ATMA (Agricultural Technology Management Agency) and Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension (SMAE)

Introduction 

The Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) and Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension (SMAE) were launched by the Government of India in 2005 to address challenges in the country’s agricultural extension system. Traditional extension services often struggled with limited reach, slow technology dissemination, and weak farmer engagement. ATMA was designed to decentralize agricultural technology management to the district level, making extension services more farmer-driven and responsive to local needs. Through ATMA, districts coordinate research and extension activities, involving farmers, farmer groups, NGOs, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and Panchayati Raj institutions. SMAE complements ATMA by providing structured support for training, demonstrations, and advisory services.

The schemes target farmers, farmer producer organizations, self-help groups, and rural entrepreneurs. They focus on improving access to modern farming practices, strengthening farmer-researcher linkages, and promoting sustainable agriculture. Benefits include enhanced technology adoption, better crop management, and improved income. Eligible participants can engage in training programs, field demonstrations, and extension activities planned under district and state-level extension work plans. Farmers are encouraged to check their district ATMA office for application procedures and eligibility. These initiatives play a key role in making agricultural extension inclusive, practical, and accountable across India.

Overview of the Scheme

The ATMA and Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension (SMAE) are centrally sponsored initiatives launched by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, in 2005. The goal is to improve agricultural extension services, making them decentralized, farmer-focused, and responsive to local needs. The schemes support state governments in delivering the latest technologies, good agricultural practices, and advisory services to farmers, farmer producer organizations (FPOs), self-help groups, and rural entrepreneurs.

Implementing Agencies:

• District-level ATMA offices coordinate activities.
• State Departments of Agriculture lead implementation.
• Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), NGOs, and local farmer groups also play active roles.

Funding Pattern:

• The schemes follow a 90:10 central-state funding ratio for general states and 100% central funding for North-Eastern states and Himalayan regions (as per official guidelines).
• Funding covers extension activities, training, demonstrations, and capacity building.

Coverage / Components:

• Farmers’ training programs, exposure visits, farm demonstrations, and Kisan Melas.
• Farm schools, mobilization of farmer groups, and technology dissemination.
• Support for inputs, machinery, credit linkage, and insurance where applicable.

Current Status:

• ATMA and SMAE are ongoing in 691 districts across 28 states and 5 Union Territories.
• The schemes have been periodically updated to improve efficiency and inclusivity.

Objectives 

The objectives of ATMA (Agricultural Technology Management Agency) and Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension (SMAE) are designed to make agricultural extension more effective, decentralized, and farmer-oriented. They focus on improving the reach and quality of technology transfer, strengthening collaboration, and involving farmers in decision-making. These objectives guide the agriculture scheme at both district and state levels to ensure practical benefits for farmers, FPOs, and other rural stakeholders.

Key objectives include:

• Strengthen the linkages between research, extension services, and farmers to ensure practical technology adoption.
• Provide a clear mechanism to coordinate and manage activities of different agencies involved in technology validation, adaptation, and dissemination at the district level.
• Increase the quality, relevance, and diversity of agricultural technologies shared with farmers.
• Promote shared ownership of agricultural technology systems among key stakeholders, including farmer groups and local institutions.
• Develop partnerships with private institutions and NGOs to enhance technology transfer and extension services.
• Encourage bottom-up planning by incorporating farmer feedback into extension programs.
• Support capacity building through training, demonstrations, and exposure visits for farmers and field staff.

Key Features / Benefits 

ATMA and SMAE aim to make agricultural extension more practical, farmer-focused, and accessible. They provide structured support for technology dissemination, training, and capacity building at the district and block levels. The following features and benefits summarize how the schemes assist farmers and rural stakeholders:

• Farmer Advisory Committees
  Improve feedback and planning by involving farmers directly in extension activities. (Example: Local farmers suggest suitable crops for demonstration plots.)
• NGO Participation
  Use NGOs to organize farmer groups and strengthen community engagement.
• Private Sector Involvement
  Encourage private companies to contribute in technology transfer and advisory services.
• Technology Validation and Refinement
  Research units like KVKs test and refine new technologies before wider use. (Example: Trialing a new irrigation system before promoting it to farmers.)
• Bottom-Up Planning
  Plans are developed based on local farmer needs rather than top-down directives.
• Information Technology Use
  Tools like ARIS and web platforms enhance extension reach and efficiency.
• Training and Capacity Building
  Staff and farmers receive in-service training, exposure visits, and farm school programs. (Example: Farmers attending a 10-day farm school learn integrated pest management.)
• Public-Private Partnerships
  Develop new collaborations to strengthen extension delivery and resource sharing.
• Formation of Farmer Groups
  Support Commodity Interest Groups (CIGs) and farmer clusters for better resource pooling and knowledge sharing.
• Farm School Support
  Grants cover frontline demonstrations, logistics, training kits, and exposure visits. (Example: A 2.5-acre demo plot with IPM kits for 25 trainees.)
• Structured Funding
  The central government funds 90% of activities, with the state contributing 10%, ensuring resources for district and state-level extension programs.

Eligibility Criteria 

ATMA and SMAE are designed to reach a wide range of participants in agriculture, including individual farmers, farmer groups, and rural entrepreneurs. The eligibility criteria ensure that support reaches genuine stakeholders and that extension activities are effective.

Farmers (Individual)

• Must be resident farmers with cultivable land in the district applying for support.
• Should provide proof of landholding (land records) and identity (AADHAAR or voter ID).
• Age is generally flexible but farmers must actively engage in farm activities.

Self-Help Groups (SHGs)

• Must be officially registered and active in agricultural or allied activities.
• Should have a bank account for fund transfer and financial linkage.

Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)

• Must be registered under the Producer Companies Act.
• Should have a minimum number of active farmer members as per registration norms.
• Must demonstrate ongoing agricultural operations.

Entrepreneurs / Startups / MSMEs

• Must be registered under relevant laws (UDYAM/GST if applicable).
• Eligible if the business is related to agriculture, allied activities, or extension services.

Special Categories

• Preference and additional support are provided for women farmers, SC/ST communities, and farmers from North-Eastern or hilly regions, as per official guidelines.

Not Eligible

• Duplicate benefits under other central or state schemes are not allowed.
• Non-agriculture-related businesses or inactive groups are excluded.

Mandatory Documents

• Identity proof (AADHAAR or voter ID), land records, bank passbook, registration certificates (for SHGs/FPOs/enterprises), detailed project plan/DPR, and quotations for proposed activities.

Application Process

Applying for support under ATMA and SMAE involves a structured process to ensure funds and services reach eligible farmers, groups, and rural entrepreneurs. The process can be done both online and offline through district-level ATMA offices.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Where to Apply
   • Visit your District ATMA Office or Block-level Farm School/Gram Panchayat office.
   • Some states provide online applications through their ATMA portals. For example, Tamil Nadu uses: TNAU ATMA Portal.
2. Registration / Login
   • If online, create a user ID with personal and farm details.
   • Offline applicants collect the application form from the ATMA office.
3. Filling the Application Form
   • Provide beneficiary details: name, age, AADHAAR, contact.
   • Fill farm details: landholding, type of crops, livestock if applicable.
   • Select the component for assistance (training, farm school, demonstration, machinery, etc.).
   • Add bank details for direct benefit transfer.
4. Documents to Upload/Submit
   • Identity proof (AADHAAR or voter ID)
   • Land records or ownership proof
   • Bank passbook copy
   • Registration certificate (for SHGs, FPOs, entrepreneurs)
   • Detailed project plan / DPR and quotations for proposed activities
5. Fee
   • No application fee is required.
6. Acknowledgment / Application ID
   • After submission, receive an acknowledgment slip or application ID for tracking.
7. Verification / Field Inspection
   • District ATMA officials or KVK staff may verify farm details or conduct field inspection for the proposed activity.
8. Approval & Fund Release
   • Once verified, approval is issued as per Strategic Extension Work Plan (SEWP).
   • Assistance is generally released through direct benefit transfer (DBT) or reimbursement.
9. Offline Route
   • Farmers can approach the nearest ATMA district office, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, or Block Agriculture Office for guidance and form submission.

Tips for Applicants:

• Ensure name and AADHAAR match to avoid rejection.
• Submit all mandatory documents to prevent delays.
• Select the correct component under which you want assistance.
• Apply before deadlines and keep a copy of the acknowledgment.

Challenges or Limitations 

While ATMA and SMAE have improved agricultural extension across India, several practical challenges remain. Recognizing these limitations helps beneficiaries plan better and avoid common mistakes. Each challenge can often be managed with careful preparation or proactive follow-up.

• Delayed Verification → Plan Ahead
  Field inspections and verification by ATMA officials can take time, especially during peak farming seasons. Keep all documents ready and submit early to avoid last-minute delays.
• Incomplete or Mismatched Documents → Double-Check Submissions
  Errors in land records, AADHAAR, or bank details are a common cause of application rejection. Verify all documents before submitting.
• Limited Budget Allocation → Prioritize Activities
  Funds under ATMA/SMAE are finite, so not all requests may be fully funded in a year. Focus on priority interventions or group projects to increase chances of approval.
• Seasonal Constraints → Align with Crop Calendar
  Some demonstrations or training programs must occur in specific cropping seasons. Coordinate with ATMA officials to schedule timely participation.
• Low Awareness Among Farmers → Seek Guidance
  Many farmers are not fully aware of eligibility or application procedures. Contact your district ATMA office or local KVK for guidance.
• Coordination Delays Between Agencies → Follow Up
  Multiple implementing agencies are involved (KVKs, NGOs, state departments). Regular follow-up helps ensure smooth processing.
• Technology Adoption Challenges → Participate in Training
  New techniques may seem complex. Attend ATMA-organized training sessions or farm schools to build confidence.

Government Support & Future Outlook 

ATMA and SMAE work closely with other national and state agriculture programs to strengthen farmer support and improve technology adoption. By converging with schemes like PM-KISAN (income support), PMFBY (crop insurance), NFSM (National Food Security Mission), RKVY (state investment support), PMFME (micro food enterprises), and custom hiring centers, farmers can benefit from multiple services in a coordinated manner.

For example, a farmer participating in an ATMA farm school can simultaneously access PMFBY insurance, receive credit under RKVY-supported activities, and adopt best practices for crops under NFSM guidance, maximizing productivity and income.

Key points on convergence and future plans:

• Integrated Planning: ATMA coordinates with state departments to align extension activities with other agriculture missions.
• Resource Efficiency: Combining schemes reduces duplication and ensures farmers get timely financial, technical, and training support.
• Extended Reach: Currently implemented in 691 districts across 28 states and 5 UTs, with periodic updates to training modules and demonstrations.
• Future Updates: ATMA continues to be reviewed and improved by the Ministry of Agriculture, ensuring alignment with evolving technology and farmer needs.

Conclusion 

ATMA (Agricultural Technology Management Agency) and Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension (SMAE) play a crucial role in strengthening India’s agricultural extension system. The schemes are especially beneficial for small and marginal farmers, farmer producer organizations, self-help groups, and rural entrepreneurs, helping them access modern technologies, training, and advisory support. By promoting farmer-centric planning, demonstrations, and capacity-building programs, ATMA and SMAE enhance productivity, improve income, and foster sustainable agricultural practices. To take advantage of these benefits, interested participants should check their eligibility on the official district ATMA portal or visit the nearest ATMA office, prepare all necessary documents, and submit the application carefully. Remember to verify the latest guidelines, funding patterns, and deadlines on official portals to ensure smooth processing. 

Explore detailed resources on this scheme and the full suite of programmes at ALL ABOUT AGRICULTURE. For one-on-one assistance, call us at +91 8484002620.