Lok Sabha Question No. 1330 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-28
Subject: Agricultural Technology Management Agency
Ministry: AGRICULTURE
Asked by: PARBHUBHAI NAGARBHAI VASAVA, SANTOSH AHLAWAT, RAM CHARITRA, SUMEDHANAND SARASWATI, K. ASHOK KUMAR

O.I.H

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE & COOPERATION

**LOK  SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1330**

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  28 TH JULY, 2015

**AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT AGENCY**

1330.	    SHRI PARBHUBHAI NAGARBHAI VASAVA:

SHRIMATI SANTOSH AHLAWAT:

SHRI RAM CHARITRA NISHAD:

SHRI SUMEDHANAND SARSWATI:

SHRI K. ASHOK KUMAR:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE 	     कृषि मंत्री

be pleased  to state:

(a)	 the aim and objective for launching of the Agricultural Technology Management  Agency (ATMA) Scheme in the country and the extent to which the objectives are achieved thereunder so far;

(b)	 whether the Government proposes to impart training to the farmers on the agricultural technology and innovations which are suitable for crops requiring less water on the line of Israel and if so, the details thereof along with the funds allocated to improve agri-tech infrastructure in the field of agriculture during the current year;

(c)	 whether there are reports of sale of China made agricultural technology including power tillers at higher prices in the domestic market in the country and if so, the reaction of the Government thereto;

(d)	 whether the Government proposes to promote cooperative agriculture in the country including Rajasthan and if so, the details thereof; and

(e)	 whether the Government proposes to open Farm Machinery Bank in the country and if so, the details and the outlay thereof?

### 1 ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

कृषि मंत्रालय में राज्य मंत्री  (SHRI MOHANBHAI KUNDARIA)

(a):	The aims & objectives for launching of the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) are to promote decentralized farmer-driven and farmer-accountable extension system through an institutional arrangement for technology dissemination in the form of an Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), encourage multi-agency and broad-based extension strategies, adopt group approach to extension and facilitate convergence of programmes in planning, execution & implementation at district level.

Contd…2/-

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The above objectives are met through various field level activities which include Farmers Training, Demonstrations, Exposure Visits, Kisan Mela, Mobilization of Farmers Groups, Training of Farmers through Farm Schools, Innovative Technology Dissemination, Research-Extension Linkages etc.

The Scheme is under implementation in 652 districts of 29 States and 3 UTs in the country. Since inception, over 342 lakh farmers have been benefitted under the Scheme through various extension activities.

(b):	Under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), assistance is extended to the State Horticulture Missions (SHMs) for imparting different types of trainings to Horticulture Supervisors Gardeners, Entrepreneurs, Farmers and field functionaries covering latest technologies under HRD Component. An outlay of Rs.6614.30 lakh has been earmarked for HRD Component during 2015-16.

Assistance is also extended for creating infrastructure facilities like protected cultivation and creation of water resources for which an outlay of Rs.63915.61 lakh and Rs.16711.46 lakh has been earmarked for 2015-16.

(c):	 The Department has not received any reports on the sale of China made agricultural technology including power tillers at higher prices in the domestic market of the country.   However, similar issue was raised by the Members of Parliament in the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture Meeting.  The issue was examined in consultation with the State Governments, Power Tiller Manufacturers Association, Power Tiller manufacturers & importers and FMTTIs at Budni & Anantapur & information has been submitted to Lok Sabha Secretariat.  Further, the Government of India, does not regulate the prices of agricultural equipments and machines including power tillers.  State Governments are free to adopt any methodology for ensuring distribution of Implements & Machines including Power Tillers.

(d):	  Government of India is implementing a Central Sector Scheme viz. Integrated Scheme on Agricultural Co-operation covering all States and UTs   including Rajasthan. Under this scheme, Government provides subsidy to National Co-operative Development Corporation (NCDC) for implementing the component of Assistance to NCDC Programmes’ for Development of Co-operatives. Under this component, NCDC provides assistance to co-operatives to undertake activities like supply of inputs, processing, storage, marketing of agricultural produce etc. Besides Government subsidy, NCDC provides loan to eligible co-operatives for undertaking above activities and other income generating activities. The outlay approved for the implementation of the component of Assistance to NCDC Programmes for Development of Co-operatives during the 12 th plan is of the order of Rs. 802 crores.

(e):	 Assistance for establishment of Farm Machinery Banks for custom hiring services is provided under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization’ (SMAM) which is being implemented w.e.f. 2014-15. During the financial year 2014-15 an amount of Rs. 97.24 crore has been released to the State Governments for establishment of 1093 farm machinery banks.  During the financial year 2015-16, Rs. 7.15 crore  have been released so far  to the State Governments for establishment of 101  farm machinery banks.

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