The International Potato Center (CIP) is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Neeraj Sharma as the Country Manager for India, effective June 9, 2025. In this capacity, Dr. Sharma will oversee CIP’s strategic initiatives, scientific programs, and operational activities within India.

With over 20 years of experience across Asia, Africa, and North America, Dr. Sharma is an accomplished agricultural scientist specializing in potato breeding, seed systems, and value chain development. His extensive background includes research, public-private collaborations, policy advocacy, and the conservation and utilization of agrobiodiversity.

Dr. Sharma earned his Ph.D. in Agriculture with a focus on Vegetable Science (Plant Breeding and Seed Technology), along with his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, India.

As India Country Manager, his priorities will include implementing CIP’s 2030 strategic goals at the national level, leading resource mobilization efforts, and fostering inclusive partnerships with donors, government agencies, and research organizations. He will also manage CIP’s operations in India in close alignment with the global team to ensure strategic coherence and operational efficiency.

Dr. Sharma joined CIP in 2008 as a Potato Breeder in India and later served as an Associate Scientist in Vietnam, where he led the TAP-5 project under a public-private partnership framework. His experience also includes leadership roles at Tuberosum Technologies Inc. (Canada) and PepsiCo India, enhancing his expertise in research management, team leadership, and innovation in potato research and development.

Based in New Delhi, Dr. Sharma will play a pivotal role in strengthening CIP’s impact on India’s food systems, emphasizing sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and nutrition security.