Vijayawada: The state government’s flagship Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKs) initiative has bolstered the agricultural sector in Andhra Pradesh, with the YSRC banking on the farming community to support the party in the 2024 Assembly polls.
According to reports, the RBK approach has benefitted 1.43 crore beneficiaries, through a range of services valued at '48,861 crore.
Jagan Mohan Reddy, in several instances, pointed out that RBKs provide a one-stop solution to farmers’ needs, with Andhra Pradesh being the only state to offer such a service, after which other states followed suit. Since their inception in May 2020, RBKs have evolved into comprehensive hubs at present, strategically designed to address the spectrum of farmers’ needs.
So far, 10,778 RBKs have been set up across the state, with the primary objective extending beyond those of conventional distribution points. Besides providing agricultural inputs, farmers can also avail of advanced training in disaster relief and critical farming practices.
Officials said that the scope of RBKs’ influence has been huge, with 1,43,45,748 cumulative farmers reaping the benefits. The array of services offered by RBKs includes the provision of quality inputs to 24,26,415 farmers, with access to premium-quality fertilisers, pesticides, and subsidised seeds, amounting to over '1,044.84 crore.
They said that the Dr YSR Polambadi initiative has empowered 15,10,830 farmers, contributing '2,646.21 crore to their well-being. Moreover, the issuance of Crop Cultivators' Right Cards (CCRC) has brought clarity to 5,55,934 farmers’ positions, they said.
Under provisions of procurement and safety nets, 35,08,000 have availed of services valued at '66,484 crore. Additionally, over 30 lakh farmers found security in services encompassing crop insurance and disaster relief, amounting to '3,834.09 crore, they said.
“The RBKs nurturing knowledge and skills is evident in the 62,364 farmers who have benefited from farm mechanisation and training services, totalling '5.1 crore,” an official said.
Leveraging technology, RBKs have facilitated virtual pest and disease diagnosis via WhatsApp calls, providing 11,262 farmers with crucial guidance. RBKs have emerged as knowledge hubs, offering telecasts of relevant content, method demonstrations and vital information on agricultural practices, officials said.
The RBKs have been instrumental in assisting farmers during natural calamities, catering to the needs of 17,96,247 farmers and providing relief valued at '1,439.6023 crore. They also played a pivotal role in the successful implementation of the YSR Rythu Bharosa initiative, benefiting 2,06,49,179 farmers and providing financial aid worth '24,722.14 crore.
Minister for agriculture Kakani Govardhan Reddy said that with 34,81,077 farmers availing of the SVPR (Socially Vulnerable Pensioner Receipt) programme and 39,20,749 farmers benefiting from the Dr YSR Crop insurance, RBKs have exhibited a comprehensive commitment to safeguarding farmers' interests.
He further said that the comprehensive spectrum of services, extending from disaster relief to robust financial programmes, demonstrates the holistic approach that has positioned RBKs as not only agricultural hubs, but also crucial lifelines for farmers across Andhra Pradesh.
Govardhan Reddy claimed that RBKs helped the farming community largely and they are hopeful this support will go to their party in the polls.
