Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA)

Dr.J.Meenambigai

Assistant Professor

ATMA is a registered society responsible for technology dissemination at district level.  It is a focal point for integrating research, extension and marketing.  It decentralized day to day management of the Agricultural Technology System (ATS).  It allows to receive and expand project funds entering into contracts and agreements and maintaining revolving accounts.  It has a close linkage with all the line departments, research organizations, non-governmental organizations and organizations associated with agricultural development in the districts.

Each ATMA has a Governing Board.  The district collector is the chairman of the board of the ATMA with other district level officials such as agriculture, veterinary, fishery etc as members.  The farmers and women representative are also taken as members.  Governing Board has the ability to take all decision concerning programme planning and resource allocation.

The key functions of ATMA governing board are as follows (MANAGE, 2004):

·           Review and approve ‘strategic research and extension plan’ and annual action plan for the district.

·           Receive and review annual reports presented by the participating unit and to provide feedback and direction to them.

·           Receive and allocate project funds to carry out projects research and extension activities.

·           Foster the organization and development of ‘farmer’s organizations’ and ‘farmer interest group’.

·           Facilitate the greater involvement of private sector.

·           Encourage agriculture credit institutions to increase the availability of capital to resource poor farmers.

·           Establish revolving fund / account for each participating unit.

·           Arrange for the periodic audit of ATMA financial accounts.

·           Adopt and assess the rules and by laws for the ATMA

Besides ‘governing board’ ATMA has a management committee.  It is the executive arm of ATMA.  It implements the project through this block level outfit.  The district level official of Department of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry etc and heads of Zonal Research Station and KVKs of the district are the official members of the committee.  There are also NGO and farmers’ representatives in the committee.  The key functions of the committee are to carryout periodic PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal), to identity the problems and constraints faced by different socio economic groups and farmers, to prepare annual action plan for the district, to coordinate execution of annual action plan for the district, to establish coordinating mechanisms at the block level etc.

ATMA - A ray of hope for farmers

All the Commissions, Committees and Study teams which were constituted from time to time to review the Agriculture Extension System in our country have invariably spoken about lack of focus on farmers’ problems, non-involvement of farmers in planning programs rather imposition of programs from top.  In a democractic country like ours, any program / project which is enforced and does not aim at reaching people through education in order to secure their participation and involvement, cannot finally succeed and can hardly expected to produce the desired results.  In this direction, the best way of reaching the people to convince is through their Mind / Soul called ‘ATMA’ (Agriculture Technology Management Agency) with a focus to intimately involve them in planning & accomplishing the rural / agricultural development programs and without their involvement through ‘robust extension system’, no Govt. efforts can bring about rural welfare and can help to check growing poverty in the country. 

Major inadequacies / weaknesses which include:

·           Diversified Extension Systems.

·           Transfer of Technology Systems mostly remained restricted to dissemination of agricultural technology.

·           Research and extension systems in vogue are largely top-down in nature.

·           Extension systems are target – oriented and lacked emphasis to bring about changes in attitude of the people.

·           Extension system in operation is inadequate to tackle the problems concerning optimum land utilization in general.

·           Lack of farmers’ focus and feedback in present transfer of technology systems.

·           Extension system is not adequately supported by delivery of agricultural inputs, credit, etc.

·           Lacked research backing for rural extension work.

Undoubtedly, agricultural extension is and will remain a great link for development of great India.  During the pilot testing of Innovations in Technology Dissemination (ITD) component of the National Agricultural Technology Project (NATP) in seven States covering 28 districts, found ATMA model cost-effective & sustainable and as a result, Government of India has decided to expand it to other States of the country which is going to serve as a main plank for agricultural development.

Concept of ATMA

Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA): It is an innovative extension mechanism for improved participation and accountability of all the stakeholders involved in agricultural activities for sustainable agricultural development.  Its aim is ‘Farmer’s Prosperity’.       It is worth mentioning that ATMA-extension model has been recently introduced in 8 Districts of J & K State encompassing Doda, Jammu & Rajouri in Jammu province, while Kupwara, Budgam, Anantnag, Leh & Kargil in Kashmir province in phase second, with the following objectives:

Objectives

·           increase agricultural production, productivity and income of farmers through intensification & diversification of agricultural production;

·           private sector participation in agricultural development process; 

·           technology dissemination through farmers’ groups;

·           extension supported of agricultural inputs & services, credit, etc.

·           research and extension linkages;

·           sustain growth with equity.

In order to achieve these objectives, innovative approach has been adopted in ATMA – model which seems to be free from all the defects / shortcomings of earlier / existing agriculture extension system. The unique features of ATMA approach are highlighted as: Innovative Approach.

·           Demand – driven Farmer-based action plans

·           Public & Private partnership for extension services

·           Development of village level institutions like farmers associations, farmers’ interest groups or commodity interest groups

·           Creation of rural infrastructure and marketing

·           Decentralized decision making, bottom-up planning

·           Integrated farming system approach

·           Market-led extension

Preparation of State Extension Work Plan (SEWP) Major steps are:  

·           Preparation of Block Action Plans (BAPs) by Block Technology Teams (BTTs)

·           Vetting of Block Action Plans by Farm Advisory Committees (FACs)

·           Consolidation of BAPs by ATMA Governing Board at District level.

·           Consolidation of District Plans at State level by State Agricultural Management & Extension Training Institute (SAMETI) and State Nodal Officer.

·           Approval of SEWP by Inter – Departmental Working Group (IDWG).

A Ray of Hope

Since ATMA model is characterized by bottom-up planning in which Block Action Plans and Strategic Research & Extension Plans (SREP) at District level are prepared while working with farmers in view of agro-ecological situations, resources available, potential, marketing, as such, production target is likely to be achieved.  Besides, the strategic planning is done to address the research and extension issues identified through collection & analysis of data, helps in solving farmer’s problems.  Prior, the farmers in general used to make complaints invariably in every forum regarding non-matching of technology and agricultural inputs in terms of quantity, quality and timely supply which has been well taken care under ATMA program where in dissemination of agricultural technology has the support of inputs delivery system and infrastructure.

While participating in governing body meeting of Kupwara district held on november 15, 2006, Ashia Begum, lady farmer, expressed that ATMA scheme has inspired her to formulate “Vegetable growers’ group” of 15-20 women in the village who under the guidance of Block Technology Team will grow marketable vegetables especially off-season & sell through their co-operative society.  Another woman farmer, Rubina Nazir, village Sholipora in district Budgam hopes to venture in the realm of value added products of fruits & vegetables through capacity building program under ATMA in order to improve nutritional status in the family besides selling the products in the market to earn money.

Similarly, Hazi Habib Lone, progressive farmer, village Pazalpora, Bijbhera in District Anantnag stated in an interview that through AES team of ATMA, he learnt about rice variety Jhelum, K-448 having yield potential of 62-65 qtl./hac. excels over other varieties and he would adopt in his fields to boost rice production.  Besides, Abdul Rashid Khan, an orchardist, village Dandi, Bhadewah in District Doda, told that he has grown Pomegranate “Ganesh variety” in his orchart but fruits generally get spoiled due to some scar (black spot) mark.  He learnt about the attack of Anar butter fly on Pomegranate & its control measure from ATMA people.  It is worth mentioning that under ATMA, extension service is market – led, meaning thereby that farmers are educated and promoted to produce such agricultural commodities which have domestic / international market. 

It will not out of place to mention that in hilly areas where farmers have small holdings i.e. less than 1 hectare, they have to be educated to follow “Diversified Farming” i.e. growing in combination cereals, fruits, vegetables, rearing animals, allied enterprises, etc. for assured and more income.  This calls for broad-based extension system which is the milestone of ATMA-model having participation of all the key stakeholders and farmers in agriculture production process.  Besides, under ATMA farmers take the decision at different levels of program development which leads to its successful accomplishment and farmer’s welfare.  Further, ATMA carries cafeteria activities which provide option to farmers to adopt different alternatives to increase income.

In nutshell, extension approach under ATMA is innovative; farmer’s centric; and stresses on sustained growth.  With the implementation of this scheme, the role & responsibilities of all the key stakeholders including Agriculture and line departments have increased for transfer of technology and its adoption by way of demonstration, training, exposure visits, etc. which will go a long way to fulfill the inspirations & expectations of farmers and may lead to “Comprehensive and integrated revolution” covering agriculture, horticulture, livestock, etc. to user all-round prosperity in the State.  

Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC)

Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC)

Dr.J.Meenambigai

Assistant Professor

Today for every technology importance of an appropriate information package and its dissemination as an input has assumed added emphasis in this “information age”.  The kind of information and the way it is to be used are critical factor to the growth of agriculture.  It is also worth noting that it is no longer enough for research to generate information alone.  The required information is also to be delivered to the end user at one place.  This information must be direct, clear and easily understandable and without any room for distortion.  There is a greater need for coordination between researchers and technology users.  The linkage mechanism should be with formal, permanent, mandated, facilitated and designated function.  The establishment of an Agricultural Technology Information Centre will provide such a mechanism beyond the individual unit of a research institution to contribute to the dissemination of the information.  This will serve as a single window delivery system for services and products of research for the areas in which the concerned institute is involved.

ATIC

The Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC) is a “single window” support system linking the various units of a research institution with intermediary users and end users (farmers) in decision making and problem solving exercise.

History of ATIC

It was first started at Bhopal in 1999, next to that 16 centres were started in 2000.  At present 44 centres where running.  It was developed and fully funded by ICAR.

ATIC Centres

There are 44 centres in India, 16 centres under ICAR institute, 28 centres under State Agriculture University.  From which Two at Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu

Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC), Tamil Nadu Veterinary & Animal Sciences University (TANVASU), Chennai - 600 007, Tamil Nadu.

Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC), Directorate of Extension Education, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore – 641003, Tamilnadu.

ATIC – Disciplinewise

ATIC can be classified based on discipline, Agriculture - 33, Horticulture - 3, Animal husbandry - 7 and Agricultural engineering - 1.

Objectives 

·           To provide a ‘single window delivery’ system for technology and products for accelerating the rate of adoption and for easy accessibility to end-users.

·           To facilitate direct access for the visitors of the institutional resources available in terms of technology, advice, products etc. for reducing technology dissemination losses.

·           To help farmers and entrepreneurs in problem solving and decision-making.

·           To create a strong linkage between different research divisions / units and users of the technology.

·           To provide an elaborative views of improved technologies through published literature and other communication materials such as audio and video facility.

·           To provide mechanism for feed back from users to the institute.

·           To render farm advisory services through multidisciplinary approach to problem solving.

·           To offer consultancy service to the different stake holders.

·           To offer training to unemployed youth.

·           To function as a repository of agricultural information.

Rules and Regulations for ATIC

·           Needs to be demand-driven & well integrated with the research system and financially sustainable.

·           It should provide help to all types of clients and end users with emphasis on resource poor and other disadvantaged groups to enable them to make their life sustainable and sufficient.

·           It should have minimum preliminary facilities for carrying out diagnostic services.  eg: soil and water testing.

·           It should maintain proper records of the information about the farmers, his village and the purpose of his visit record on day-to-day basis.

·           It should provide proper financial management and accounting procedure developed and maintained to assess correctly about the input expenditure and generation of income from the establishment of ATIC.

·           It should have web-site about the technological information are updated periodically.

Fig. 14 : Management Structure of Agricultural Technology

Information Centre

 

Fig. 15: Functional Structure of Agricultural Technology           

Information Centre

(ATIC)

Specific Activities

·           Distribution of Un-priced publications

·           Sale of Priced Publications

·           Sale of seedling and planting materials

·           Sale of bio-fertilizers

·           Sale of processed farm products

·           Sale of food products

·           Sale of fish feed

·           Sale of Video Cassettes / CD

·           Information dissemination through Agricultural Equipment Display Center.

·           Information dissemination through exhibitions and manufacturers meet.

·           Collection of Feedback and its Transmission.

Services

Diagnosis and Advisory Service 

·           Diagnosis of plants / crops problem

·           Management of field problems

·           Analysis of soil samples

·           First hand information to approaching farmers

Kisan Call Centre

·           Advising farmers for problems through helpline (Toll free 1551 and 01771551)

·           Rendering services of university matters to general public.

Training Programmes / Activities

·           Training of farmwoman & farmers for providing scientific information

·           Lectures to students

·           Introductory talk to approaching farmers on working of ATIC

·           Participation in state festivals & exhibitions

·           Training to students is provided on diagnosis of crop disorders and establishing links with the farmers.

Publications and Materials

·           Pamphlets

·           Leaflets

“Balanced Score Card” for ATIC

·           Financial – Resource generation and financial sustainability;

·           Customers – measures on performance of the technology from the customer’s point

·           Process – the performance of key internal processes in terms of providing quality services, seed and plant materials, etc. linkage with district extension system and, spread of improved technology and productivity in the area: and

·           Learning – the ability of the research organization to improve continuously and innovate in its products, services and processes.

Table – 17 : Some ATIC Centers & Their Functions

ATIC	Major functions	Major services
Tamilnadu Agricultural University (TNAU)	Supplying inputs with technology to farmers	Books, improved seeds and farm implements
Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANVASU)	Providing information, services and products developed from this university to the needy persons under single window system.	Products Livestock: Piglets, Rams, Bucks, Rabbit, Broiler chicks, Turkey poultry, Fancy birds & Cat fish.
	Facilitating easy access to the farmers to the institutional resources available in terms of technology, products like different strains of livestock, poultry, fodder seeds, planting materials, animal clinic and other diagnostic services.	Feed: Concentrate feeds like Broiler Starter, Broiler Finisher, Brooder Mash, Grower Mash, Japanese Quail Layer, Turkey Grower, Turkey Adult, Turkey Brooder, Calf feed, Milch Cattle feed, Swine feed, and Rabbit pellet
	Providing mechanism of feedback for the technologies disseminated and to serve as a link between the research institute and the end users.	Seeds, Seedlings & Slips: Fodder seeds like Subabul, Stylo haemata, Stylo scabra, Desmanthus, Lucerne, African tall maize and Agathi.
		Fodder saplings and seedlings of Subabul and Glyricidia. Fodder slips of Co 1, Co 2, and Co 3.
		Value Added Livestock & Fishery products: Flavoured milk, Butter milk, Ghee, Paneer, Yogurt, Whey drink, Khoa Fish pickle, Prawn pickle, Masimeen.
		Glass aquarium tank and other aquarium accessories are also being sold at ATIC for the benefit of new ornamental fish farmers.

		Services Regular Advisory services in livestock and fisheries farming, agriculture and products preparation are being offered to the farmers visiting the ATIC.
		Diagnostic services Animal clinic: Various livestock diseases and disorders and parasitic problems are being treated and control measures are given to the farmers.
		Plant clinic: Suggestions are being given to cure various plant diseases
		Vaccines and Diagnostic Kits: Poultry and livestock vaccines and diagnostic kits developed by TANUVAS are being supplied to the veterinary practitioners and entrepreneurs.
Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)	Seed sale, farm information, publication, bulletin, museum etc.	Pusa seeds, Training in enterprises
Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI)	Single window system catering to the needs of farmers on technology, information, services and inputs	Planting materials of Coconut, Arecanut etc., publications on improved cultivation practice of various crops, diagnostic services, Soil & water testing etc.
Kerala Agricultural University (KAU)	Sale of planting materials, Sale of products, technologies, books	Seeds, Nursery plants, Medicinal plants, Plantation crops, Spices, Vegetable plants, Dairy products, Compost, Ornamental fish, Processed food, Meat & Poultry products, Spawn, Bio-pesticides.

Thus ATICs serve as a “single window delivery system” for farmers, farmwomen and students to transfer the new technologies.  Though this large number of visitors for processed products, under diagnostic services, treatment of animals and crop pest management were major activities when compared with other activities and in advisory services personal visits of farmers and scientists field visits are the major activities.  Recently telephone help-line were running successfully with other advisory services.