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

Introduction 

The ATMA & SMAE (Agricultural Technology Management Agency & Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension) is a Government of India scheme launched in 2005 under the umbrella of the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Extension (SMAE). Its goal is to strengthen the agricultural extension system so that farmers more easily access useful technologies, information, and skills. The scheme addresses a persistent problem: many small and marginal farmers lack timely, local advice on modern practices, leading to low productivity, poor adoption of innovations, and a gap between research and field. Through ATMA, the scheme seeks to make extension services more responsive, decentralized, and driven by actual farmer needs. 

Under ATMA & SMAE, district-level agencies coordinate extension activities (training, demonstrations, farm schools, exposure visits) in close coordination with state agriculture departments, research bodies, NGOs, and farmers themselves. The target group is broad: farmers, farmer groups (FIGs, CIGs, FPOs), farm women, rural youth, and rural entrepreneurs. Eligibility and application depend on state / district level rules, often via block or ATMA offices under state agriculture departments. Over time, the scheme’s benefits include improved yield, better uptake of innovation, and stronger farmer institutions.

Overview of the Scheme

The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Extension (SMAE) is a central scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India. It includes the “Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms (ATMA)” as a key component. ATMA was introduced in 2005 to bring reforms in agricultural extension at the district level. The scheme is centrally sponsored, meaning implementation is through state governments and district agencies, with shared funding. 

Implementing agencies and structure

• At the central level, the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (DA&FW) leads the program.
• In each state, the agriculture (or allied) department acts as the nodal agency.
• At the district level, an ATMA agency is set up (often under a Project Director), and block-level teams (Block Technology Teams) help execute extension activities.
• State Agricultural Management & Extension Training Institutions (SAMETIs) often provide training and capacity building support.

Funding pattern & financial sharing

• The revised guidelines of 2025 confirm this is a centrally sponsored scheme under SMAE.
• The central share and state share pattern (e.g. 60:40 or 90:10) is defined in operational guidelines (depending on state / category) but is typical of such schemes.
• Funds are released in tranches to states, then to districts, for approved activities.

Coverage / components (officially included)
Some of the extension and related components covered under ATMA & SMAE are:

• Training of farmers, exposure visits, demonstrations, farm schools, Kisan Melas
• Farmer mobilization, group formation (Commodity Interest Groups, Farmer Interest Groups), convergence with FPOs
• Post-production, value addition, marketing, processing, as part of “extension beyond production” in revised guidelines
• ICT / mass media / digital means, and outreach, convergence with other schemes via ATMA “cafeteria” of extension activities
• Skill training of rural youth, implementation of innovations, and bridging research & extension linkages

Current status / revisions

• The scheme is ongoing and was recently revamped via revised guidelines in 2025 under the umbrella of Krishonnati Yojana / extension reforms.
• SMAE, earlier part of “National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology (NMAET)”, is now subsumed and aligned under the extension mission in newer formulations.
• It is implemented currently in hundreds of districts across India. 

Objectives 

The following bullet points reflect the ATMA & SMAE (Agriculture Technology Management Agency & Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension) objectives, rephrased for clarity:

• Promote a decentralized, farmer-driven extension system that responds to the local needs of farmers.
• Provide extension support beyond production, including post-production, marketing, value addition, and surplus handling.
• Strengthen convergence between research and extension, so that scientific innovations reach farmers in time.
• Offer skill development training for rural youth (e.g. minimum 200 hours) to foster entrepreneurship in agriculture and allied sectors.
• Support formation and strengthening of farmer groups (CIGs/FIGs/FPOs) to ensure collective approaches and better market access.
• Focus on climate-resilient agriculture, crop diversification, natural farming, and risk management in line with agro-ecological conditions.
• Incorporate Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) – assess existing skills of farmers and upgrade them through training.
• Use ICT, digital tools, and video conferencing to extend reach and make extension more interactive.
• Mobilize women farmers into groups and build their capacity, thereby addressing gender concerns.

Key Features / Benefits 

Decentralized “cafeteria” of extension activities
The scheme allows states/districts to choose from a menu of eligible activities (e.g. training, demonstrations, ICT outreach) suited to local needs.

Support for post-production, marketing and value addition
Extension is not limited to production – it also helps farmers with processing, storage, market linkages and surplus management. (E.g. training farmers on packaging produce or connecting with a local buyer)

Skill training for rural youth (minimum 200 hours)
Young people receive vocational training in agriculture and allied areas to encourage enterprise.

Group approach via farmer collectives (CIGs/FIGs/FPOs)
Farmers are organized into groups and supported to function collectively, improving bargaining and service links.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for existing farmers
Farmers’ existing skills are assessed and upgraded through training to raise their level of expertise.

Use of ICT, digital media, video conferencing
The scheme supports digital tools and remote means (video linkups etc.) to spread technology awareness and reach more farmers.

Convergence of extension with research & other government schemes
The scheme links with agricultural research institutions and aligns with other schemes (e.g. mechanization, soil health) to avoid duplication.

Incentives and rewards for good performance
States may identify beneficiaries or extension workers and give rewards/incentives in a transparent way.

Widely shared funding support (Centre-State cost sharing)
While not exactly a “benefit” to farmers, the scheme’s funding pattern (60:40 for most states, 90:10 for NE & Himalayan states, 100% for UTs) ensures sustained financial backing for extension reforms.

Eligibility Criteria 

Different types of applicants can benefit under the scheme, subject to certain criteria and documentation. Below are the main beneficiary types and eligibility criteria as per scheme guidelines:

Farmers (individuals)

• Must be a resident of the area (village/block/district) covered under ATMA.
• Should hold land records / proof of landholding if the benefit is for production / input / demonstration purposes.
• Must furnish identity proof (such as Aadhaar, voter ID) and bank account details (bank passbook).
• May need to provide quotations / cost estimates / proof of ownership / lease documents in case of machinery or infrastructure grants.
• In many cases, farmers already receiving duplicate subsidy or benefit under another scheme for same purpose may be excluded (i.e. “not eligible for overlapping support”).

Self-Help Groups (SHGs)

• Should be formally registered (under state / central SHG registry or via the agriculture / rural development department).
• Must be active (show past activity, regular meetings, financial transactions).
• Should have bank linkage (i.e. a bank account in the name of SHG).
• Provide registration certificate, bank passbook, meeting records, identity proofs of members.

Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) / Producer Companies

• Must be legally registered, e.g. under the Producer Companies Act or equivalent state law.
• Should maintain a minimum membership threshold (often a fixed number of member farmers, as specified by state).
• Must be operational, i.e. conducting aggregation / processing / marketing activities or planning to do so.
• Must submit a copy of registration certificate, memorandum and articles, membership list, audited accounts, bank account proof.

Entrepreneurs / Startups / MSMEs in agriculture & allied sectors

• Should carry valid registration, e.g. UDYAM registration, GST registration (if applicable).
• Must submit project report, technical / financial plan, name of activity, quotations.
• Must have a bank account, identity proof, business address, and certificates.
• The activity proposed should align with the scheme’s extension / value-addition / post-production / processing / marketing objectives.

Special / priority categories

• Women farmers / groups are often given special preference (e.g. enabling women’s SHGs or group applications) under scheme guidelines.
• SC / ST beneficiaries may receive priority or concession in selection.
• North-Eastern / Himalayan / tribal / remote / aspirational districts may have enhanced support or relaxed norms.
• These are not strict “eligibility” cutoffs but priority in selection.

Not Eligible / Exclusions

• Activities or proposals already supported fully under another scheme for the same purpose (i.e. no duplicate funding).
• Entities or applicants without verifiable identity or bank linkage.
• Proposals lacking essential documentation, technical plans, or financial feasibility.

Application Process

1. Find the correct application channel
   • Check with your District ATMA Office, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), or Block Agriculture Office for application forms if offline.
   • Some states may offer online applications via their agriculture or ATMA portal (if activated under state scheme).
   • (Note: I did not find a uniform all-India online “ATMA beneficiary application portal” in the 2025 guidelines.)
      
2. Obtain / register your user profile or collect form
   • For online route (if available): register with name, mobile number, Aadhaar, district, etc., to get a user login.
   • For offline: collect the printed application form from the local ATMA / agriculture office.
     
     
3. Fill the application form / online form sections
   You will typically need to fill:
   • Beneficiary details: name, age, Aadhaar, contact info, address.
   • Farm / land details: area, land records, crop / enterprise info.
   • Component(s) selection: choose which activity you seek (training, demonstration, value addition, etc.).
   • Bank / financial details: name of bank, branch, account number, IFSC for fund transfer.
   • Technical / project details (if required): cost estimates, quotations, project plan / DPR for infrastructure / machinery.
     
     
4. Upload / submit required documents
   Common mandatory documents include:
   • Identity proof (Aadhaar, voter ID)
   • Land ownership / lease / record (for farmers)
   • Bank passbook / cancelled cheque
   • Registration certificates (for SHG / FPO / enterprise)
   • Quotations / cost estimates / DPR for proposed work
   • Other supporting documents (membership lists, prior audit statements, etc.)
     
     
5. Pay any application or processing fee (if applicable)
   • In general, ATMA & SMAE applications do not require a user fee in scheme guidelines.
   • If any state version charges a small fee, check locally at the ATMA office or portal.
     
     
6. Receive acknowledgment / application ID
   • On successful submission, you should receive an application number or acknowledgment slip, either printed (offline) or via SMS / email (online).
   • Keep this ID for tracking your application status.
     
     
7. Verification / field inspection
   • The District ATMA / extension staff may carry out a field visit to verify land, farm, proposed site, or eligibility.
   • They check that your documentation and claims match ground reality before final approval.
     
     
8. Approval & release of assistance
   • After verification, your application is processed by the ATMA agency / state nodal department.
   • Once approved, funds (grant, subsidy, reimbursement) are generally released via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into your bank account, or after submission of bills / proof, per scheme norms. 
   • Timeline: The 2025 guidelines expect periodic release following the approved extension work plan and state’s release of its share.
     
     
9. Offline route follow-up
   • If applying offline, visit the ATMA / district agriculture office to submit forms and documents.
   • Check with the Block Agriculture Office or KVK for guidance or to assist in application filling.
   • You may need to follow up in person for status or corrections.
     
     
10. Monitor status & respond to queries
    • Use your application ID to check status (via portal, SMS, or by inquiring at ATMA office).
    • Respond promptly if officials ask for additional documents or clarifications.

Tips to avoid common mistakes

• Ensure your name, Aadhaar, and bank account details match exactly – mismatches often lead to rejections.
• Submit a complete set of documents in proper format (scanned clearly, correct size) to prevent delays.
• Choose the correct component / activity in your application, aligning with your plan.
• Apply early – deadlines, budget caps, or fund exhaustion can block late applications.

Challenges or Limitations 

While the ATMA & SMAE (Agriculture Technology Management Agency & Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension) have strengthened India’s agricultural extension network, farmers and local institutions sometimes face small hurdles during participation or fund utilization. Below are a few common challenges and limitations – along with simple, practical tips to help overcome them.

1. Delays in Verification and Fund Release → Keep Records Ready and Follow Up Politely
   Verification by multiple agencies (block, district, and state) can take time, leading to slower fund disbursal under ATMA & SMAE. Many delays happen when verification teams need additional proof or field confirmation.
   Tip: Keep all supporting documents (land records, bank passbook, Aadhaar, quotations) organized and ready. Follow up with your Block Technology Manager (BTM) or District ATMA office regularly and ensure your contact details are correct so officials can reach you quickly.
2. Limited Budget and Priority Allocation → Apply Early and Choose Eligible Components
   ATMA & SMAE work within approved annual plans and budget ceilings. Sometimes, certain activities run out of funds before year-end.
   Tip: Submit your application as soon as the scheme year opens (usually in the first or second quarter). Ask your district office which components are still open so you can apply where chances of approval are higher.
3. Seasonal Constraints and Timing Issues → Plan Applications Before Cropping Season
   Because many demonstrations and training are crop-season specific, late applications often miss the ideal agricultural window.
   Tip: Plan your application around your cropping calendar. Contact your KVK or ATMA staff early in the season to match your proposal (like demonstration or training) with upcoming sowing or harvest periods.
4. Documentation and Data Mismatch → Double-Check Details Before Submission
   A frequent limitation is mismatch in names, Aadhaar numbers, or land record details across submitted forms, leading to verification delays.
   Tip: Before submitting your form (online or offline), check that your name, Aadhaar number, and bank details exactly match official records. Keep photocopies of all documents and verify spelling carefully.
5. Limited Awareness and Access in Remote Areas → Use KVKs and Farmer Groups for Guidance
   Many farmers in interior areas may not know which ATMA activities they can apply for or how to prepare proposals.
   Tip: Approach your Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Farmer Friend (FF), or Block Technology Team members for guidance. They often help fill forms, prepare documents, and ensure your proposal fits scheme norms.
6. Coordination Gaps Between Departments → Stay Connected with Local Extension Staff
   As ATMA & SMAE involve multiple stakeholders (state agriculture departments, KVKs, FPOs, and NGOs), coordination gaps can sometimes slow project progress.
   Tip: Maintain contact with your block or district ATMA officer and attend local meetings or training sessions. Direct communication helps prevent confusion and ensures your application moves smoothly.
7. Monitoring and Feedback Delays → Keep Personal Records and Share Updates
   Follow-up on training, demonstration, or fund utilization may be delayed if monitoring data is incomplete.
   Tip: Maintain a simple personal record of your participation, expenditure, and photographs (where applicable). Submitting these quickly to officials speeds up reimbursement and ensures transparency.
8. Common Mistakes in Application Forms → Review Before Final Submission
   Simple errors like missing signatures, incomplete fields, or wrong component selection often cause rejections.
   Tip: Review the form with a local agriculture officer or experienced farmer before submission. Cross-check that every section is filled correctly and all annexures are attached.

Government Support & Future Outlook 

The ATMA & SMAE framework is designed to link and converge with other agriculture and rural development programs to give farmers a fuller set of benefits. For example:

• Under the revised guidelines, the scheme allows convergence with similar farmer-related activities (like SMSP, SMAM, SMPP) so that multiple extension efforts are merged in planning and execution.
• ATMA & SMAE may also align with state programmes such as Seed Village, soil health, input subsidy or mechanization programmes.
• The Extension Reforms Monitoring System (EMS) is a web-based platform that tracks progress of all ATMA components and helps integrate reporting across missions. 
• In the food processing space, the government has set up convergence among PMFME (Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Enterprises), AIF (Agriculture Infrastructure Fund), and ATMA/extension efforts. Eligible beneficiaries under PMFME can avail interest subvention @ 3 % over the standard subsidy when their project is supported via convergence.

Practical example: Suppose an FPO wants to start a small fruit processing unit. Through ATMA & SMAE, the FPO gets training, technical advice, and extension support. At the same time, with convergence, the same unit may get a credit-linked subsidy under PMFME and interest subvention via AIF, thus reducing financial burden and risk.

Conclusion 

The ATMA & SMAE (Agriculture Technology Management Agency & Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension) plays a vital role in strengthening India’s agricultural extension system by connecting farmers, self-help groups, and producer organizations with modern technologies, capacity-building programs, and government support. It helps farmers make informed decisions, improve productivity, and access scheme-based benefits through a coordinated approach at the district and block levels. Small and marginal farmers, women, and FPOs stand to gain the most from its training, demonstrations, and convergence with other agri missions. Those interested should check eligibility, gather required documents, and apply through their district ATMA office or the official portal at https://extensionreforms.da.gov.in for accurate, updated information. Always verify the latest guidelines, funding pattern, and benefits on official sources or helplines before applying.

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 8484002628.