The Andhra Pradesh State government signed memoranda of understanding (MoU) with 11 premier agricultural institutions in the country on 10 February 2020. MoUs were exchanged between the state Agriculture Department and institutions, including the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), National Institute of Plant Health Management, M S Swaminathan Research Foundation, Central Fertiliser Quality, and Training Institute, and National Seed Research and Training Institute, Amaravati. Aim: The aim is to usher in revolutionary changes in the agriculture sector through technology and knowledge transfer to farmers in the state. MoU Provisions: Under the MoU, the institutions will provide technical assistance which will lead to a sustainable increase in farmers’ income using organic and natural farming processes. Rythu Bharosa Kendras: Also, the AP government is to set up 11,158 Rythu Bharosa Kendras across the state by June. It would be manned by agriculture, horticulture, veterinary and aquaculture assistants to guide farmers in best practices. These centres will have fertilizer, quality seed, and pesticides guaranteed by the state government. It aims to enhance farm management practices and train farmers in organic and natural farming.
