On-stop shops for all agri inputs, services
Govt directs fertilizer cos to convert their retail shops into model one-stop shops for all types of agricultural inputs and services; These one-stop shops will be known as Pradhanmantri Kisan Samridhi Kendras (PMKSKs)
image for illustrative purpose
New Delhi: The central government has ordered to convert the fertilizer retail shops into model fertilizer retail shops at the village, block, taluka, sub-district, and district levels. Now, they will be one-stop shops for all agricultural inputs and services. The one-stop shops will be known as Pradhanmantri Kisan Samridhi Kendras (PMKSKs).
The cost of conversion will be borne by fertilizer companies, which will be recovered from retailer margins and incentives of Rs50 per tonne, official sources told Bizz Buzz.
The Department of Fertilizers has mandated PMKSKs to provide quality agri-inputs like fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides at reasonable prices under roof. They will also provide soil, seed, and fertilizer testing facilities; in case a PMKSK is unable to do this, it will connect farmers to such facilities, sources said.
They will also provide small and large farm implements through sale. They will also educate farmers about good agricultural practices and inform them about the various government schemes intended to benefit them, officials said, adding that this will help capacity building.
At present, there are 3.3 lakh fertilizer retail shops. As per schedule, all district-level shops will be converted into PMKSKs by the end of this month. By January 2023, the Department of Fertilizers aims to convert 182,126 block-level shops. By February 2023, 116,049 shops at the level of villages will also be converted into PMKSKs.
The department has laid down a lot of details about the setting up of PMKSKs, sources said. Each PMKSK should have a glow or flex signboard with a uniform design and color combination. Hindi and regional languages should be used, though English is also allowed.
Training of retailers will be done by the fertilizer companies concerned every six months. Scientists from Kisan Vigyan Kendras and even retired agricultural experts will be engaged to impart training.
PMKSK operators will have to comply with all the statutory requirements including registration and licensing with governmental and local authorities for running the seed, fertilizer, and pesticide businesses.
