Constraints Faced by Beneficiary Farmers in Proper Execution of ATMA Activities

Introduction

In order to fully utilize the technologies exhibited in the operational area, the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) advocates for an integrated strategy in which many stakeholders collaborate to plan, coordinate, and carry out the operations (Kumar et al., 2011) [5] . Therefore, in order to identify the issues facing the district's ATMA stakeholders, a critical examination of the coordination process is essential. A registered organization of important stakeholders, ATMA is in charge of distributing technology at the district level and engaging in related activities related to agriculture in order to promote sustainable development (MANAGE, 2007). It is therefore beneficial to understand the effects of its actions because it is a novel strategy for bringing important stakeholders together. The public extension system in India was operating at the state level by combining marketing, extension, and research efforts to develop and distribute technology to farmers. Extension reforms in India were trial tested in 28 districts across seven states between 1998 and 2005. The Agricultural Technology Management Agency's "Support to State Extension Programs for Extension Reforms" program was introduced in 2005-06 as a result of this successful trial of Agricultural Technology and Management Agency. In 2010, it had a complete overhaul, expansion, and strengthening. The scheme's coverage was expanded gradually. It is presently in use in 639 districts across India, and it is also suggested that the remaining rural areas be covered. Improving farmers' knowledge, abilities, and adoption of new agricultural technologies are all facilitated by agricultural extension. In order to increase cooperation between various organizations involved in agricultural development and strengthen agricultural extension, the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) was established as a decentralized, farmer-focused institutional framework. Farm schools, exposure visits, farmer training, demonstrations, and interactions between farmers and extension staff are all encouraged by ATMA. The successful execution of ATMA initiatives at the field level is just as important to their success as program planning. Farmers may encounter a number of challenges pertaining to delayed input availability, involvement, administrative processes, agency collaboration, and access to extension services. Finding these obstacles is crucial to enhancing program execution and guaranteeing that farmers receive the desired advantages. As a result, the current study was conducted to determine and prioritize the main obstacles that ATMA beneficiary farmers must overcome in order to properly carry out ATMA activities. www.extensionjournal.com

Objective

To identify and rank the constraints faced by beneficiary farmers in the proper execution of ATMA activities.

Methodology

The study was conducted among 200 ATMA beneficiaries. Rajasthani beneficiary farmers' perceptions of ATMA's effectiveness. Sri Ganganagar and Bikaner.There are eighteen blocks in the districts of Bikaner and Sriganganagar.Nokha, Bikaner, Sriganganagar, and Sadulsahar are the four blocks that we chose. We selected five villages at random from each block.Ten responders were chosen at random from each hamlet.A total of 200 ATMA recipient farmers were chosen.Random sampling was employed to choose the respondents [Ex-Post facto research design was adopted]. A pre-tested, organized interview schedule was used to gather data.A straightforward ranking method was used to gage the issue that ATMA beneficiary farmers were facing. he respondents were asked to list the limitations they faced when using and engaging in ATMA activities. Frequency and percentage were used to assess the gathered data. The percentage of respondents who reported each constraint was used to rank the constraints.The percentage was computed as follows:

The percentage is calculated by dividing the total number of respondents by the number of respondents who reported the constraint.

Results and Discussion

The major constraints faced by ATMA beneficiary farmers are presented in Table 1. [1, 3, 4] also observed problems related to timely availability of agricultural inputs and participation in farm schools. These findings indicate the importance of examining constraints from the farmers' perspective.

Major Findings 1. Delayed delivery of demonstration inputs was the highest-ranked constraint (77.50%). 2. Limited farm school activities ranked second (75.00%). 3. Lack of coordination among stakeholders ranked third (67.50%). 4. Insufficient out-of-state exposure visits ranked fourth (60.00%). 5. Tight farming schedules affecting participation ranked fifth (58.50%). 6. Personal bias in award selection was the least reported constraint (25.00%).

Conclusion

The study concluded that ATMA beneficiary farmers face www.extensionjournal.com several constraints in the proper execution of ATMA activities, with delayed delivery of demonstration inputs emerging as the most important constraint. Limited farm school activities and lack of coordination among stakeholders were the next major problems. Timely supply of inputs, regular farm schools, improved coordination, increased exposure opportunities and farmer-friendly scheduling of extension activities are therefore recommended. Transparent selection procedures and continuous capacity building of ATMA personnel can further improve farmers' confidence and participation in ATMA programmes.

References

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