Ethiopian Agricultural Minister is in Andhra Pradesh (AP) to study the first-of-its-kind Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKs).

What are Rythu Bharosa Kendras?

• Set up for the first time in the country, the RBKs are unique seeds-to-sales, single-window service centres for farmers that have been set up across the state.
• 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.
• The RBKs 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.

Have the RBKs proved to be helpful to farmers?

• 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.
• Based on inputs provided by officials after soil testing and weather conditions, many farmers have changed their cropping patterns and benefited immensely.
• The RBKs have been responsible for elimination of spurious seeds and uncertified and dangerous fertilisers, which can cause crop damage and failures.
• The RBKs, staffed by agriculture and horticulture graduates, help farmers decide the crops they should cultivate in a scientific manner.

How has it been received by the Centre?

• The Centre has recently nominated the RBK concept for the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s “Champion’’ award.

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