A Comparative Study of Fertilizer Prices Purchased by Farmers from Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKs) and Other Agencies in Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Rythu Bharosa Kendras - a one stop solutions for all agriculture & allied issues, was launched by state government of Andhra Pradesh in 2020. It addresses various issues and provide services to the farmers at the village level. Fertilizers are one among the services offered at Rythu Bharosa Kendras. The current study was carried out during the year 2022 and 2023 to find any significant variation in the average price of the fertilizers purchased by the farmers from Rythu Bharosa Kendras versus other agencies in Tirupati and Chittoor districts of Andhra Pradesh. A representative sample of 120 farmers in two districts of Andhra Pradesh i.e., Tirupati and Chittoor were selected for the study. Through a pre-structed interview schedule, prices of fertilizers purchased by the farmers from Rythu Bharosa Kendras vs other agencies were collected. In the study area, other agencies from where farmers purchased fertilizers included private fertilizer wholesalers, retailers, fellow farmers, non-institutional financers, etc. To study the average price comparison, the set of fertilizers that were commonly purchased at Rythu Bharosa Kendras and other agencies were selected. They were Urea, Diammonium phosphate (DAP), Muriate of Potash (MOP), N20:P20:K0:S13 (N:P:K:S fertilizer grade), N10:P26:K26 (N:P:K fertilizer grade). From the data collected and through descriptive statistical analysis it was clear that for all the common fertilizers the average amount of fertilizer per bag at Rythu Bharosa Kendras was comparatively lower than that of fertilizers purchased at other agencies. The average price variation of fertilizer per bag at Rythu Bharosa Kendras to other agencies for Urea, DAP, MOP, N20:P20:K0:S13 grade, N10:P26:K26 grade were Rs. 27.5, Rs. 40, Rs. 33, Rs. 44 & Rs. 92 with a variation in percentage by 10.3%, 2.96%, 2.84%, 3.26% & 6.31% respectively. By ensuring the prompt availability of required set of fertilizers in line with the cropping pattern of the farmers and by streamlining the supply chain aspects of fertilizes, especially from fertilizers hub to Rythu Bharosa Kendras, will be beneficial & results in cost optimization to the farmers.