Andhra Pradesh inks MoU with FAO & ICAR

The MoU will support the farmers for adopting the sustainable Agri-food systems

The Government of Andhra Pradesh has signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi on the Technical Cooperation Project (TCP) for strengthening the capacities to support the farmers for adopting the sustainable agri-food systems.

YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Chief Minister, Andhra Pradesh outlined the setting-up of the Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKs) as a part of an effort for weeding out the fake seeds, pesticides and fertilisers from the markets. The chief minister stated about the measures that are taken to ensure remunerative prices to the farmers.

The RBKs are the One Stop Shops for supplying the Government Certified Agri Inputs (Seeds, Fertilisers & Pesticides), Animal Husbandry & Fisheries Inputs to the farmers and have an attached Workshop/Knowledge Centre for providing the Scientific Agro-Advisories to the farmers.

Currently, 10,778 RBKs are operating in the state that are integrated Centres offering various agriculture-related services under one roof. The ICAR through its Research Institutes and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) Network will provide the RBKs with the latest technologies and help in capacity building.

Poonam Malakondaiah, Agriculture Special Chief Secretary, Government of Andhra Pradesh; Tomio Shichiri, Country Director, FAO, India and Dr Ashok Kumar Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR signed the MoU on the behalf of their respective organisations.

As per the MoU, the FAO will provide technical and financial assistance to RBKs in the State and the ICAR & FAO will work collaboratively towards strengthening the RBKs in the state.

The MoU will support the farmers for