Establishment of BHAGIDARI - Agri Growth Centres is a small effort of Centre for Agriculture and Rural Development to develop villages as production units which are networked with global market and self-reliant through optimum utilisation of local resources. If we want to have sustainable growth rate of economy at seven percent and above to achieve the goal of Developed India by 2020, it is necessary to bring qualitative change in our agriculture. Trough this initiative, we endeavour participation of all stakeholders in bringing rural prosperity in India through partnership (Bhagidari) with farmers and rural community.

The role of BHAGIDARI Centres is to ensure delivery of appropriate technologies, quality inputs for agriculture and services to the farmers by linking them with banks, technology and development institutions, agri-industry, training and extension agencies and Government departments. These Centres are expected to perform as vibrant nodal growth bodies, facilitating farmers through backward and forward linkages, delivery of programs, promoting agri-business activities and serving as two way plate-form for villages In brief it is a centre for social and economic development of villages with development block as coverage area. These centres would not only facilitate the agriculture development but also develop entrepreneurship at grass root level through imparting training and promoting allied business activities in villages.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has gained momentum in recent years and is playing crucial role in societal transformation through empowering the society by access to information and awareness. BHAGIDARI Centres are IT-enabled centres and this facility serves two purpose at a time; one, it provides link to the information resources and makes information accessible, and two, it helps in digitization of local farming, resources and demographic information. Based on that proper resource planning for the farmers is done.

I am sure that these centres with an integrated approach of development will bring qualitative changes in agriculture, paving the way for vibrant rural society.

With best regards
M J Khan
Director - CARD