(a) the details of Agriculture Technology Information Centres set up in Gujarat State;
(b) the details of expenditure incurred by the Government for the above purpose during the
last three years; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to provide training to farmers about the new
technology?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI HARISH RAWAT)
(a) & (b): As part of Innovations in Technology Dissemination (ITD) component of National
Agricultural Technology Project, one-time grant was sanctioned for establishment of one
Agricultural Technology Information Centres (ATIC) at Gujarat Agricultural University (GAU) at
Sardar Krushinagar, Dantiwada, Gujarat (presently Sardar Krushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural
University). Subsequently, three ATICs, one each by Anand Agricultural University, Anand;
Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari and Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh were
established by respective Universities on their own without any financial assistance from the
ICAR.
(c) A Centrally Sponsored Scheme “Support to State Extension Programme for Extension
Reforms†popularly known as Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) scheme is under
implementation in 604 districts of 28 states and 3 UTs of the country, with an objective to
support State Governments efforts of revitalization of the extension system and making
available the latest agriculture and allied technologies in different agro-climatic conditions
through extension activities such as farmers training, demonstrations, exposure visits, Kisan
Melas, mobilization of farmers groups and setting up of Farm Schools. Besides there are
Extension/Transfer of Technology Divisions in all ICAR institutes and Agriculture Universities.
ICAR has also setup a network of 600 Krishi Vigyan Kendras in the country to assess, refine
and demonstrate agricultural technologies; to provide training to farmers; and to make them
aware on latest agricultural technologies through extension programmes.