Andhra's RBKs nominated for UN award

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S Jagan Mohan Reddy's brainchild Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKs) have won international recognition and have been nominated for a United Nations award. Agriculture minister Kakani Govardhan Reddy on Wednesday said the state's RBK initiative has been nominated by the Centre for the Champion Award, the highest recognition given by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to acknowledge the outstanding contribution by governments to increase food security.

RBKs, which serve as a one-stop-shop for farmers, have been a game-changer in the agriculture sector, the minister said. RBK is one of the six initiatives nominated by the Centre for the award.

The minister further said that RBKs have been a role model, serving at the village level for the past two years. He said 10,778 outlets have been supplying quality seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides besides farm machinery and have become hubs of knowledge.

He said TDP leaders have no moral right to speak on farmers' issues as the agriculture sector was deeply neglected during the TDP rule. Recalling the pending arrears of the previous government, he said the Chief Minister has cleared all the dues, including Rs. 23.4 crore compensation to the family members of farmers who died by suicide, Rs. 119.44 crore towards crop insurance, and about Rs. 784 crore towards interest-free loans. He said the current government is committed to the agriculture sector and farmers' welfare.