Question : ATMA Scheme

(a) whether the Government has launched the Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) scheme to provide support for extension reforms in the States at gram panchayat level;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the components incorporated thereunder including Farmer''s Friend/Kisan Mitra;

(c) the details of Farmer''s Friend appointed/proposed to be appointed under the ATMA scheme in the country during the last three years and the current year, State-wise;

(d) the details of funds allocated, released and utilised for the purpose during the said period, State-wise including Uttar Pradesh; and

(e) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to assist the Farmer''s Friend for extension reforms in the agriculture sector and address the problems/difficulties being faced by them in implementing agricultural works under various schemes?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

???? ??? ????? ?????? ???????? ??? ????? ?????? (SHRI PARSHOTTAM RUPALA)

(a): The Government has launched ‘Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA)’ scheme to support for extension reforms in the State during 2005-06.

(b): Presently the Scheme is under implementation in 652 district of 29 States and 3 UTs in the country. Under the scheme grants-in-aid is released to State Governments with an objective to support their efforts of revitalization of the extension system and making available the latest agricultural technologies in different thematic areas to increase agricultural production through extension activities viz. Farmers Training, Demonstration, Exposure Visits, Kisan Mela, Mobilization of Farmers Groups and Setting up of Farm Schools. In order to percolate the benefits of ATMA Scheme down to the farmers for adoption of good agricultural practices, an innovative support is being provided under the Scheme w.e.f. 2010-11 through Farmer Friend (FF) at village level @ one FF per two villages. The FF is serving as a vital link between extension workers and farmers at village level.

Continue….2/-


-2-

(c): The State-wise details of Farmer’s Friend (FF) identified under the Scheme during last three years and current financial year is given in Annexure-I.

(d): Under the Scheme, Grants-in-aid is released to State Governments through their respective State Treasuries based on their approved State Extension Work Plan(SEWP). No component-wise funds are released to the States by the Government of India. State Governments allocate funds (component/activity wise) based on their priority areas and approved Work Plans. State-wise details of funds allocated, released and utilized for implementation of ATMA Scheme during the said period including Uttar Pradesh is given in Annexure-II. Government of Uttar Pradesh has not yet identified FF under ATMA Scheme.

(e): ATMA Guidelines, 2014 provide for identifying one FF per two villages. Further, as per Guidelines, Farmer Friends are provided with special opportunity for up-gradation of their skills through Trainings, Study Tours and Visits to State Agricultural Universities/other institutes, by utilizing support available under ATMA. For assisting FF a provision of contingency amount of Rs.6000/- per annum has been made under the Scheme which is shared between the Centre and the State Government on 50:50 basis.