Sub-Mission on Agricultural Extension (ATMA)
District-level extension reform providing farmer training, demonstrations, exposure visits and Farmer Friends in every village.
About this scheme
The Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) scheme decentralises extension planning to the district level through a Strategic Research and Extension Plan prepared with farmer participation. Activities include farmer training, on-farm demonstrations, exposure visits within and outside the state, Kisan Melas, formation of Farmer Interest Groups and Food Security Groups, and the Farm School concept. A Farmer Friend is placed for every two villages to act as the link between farmers and extension staff. Special provision earmarks 30% of resources for women farmers and 16% and 8% for SC and ST farmers.
Benefits
- Free farmer training programmes within and outside the district
- Exposure visits to progressive farms, research institutes and other states
- On-farm demonstrations of new technologies at no cost to the farmer
- Support for forming Farmer Interest Groups and Farmer Producer Organisations
- Awards for progressive farmers at block, district and state level
Who can apply
- All farmers in the district, with priority to small and marginal farmers
- 30% of beneficiaries must be women farmers
- 16% of resources earmarked for SC and 8% for ST farmers
- Farmer Interest Groups and Food Security Groups formed at village level
Documents required
- Aadhaar card
- Land record
- Bank account details
- Group membership proof where applicable
- Caste certificate where applicable
How to apply
- 1Contact the ATMA office at the district or the Block Technology Manager
- 2Join a Farmer Interest Group or register for a training programme
- 3Selection based on the Block Action Plan and group recommendation
- 4Attend training, demonstration or exposure visit
- 5Travel and boarding cost is borne by ATMA
Important dates
- Application window
- Programmes run throughout the year per the Block Action Plan
Available in: All India
Visit the official portal