(a) the main activities of the Agriculture Technology Management Agency;
(b) the number of districts covered in each State/UT at present by this agency;
(c) whether there exists any convergence between this agency and Krishi Vigyan
Kendras in field of agricultural research and development;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to revitalise this
agency to serve the farmers in an effective manner?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI HARISH RAWAT)
(a): The Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) is responsible for
coordination and management of agricultural extension related work in the district.
The main activities of ATMA are (i) organizing farmer trainings, demonstrations
and exposure visits, (ii) mobilizing farmers groups and building their capacity, (iii)
strengthening farm information support through Kisan Melas, Exhibitions and
Print/ Electronic Media, (iv) promoting farmer to farmer extension through Farm
Schools and (v) supporting Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) for technology
backstopping.
(b): At present ATMAs have been established in 614 districts in 28 States and 3 UTs.
State-wise details are given at Annexure-I.
(c): Yes, Madam.
(d): Modified ATMA Scheme provides for active involvement of KVKs not only in
preparation of Strategic Research and Extension Plan (SREP) in each district but
also in implementation of various technology testing and farmers training programmes in the
field. KVKs are represented in ATMA Governing Board and ATMA Management
Committee at District level. KVK experts also attend meetings of Block Technology
Team (BTT) at Block level. The KVK Scientists technically advise the BTT and also
actively involved in preparation of Block Action Plans (BAPs), specially with regard to
research related issues/ gaps and strategies. A copy of the detailed guidelines for
achieving effective Research-Extension-Farmers (REF) linkages is given at
Annexure-II. Further, in order to ensure effective convergence between research and
extension, a joint circular signed by the Secretary (DARE) & DG (ICAR) and the
Secretary (A&C) was issued to all stakeholders in January, 2011. Operative portion of
this circular is enclosed as Annexure-III.
(e): The Government has been trying its utmost to strengthen ATMA. In fact, the
National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology announced in this year’s
budget is proposed to focus on disseminating timely information and appropriate
technology through the structure of ATMA and Block Technology Teams.
Restructuring and strengthening of agricultural extension machinery is proposed to be
a judicious mix of extensive physical outreach of personnel, enhancement in quality
through domain experts & regular capacity building, interactive methods of information
dissemination, Public Private Partnership and pervasive & innovative use of ICT/ Mass
Media. The extension personnel will not only be deployed, but it will also be ensured
that they are physically present in their assigned Panchayats on due days and actually
mingle with the farmers to provide customized solutions based on local needs.
Entrepreneurs in private sector, agri-business companies and experts in NGOs also
need to be involved in a big way.