Govt nods for setting up of YSR AgriLabs centres in AP

The government on Wednesday issued an order authorizing the establishment of YSR AgriLabs (Agri-testing Centers) throughout the state. The state government is setting up these tests to check the quality of seeds, fertilizers and insecticides. AgriLabs has released guidelines for setting up.

It has also announced the establishment of four AgriLab regional coding centres in Visakhapatnam, Eluru, Guntur and Tirupati along with 13 AgriLabs at the district level.

The government has made it clear that fertilizers, pesticides and seeds should be sold to farmers only after they are tested in AgriLabs. Manufacturers and suppliers are required to obtain a certificate issued by Government AgriLabs.

AgriLabs aims to curb counterfeit seeds, fertilizers and insecticides. The Marketing and Police Housing Departments will build AgriLabs with financial support from NABARD.