ROLE OF AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (ATMA) IN AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO MAHARASHTRA STATE
Keywords:
ATMA, Agriculture Development, Maharashtra, Extension Reforms, Technology Dissemination, Farmer TrainingAbstract
The Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) has emerged as a cornerstone of decentralized agricultural extension in India, specifically designed to bridge the gap between research and field application.1 This research paper examines the role of ATMA in the agricultural development of Maharashtra, a state characterized by diverse agro-climatic zones and a significant population of small and marginal farmers. Utilizing secondary data from the Economic Survey of Maharashtra (2024-25) and Ministry of Agriculture reports, the study analyzes the performance of ATMA through key indicators such as farmer training, technology demonstrations, and fund utilization. The findings indicate that ATMA has significantly enhanced technology adoption and farmer capacity building, though regional disparities in implementation persist. The paper concludes with policy suggestions to integrate digital agriculture mission components and strengthen market-led extension services to ensure sustainable growth.
Downloads
References
Bhave, A. V., Wavare, A. K., Pawar, G. G., Mengal, S. G., & Solkar, N. A. R. (2022). Training Needs of Fisherwomen in South Konkan Region of Maharashtra State. Journal of Survey in Fisheries Sciences, 9(1), 740–745. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/376797257_Training_Needs_Of_Fisherwomen_In_South_Konkan_Region_Of_Maharashtra_State Government of Maharashtra (2025). Economic Survey of Maharashtra 2024-25. Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Planning Department, Mumbai. Harale, G. D., & Pawar, G. G. (2025). Green Agriculture in India: Progress and Challenges Toward Achieving Sustainable Consumption. International Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 2(IV), 617–624. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/397990192_Green_Agriculture_in_India_Progress_and_Challenges_Toward_Achieving_Sustainable_Consumption Jadhav, H.L., Pandey, P.P., Pawar, G.G., Kadam, P.B. (2025). The Green and Sustainable Business Model: A Review. In: Gupta, V.P., Haghi, A.K., Sharief, S. (eds) Green Economy and Sustainable Development. World Sustainability Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-92636-5_11 Kamat, M. A., & Pawar, G. G. (2024). An analytical study of Corporate Social Responsibility activity of Proctor & Gamble Hygiene & Health Care Limited. VIKSIT BHARAT@ 2047, 75. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/379226625_An_analytical_study_of_Corporate_Social_Responsibility_activity_of_Proctor_Gamble_Hygiene_Health_Care_Limited Ministry of Agriculture (2025). Year-wise Details of Funds Utilized under ATMA. Open Government Data (OGD) Platform India. Pawar, G. G. (2023). Role of Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Agricultural Development of Western Maharashtra [Ph.D Dissertation, Shivaji University, Kolhapur]. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.27679.12967. Pawar, G. G., Wavare, A. K., & Babar, M. S. (2022). Impact of interventions of Krishi Vigyan Kendra on knowledge level of soybean cultivators in Satara district of Maharashtra. Education and Society, 1(II), 387–394. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/365727807_Impact_of_interventions_of_Krishi_Vigyan_Kendra_on_knowledge_level_of_soybean_cultivators_in_Satara_district_of_Maharashtra Wavare, A. K., & Pawar, G. G. (2022). Recent Trends in Public Sector Expenditure on Agricultural Research and Extension in India. Shodhsamhita, 8(2), 359–365. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/365730080_Recent_Trends_in_Public_Sector_Expenditure_on_Agricultural_Research_and_Extension_in_India Wavare, A. K., & Pawar, G. G. (2025). Integrating Indian Knowledge Systems into Sustainable Agricultural Practices. Research Journey, 1(367), 145–151. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/396447926_Integrating_Indian_Knowledge_Systems_into_Sustainable_Agricultural_Practices Wavare, A.K., Pawar, G.G., Babar, M.S., Harale, G.D. (2024). Role of Agricultural Science Centres in Attaining Sustainability in India: A Case Study. In: Kulkarni, S., Haghi, A.K. (eds) Global Sustainability. World Sustainability Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-57456-6_12
