image
logo
COMPENDIUM, IEEC-2023   ( ISBN : 978-81-967860-4-5 )
Print
Theme 1: Emerging experiences on CBOs’ intervention and Sustainable Agri-food Systems

Rythu Bharosa Kendram (RBK) - An Innovative Institutional Model for One Stop Service Center for Farmers

Vijayabhinandana. B and Jyothi. V

Agricultural College, Bapatla
vijayabhinandana@gmail.com

Abstract

The agricultural sector is the backbone for the economy, providing sustenance to millions of people. To empower and support farmers, governments and organizations have been exploring innovative approaches to deliver comprehensive services efficiently. The Rythu Bharosa Kendram (RBK), is a pioneering institutional model, that has emerged as a transformative solution for providing one-stop services to farmers in Andhra Pradesh. RBKs serve as centralized hubs offering an array of services and support mechanisms, consolidating agricultural resources and information under one roof. The RBKs are envisioned to enhance the socio-economic well-being of farmers by providing them with vital services, including agricultural inputs at subsidized prices, provides forward and backward linkages, capacity building, crop insurance through e-crop booking, soil testing, custom hiring, produce procurement and agro advisories. These centers aim to alleviate the burden of navigating bureaucratic processes by offering seamless access to government schemes and subsidies, thereby promoting agricultural sustainability and livelihood improvement. The success of RBKs can be attributed to their decentralized approach, which places them at the grassroots level, ensuring proximity to the farming communities. This approach fosters trust and inclusivity, encouraging small and marginalized farmers to participate actively in the agricultural ecosystem. Furthermore, RBKs leverage technology to streamline data collection and dissemination of agricultural knowledge. The digitization of land records, crop data, and weather information, among other things, equips farmers with the tools to make informed decisions. RBKs situated at Nandirajatota, Kavurivaripalem, Kankatapalem in Bapatla district were visited and feedback was collected from 180 farmers during 2022-23. Cent percent of the farmers expressed satisfaction and convenience in receiving farm related services in their village rather than travelling to mandal head quarters to receive the services. Farmers feel that the services are at their doorsteps. However RBKs face issues related to infrastructure, staffing, and funding

IEEC-2023 at RARI (SKNAU, Jobner), Jaipur, Rajasthan organised by Society of Extension Education, Agra, India