Ethiopia showing interest in India’s Rythu Bharosa Kendras

Context

An Ethiopian delegation is in Andhra Pradesh (AP) to study the first-of-its kind Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKs), which have been set up by the Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy government.

About Rythu Bharosa Kendras

• They are set up for the first time in the country and they 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. 
• The Centre has recently nominated the RBK concept for the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s “Champion’’ award.

Features

• They 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.
• They also provide services like soil testing and make recommendations — on which crops to sow, and quantity and type of fertiliser to be used.
• 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. 

Benefits

• They 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.
• The RBKs have been responsible for elimination of spurious seeds and uncertified and dangerous fertilisers, which can cause crop damage and failures.