Government of Tamil Nadu under the Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agriculture Modernization project (TNIAMP). The team included experts from the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), the World Bank Group, and the Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI). Discussions focused on seed systems, regenerative agriculture, digital breeding, climate-smart practices, and value chain development for root and tuber crops.
The visit followed the launch of the CIP South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC) in Singna, Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The centre works with ICAR institutes, state departments, universities, and the private sector on potato, sweetpotato, and other root and tuber crop research.
© CIP
The Tamil Nadu team participated in technical sessions, field demonstrations, and joint planning exercises, exploring how climate-resilient potato and sweetpotato innovations in Africa could be adapted for Tamil Nadu. In return, the delegation shared lessons from Indian value chains, with approaches that could strengthen African systems.
Meetings with CIP researchers and partners from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) included discussions on seed systems, climate-smart agriculture, and value chain models. Field visits highlighted advanced sweetpotato breeding technologies and the integration of digital tools in genetic improvement.
Courtesy visits included meetings with the Director General of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Prof. Appolinaire Djikeng, and with Mr. Robert Musyoki, Director of KALRO Seeds, at the National Seed Head Office in Thika. These engagements aimed to strengthen research networks and partnerships for future collaboration.
A reflection session led by Dr. Simon Heck, Director General of CIP, focused on identifying specific opportunities for cooperation. Both sides confirmed their commitment to co-developing climate-smart and nutrition-sensitive solutions adaptable to both Indian and African contexts.
The Tamil Nadu delegation included Dr. S. Pazhanivelan, Director (Centre for GIS and Water Security), TNAU; Dr. S. Kanaka, Agricultural Economist, TNIAMP; Dr. J. Suresh Kumar, Scientist-C, ICAR-CTCRI; Dr. C. Thangamani, Assistant Professor (Horticulture), TNAU; and Dr. Farbod Youssefi, Senior Agribusiness Specialist, World Bank Group.
CIP representatives included Dr. Joyce Maru, Regional Director for Africa; Thiago Mendes, Senior Plant Breeder; Mukani Moyo, Head of Urban Systems; Marcel Gatto, Agricultural Economist; Sammy Agili, Agronomist; Dorcas Amunga, Nutritionist; Rosemary Gatimu, Research Assistant; and Martha Awinoh, Senior Communication Specialist.
© CIPFor more information:
International Potato Center
Tel: +511 3496017
www.cipotato.org
