Examination of Rythu Bharosa Kendra (RBK) Services in Vizianagaram District of Andhra Pradesh with a View to Improving Service Delivery to Farmers

Abstract

Rythu Bharosa Kendra is a State Government initiative of Andhra Pradesh in India for providing various services to the farmers from seed to sale at gross root level. The present study highlights the knowledge level of farmers along with the constraints and suggestions of farmers regarding the services provided by RBK. Ex post facto research design was employed to conduct the study, using multi stage proportionate random sampling procedure, a sample of 140 farmers were selected from Vizianagaram district. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse and categorize the data regarding knowledge level of farmers and to identify and rank the constraints and suggestions Garrett’s Ranking Technique was employed. The findings of the study identified that nearly three-fourths (73.00%) of the farmers had medium level of knowledge regarding services rendered by RBKs followed by high (17.71%) and low (9.29%) levels of knowledge. The prime constraints faced by the farmers were lack of expertise to use digital kiosk, delay in disbursement of payment for the marketed produce and lack of proper infrastructure facilities. The foremost suggestions given by the farmers were on time disbursement of payment for the marketed produce and timely supply of inputs and Rythu Bharosa to farmers and improving infrastructure facilities of RBK. The findings of the study will aid policy makers to formulate new interventions for improving the services of RBK and also functionaries of RBK in improving the existing lacunae and formulating new ones.