Rythu Bharosa Kendras

An Ethiopian delegation led by the country’s Agricultural Minister Dr Meles Mekonen Yimer is in Andhra Pradesh to study the first-of-its kind Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKs).

Details –

• The Ethiopian delegation will visit several RBKs and understand how they function.
• They will likely sign a MoU with the state government and Centre to transfer the know-how.
• Under this MoU, AP officials will provide training to Ethiopian officials on operation of RBKs, and share knowledge about the farming systems in the state.

What are ‘Rythu Bharosa Kendras’?

• Set up for the first time in the country (in Andhra Pradesh), the RBKs are single-window service centres for farmers that have been set up across the state of Andhra Pradesh.
• They are a one-stop solution to all farmers’ needs and grievances.
  • • RBKs sell pre-tested quality seeds, certified fertilisers and animal feed.
    • Farmers can purchase or hire farm equipment, and even sell their produce at the prevailing MSP in the RBKs.
• Agriculture and horticulture officials manning the RBKs also provide services like soil testing and make recommendations — on which crops to sow, and quantity and type of fertiliser to be used.
• The state government also pays crop insurance, procures grains and makes payments to farmers through the RBKs.
• The Centre has recently nominated the RBK concept for the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s “Champion’’ award.

Benefits to farmers –

• Facilitates interaction between farmers and scientists —
  • RBKs facilitate interaction between farmers, agriculture scientists, and agriculture extension officers right at the village level.
  • Apart from providing services and items for sale, RBK officials demonstrate new farm equipment and provide training to farmers.
• Guides the farmers in choosing appropriate cropping pattern —
  • Based on inputs provided bys officials after soil testing and weather conditions, many farmers have changed their cropping patterns.
  • The RBKs, staffed by agriculture and horticulture graduates, help farmers decide the crops they should cultivate in a scientific manner.
• Other benefits —
  • The RBKs have been responsible for elimination of spurious seeds and uncertified and dangerous fertilisers.
  • They also assist in selling their produce at MSPs, through supporting systems of e-cropping, geo-tagging, and the CM App through which payments are made to farmers.