What is ATMA ?
ATMA is a society of key stakeholders involved in agricultural activities for sustainable agricultural development in the district. It is a focal point for integrating Research and Extension activities and decentralizing day-to-day management of the public Agricultural Technology System (ATS). It is a registered society responsible for technology dissemination at the district level. As a society, it would be able to receive and expend project funds, entering into contracts & agreements and maintaining revolving accounts that can be used to collect fees and thereby recovering operating cost.
Why ATMA?
The ATMA at district level would be increasingly responsible for all the technology dissemination activities at the district level. It would have linkage with all line departments, research organizations, non - governmental organizations and agencies associated with agricultural development in the district. Research and Extension units within the project districts such as ZRS or substations, KVKs and the key line departments of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Horticulture and Fisheries etc. would retain its institutional identity and affiliation but programmes and procedures concerning district-wise R-E activities would be determined by ATMA Governing Board to be implemented by its Management Committee (AMC).
District Level:
ATMA is an autonomous institution set up at district level to ensure delivery of extension services to farmers. ATMA Governing Board is the apex body of ATMA which provides overall policy direction. ATMA GB will be assisted by the District ATMA Cell comprising PD ATMA, Dy. PDs and Staff in the discharge of its functions. ATMA Management Committee is the executive body looking after implementation of the scheme. District Farmers Advisory Committee is a body to provide farmer's feedback for district level planning and implementation. With dedicated staff provided for the ATMA, it will continue to be the district level nodal agency responsible for overall management of agriculture extension system within the district, including preparation of Strategic Guidelines for Modified 'Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms' Scheme, 2010-12
Research and Extension Plan (SREP).
