The Government of India's Administration Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) released the Good Governance Index (GGI), which ranked Andhra Pradesh first among states in the agriculture and allied sectors.
Eight Indicators Identified
In GGI, under the agriculture and allied sectors, eight indicators have been defined, with an emphasis on output and institutional assistance such as crop insurance. In the agricultural and allied sectors, the most notable characteristics of Group A states include increasing trends in food grain, horticulture, meat, and milk production, as well as crop insurance.
"I'm extremely glad that our state has topped in the GGI index under Agriculture and allied sectors," AP Special Chief Secretary of Agriculture Poonam Malakondaiah said in a statement. "We can proudly declare that we talk in the state about the convenience of conducting agriculture for the farmers."
The GGI is a bi-annual exercise whose progress is measured against the outcomes of the previous year. Agriculture and allied sectors in Andhra Pradesh grew at a double-digit rate of 11.3% in 2019, up from 6.3% in 2019. While horticulture produce has grown by 12.3% from 4.7%, milk production has reached a new high of 11.7%, which can be attributed to the state’s MOU with Amul Conglomerate.
In 2019, it was roughly 1.4%. Meat production increased to 10.3% from a low of 6.7%. In terms of crop insurance implementation, Andhra Pradesh received a score of 26.1%.
Government Trying to Double Farmer’s Income
Agriculture and allied sectors are the backbone & pillar of the Indian economy, and the state government is trying to double farmers' income and reduce agrarian hardship.
Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBK), e-cropping, crop insurance, and other initiatives made by the state government to increase the effectiveness of the industry.
Rythu Bharosa Kendras
The NITI Aayog and the agricultural ministry recognized the Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKs). From the sale of seeds, insecticides, and fertilizers to the acquisition of agricultural produce, RBKs are being created as a one-stop solution to all of the farmers' problems. GGI has selected eight indicators in the agriculture and allied industry, with an emphasis on output and institutional support such as crop insurance.
By connecting mandis to e-Markets, farmers will have access to multiple selling/buying options for crop production. Farmers' negotiating strength and susceptibility will be increased if information flows more freely. As a result, GGI 2020-21 includes an additional indicator called "Agriculture Mandis Enrolled in e-Market."