Sustainable agri-food systems: AP signs MoU with FAO, ICAR

Vijayawada: The state government has signed an MoU with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) on Technical Cooperation Project for strengthening capacities to support farmers in adopting sustainable agri-food systems

The MOU was signed by Agriculture Special Chief Secretary Poonam Malakondaiah on behalf of the state government and Food and Agriculture Organization Country Director Tomio Shichiri and the Indian Council for Agriculture Research Deputy Director-General Dr. AK Singh.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said RBKs were set up as part of an effort to weed away fake seeds, pesticides, and fertilizers from markets.

He said measures were taken to ensure remunerative prices to the farmers and explained about e- cropping. He said revolutionary changes will come up in the Agriculture sector in the state with the steps being taken by the government.

Food and Agriculture Organization Country Director Tomio Shichiri said RBKs will bring revolutionary changes in agriculture and added that they are the role model in agriculture in the country. He said integrated Agri labs will stand out as good organizations in providing the best quality inputs to the farmers.

FAO will provide technical and financial assistance to RBKs in the state. ICAR along with FAO will work towards strengthening RBKs in the state. FAO will provide training to farmers, RBK staff, officials, and scientists on new technologies in agriculture and allied sectors. It will also train farmers in best cultivation management practices.