The prime focus of these agro-clinics will be to aid small farmers, who find it difficult to control certain epidemics given their monetary limitations in getting necessary lab tests done. The services rendered by these clinics are free of cost.

So far, the 10 such agro-clinics set up, mainly in Vidarbha region, are getting a tremendous response from the farmers, officials in Mantralaya pointed out. Each agro-clinic costs around Rs 15 lakh and the money comes from kitties of the Statutory Development Boards. It is expected that a total of 33 agro-clinics will become operational in 1999-2000.

The uniquefeature of an agro-clinic is its three-dimensional mode of functioning: Production technology demonstration centre, diagnostic centre and farmers' training centre.

Officials of the demonstration centre will update the farmers about latest farming technologies available in India, study farm cultivation in their jurisdiction, conduct experiments and suggest the better production technologies for specific crops. The idea of this department, Mantralaya officials say, is to optimise facilities available to the farmer.

The diagnostic centre will primarily guide and enlighten farmers on the importance of soil and water testing besides adoption of proper irrigation systems. The aspects dealt with will help farmers on prevention and arrest of crippling epidemics, the enrichment of soil composition etc. Farmers can look to be educated on crop selection subsequent to the soil tests, maximising his yield in the process.

In case of a crop disease, the farmer can take a sample to the centre where he will be advisedon the pesticide to be used.

The training centre, meanwhile, has camps to teach farmers new production techniques, roping in the expertise from the four agricultural universities in the State. Moreover, professors and researchers will personally come down for these camps.