RICH aims to set up labs for farmers

HYDERABAD: Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad (RICH) which is equivalent to T-hub for sectors such as health, agriculture and defence, is planning to set up an Agricultural Technology Park. “There are no tinkering labs for farmers anywhere in the country where they can go play around and see.  A small marginal farmer dare not to take risks with their holdings. We have to give them chance to see the research, feel and work and not just photographs alone.

This lab will help the farmers foster innovations,” Ajit Rangnekar, Director General of RICH said, at the Bio-Asia Conclave on Saturday.

While the location has not yet been decided, RICH is estimating a cost of around '20 crores and is looking out for an area of 75 acres to set up the park. This lab is expected to benefit 50,000 farm families directly or indirectly. 

RICH is deliberating on the location to set up the park either in the Agricultural University or somewhere closer to the farmers.

RICH has been focusing on three sectors, primarily life sciences and pharma, food and agriculture and aerospace and defence from the past one year. It celebrated its first anniversary at the Bio Asia conclave.

“RICH has been setup with a motto to innovate, integrate and create impact. RICH needs to go to the next level and it should not  confine itself to Telangana but contribute to the Nation by taking a consultative approach and creating strong statement of impact,” minister K.T. Rama Rao said.

In the coming year, RICH will focus on creating a common single-use of manufacturing facility for biologics.