ATMA Programme- An Assesment Study

Title: “Study the immediate impact of different types of trainings conducted under ATMA programme in 3 block of namely Sailana, Baajna and Piploda’’ Madhya Pradesh

2/23/2010

Student- Sumit Chandra

Research supervisor- Dr. V. Singh (Grameen Vikas Trust)

Feb 23 , 2010 Report on Action Research

National Institute of Rural Development | PGDRDM

Index

Acknowledgement

Abstract

Synopsis of action research- objective, methodology, work plan

Brief profiles of district-Ratlam and blocks-Sailana, Baajna, and piploda

Important crops

List of villages and beneficiary-non beneficiary farmers

Brief about training & its topics

Benefits of training

Women participation

Examples of adoption

Structure of ATMA

Changes observed in beneficiaries

Lacuna

New initiatives

Recommendations

Way forward

Learning from research

Annexure –tables and photos



Acknowledgement

This action research study report is result of intense field visits and discussion with the

stakeholders of ATMA programme. I wish to express my deep gratitude to Mr. Arun Joshi,

Head NLRI, Mr. Yash Kanongo, HRM, Dr. Varan Singh under whose guidance I completed

research. I am also greatful to Dr. Praveen Ghotkar, Mr. Ajay Pal Singh and whole faculty for

their guidance.

I am highly grateful to villagers of Sailana, Baajna and Piploda block for their praising

cooperation during discussions and field visits. I am also thankful to extension-trainees,

para-jankaars, members of block technology team of Sailana sub-divison, Panchayat

Inspector of Bajna block, Panch and Gram sachiv of different villages for providing useful

documents and information about ATMA.

Finally I would like to thank all those who provided information about guidelines and

functioning of ATMA.



Abstract-

In this paper we are describing impact assessment study of ATMA project in three

block of Ratlam district (Madhya Pradesh) –Sailana, Baajna and Piploda. Extension

Reforms (ATMA) Programme introduced during 2005-06 by the Ministry of

Agriculture, and Government of India was a major intervention in addressing the

constraints as observed in T &V and post T & V system by making the extension

system farmer driven and farmer accountable through process and institutional

reforms mechanism. So the prime aim of the study is to observe the topics of training

and their adoption by the farmer. The study involved visits of farm field school, field

observations, interaction with farmers and analysis of results of focused group

discussion. During the study though the Rabi season yield results are still awaited

but farmers have reason to smile due to good crop despite of low rainfall.

Farmers of many villages come for training in FFS conducted at different location but

the real success can be assess by the change in attitude and reaction of farmer

towards topics discussed in different levels of training. This change will be reflected

in their field practices which can be observed by observer. Sometime such changes

can lead to change of cropping pattern in that region.

In new guidelines Government suggested to modify farmers in Agri-entrepreneurs

through motivating them to grow certain crops at large scale. Even such initiatives

also need proper knowledge of cultivation practice of those crops. So it seems

learning of farmers under ATMA can prove as a foundation stone for future benefits.



Synopsis for Action research project under field attachment

segment for MBA students of Center for Post Graduate Studies,

National Institute of Rural Development

In collaboration with Faculty, Agribusiness and Agriculture

Technology Management, National Livelihood Resources Institute,

Gramin Vikas Trust

Name of the Student: Goswami

Name of the Research Supervisor: GVT

Name of the Project: ATMA Project, Ratlam (MP)

Location of the Field Research: Sailana, Bajana and Piploda Blocks of Ratlam

district

Title:

Study the immediate impact of different types of trainings conducted under ATMA program in 3

block of namely Sailana , Bajana and Piploda Blocks of Ratlam district in M.P.

Introduction:

Department of Farmers Welfare and Agriculture Development, Government of Madhya Pradesh

has initiated reform process to improve the agriculture extension services in the state. Under the

new initiative, it has involved the NGOs and other private companies interested in the reform

process and have interest in agriculture extension. The department has given the responsibility to

the interested institutions under Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. Gramin Vikas Trust,

Bhopal is one of the partners implementing Agriculture technology Management Agency

(ATMA) under the agriculture extension reform program.

The Gramin Vikas Trust is implementing ATMA activities in the 12 block of the six

district namely Ratlam, Ujjain, Neemuch, Mandsour, Dewas and Dhar districts of Madhya

Pradesh.



The main activities taken under ATMA program are given below:

Establishment of Farm field school;

Demonstration on agriculture and allied activities;

Farmers training at National, State and District level;

Exposure visit at National, State and District level;

Capacity building of Farmer Interest Group ;

Kisan Goshthi and Kisan Mela;

Farmers Scientist interaction and

Development of Technical literature on electronic media.

Objective:

Assess the level of awareness of the farmers post training;

Understand and assess the adaptation behaviors of farmers for new agriculture

technologies;

Draw a comparison between farmers attended trainings and non participating

farmers.

Assess the farmers’ perception about the training pedagogy, issues, timeliness and

effectiveness of the trainers;

Methodology:

Sample size: 30 farmers participated more than once in the trainings organized under ATMA

program by GVT – NLRI and 30 non participating farmers of six villages of Sailava, Bajana and

Piploda Blocks of Ratlam. Each block would be represented by 2 sample village;

Sample type: 5 Trained Farmers and 5 Untrained Farmers of each village’s

Tool to be used:

Individual interview.

Visits to farmer’s field in each selected sample village;

Focused group discussion – in 6 villages of three Blocks.

Research methodology:

The present study will be conducted with the help of the individual farmer’s discussion (survey),

issue focus group discussion.



Individual Interview:

The individual farmer’s interview will be conducted in the 6 selected villages. In each village 5

trained & 5 untrained farmers will be interviewed. A checklist and or sample schedule will be

developed to capture the farmer’s perception using different parameters. The information to be

covered in the survey could be for example - farmer name, area under cultivation, yield of the

crops before training, and after the attending different training, topic of the training, frequency of

the training imparted, content and methodology of the training.

Field Visit: Minimum two farm visits at the farmers’ field (participating and non participating

farmers).

Focused Group Discussion- In this exercise the farmers will be asked about the number of

training, topic of training, quality of training and frequency of training. The FGD will be

separately conducted with the trained and un trained group of farmers from the study area i.e.

three block namely Sailana, Bajana and Piploda Block of the Ratlam district.

Meeting with the concern official: during the field study the student will meet to the concerned

block officer to see the impact of the program its effectiveness.

Analysis of study: The analysis will be done using suitable statistical tools.

Expected output:

Effect of the training methodology and change in agriculture practices.

Yield increase over the present production.

Adoption rate of technologies suggested during the training sessions.

Impact of the new agriculture technology in terms of increased production;



Work plan:

Activity Last week of

January 2010

1st week of

February

2010

2nd week of

February 2010

3rd week of

February 2010

Introductory

meeting

Review and

collection of

reference

Field visit and

meeting with the

farmers

Preparation of

field survey format

Review of

progress at NLRI

Focused Group

Discussion

Field survey

Report writing and

presentation and

valedictory



AREA AND ADMINISTRATIVE UNITS of District:-

Total Area of Ratlam District is s 4861 Sq.km. which is 1.11% of Total Area of Madhya Pradesh. For the Administrative convenience, Ratlam is divided in Six Tehsils and 6 Blocks as below:-

District Ratlam -Area of Tehsils and Their Populations

Name of Tehsil Total Area Block Population

Total Population Rural Population Town Population

Alot 945 151618 123648 27970

Jaora 763 170155 108215 61940

Piploda 604 98114 91856 6258

Ratlam 1331 385948 183475 202473

Sailana 536 77357 66261 11096

Bajna 682 88696 88696 -

Total District Area :-4861 Sq.Km. Population as per 1991 census 9,71,888

The total cultivated area of the region is rainfed to dryland. Some area is receiving

irrigation water from Dhaulawar dam or Malini and Mahi river after rainy season but other

regions are depended upon ground water totally. Land of these areas is shallow, undulated

and full of gravels. Whole area is denuded by people for firewood and fodder.

IMPORTANT CROPS :-

Main crop of Ratlam is Soyaben, Wheat, Gram, soyabean, Urad, cotton, Jowar, Gram, Groundnut and Maize. It is also well known for

Strawberry and Grapes.



Block- Sailana

Brief profile of block*-

Geographical area-536 sq km

Forest land-9100ha

Total cropped area-30000ha

Net sown area-26000ha

Total farmer-18000(approx)

*according 1989-90 data

Sailana has got the status of sub-division of Ratlam district from 1 April 1982. It is a developed

town with good infrastructure and act as epicenter for economic and administrative activities.

This block has advanced in terms of commercialization of agriculture. Many areas of this sub-

division are famous for production of different crops. But unavailability of sufficient electricity

has diminished the any possibility of agriculture based industry.

Block-Baajna

Brief profile of block-

Establishment of block-1962

Geographical area-682 sq km

Average rainfall-1017 mm

Total Gram panchayat-65

Total village-221

Bajna block is one of the poorest regions of Ratlam district. Use of natural resources in

unlimitted scale can cause how much harm to a fragile ecological region, this block is the best



example. Continuous deforestation of forest for needs and careless attitude about its

conservation has brought the Baajna block at the verge of desertification. Ratlam has played a

great role for unsaturated demand of fire-wood and timber. Unaware of the harms of

deforestation, poor villagers sold their precious resource for fulfilling the demand of irrational

users. Today scarcity of resources like drinking and irrigation water, fertile top soil, water

bodies etc can be attributed to this evil.

Except the months of summer when most of the population of region moves for livelihood to

nearby cities and states, cultivation of cereal and food grains is done at extensive scale.

Requirement of irrigation is fulfilled by ponds, kuchha canals, wells and tube-wells. Due to

shallow soil water not penetrates to deeper layers and either evaporates or run away to rivers.

Transportation facilities have improved under PMGSY scheme but failure of NREGS raises a lot

of question. Malpractices are rampant at Panchayati Raj Institutes which has weakened the

possibilities of reduction in migration. The availability of electricity is restricted to 6-7 hrs a day

which is affecting any scope of further improvement of condition of villages.

Block- Piploda

Piploda is also an underdeveloped block of Ratlam district. Piploda is a historical place also where Jat and Dodiya king ruled for many years. Piploda block is developed as compare to both Sailana and Baajna block.

Area of block-604sq km

Population of village-98114

Total town population -6258



General information about agriculture in blocks-

Crops grown in these regions

Season Crops

Winter Wheat, gram, onion, garlic, spices

(Ajwain, Cumin,coriander)

Summer Soyabean, gourd crops (both in

irrigated land only), Urd

Kharif Soya bean, Cotton, maize, rice,

vegetables-tomato, brinjil, chillies

Problems in agriculture in this region-

In recent years farmers had not suffered so much loss from any particular disease or insect but

they are aware of decreasing productivity of land. According their view the cost of cultivation is

going high due to-

Increasing labour cost

Costly agro-chemicals

Cost of irrigation through tube wells and far places through pipes

Low price of agriculture produce due to unorganized producers



Core study Villages chosen

Block Bajna* -Biladi, Herthal, Adhapath

List of farmers

S.No. Name of village Beneficiary farmer Non-beneficiary farmer

1 Village Biladi Suresh Bhuria,

Praveen ji, Shambhu,

Dalaji

Sandeep Gamadh, Ranga Bhuria

2 Village Herthal Mahendra ji, Kalu ji,

Kaalu Mangla, Geeta

ji, Pesudi Bai

Karu Dula, Ram Chandra Babar, Lal

Chandra

3 Village Adapath Saplibai, Jeewanibai,

Suraj Galia, Sambhu,

Nandu

Bagu Dula, Mangu, Iradi,Dhanna

*In block Baajna ATMA was running in kharif 2009. Presently only Waadi project is running here.

Block Sailana- Adwania, Bhallakamal, Karia

List of farmers

S.No. Name of

village

Beneficiary farmer Non-beneficiary farmer

1 Village –

Adwania

Choga Lal Patidar, Bhanvar lal

Patidar, Samrath Patidar,Mangi

Lal Patidar, Mukesh , Luxman ,

Kishor

Onkar Lal Ji, Prakash Lal, Prem

Shankar, Chunni Lal, Bala Ram



2 Village-

Karia

Mukesh Patidar, Moti Lal, Shyam

Das, Bairagi ji, Sukhi Lal , Anokhe

Lal, Vishnu ji

Bhanvar Lal ji, Nand Lal ,Nand

Lal Dhandad, Dashrath ji, Gopal

Gunwara, Gopal choudhary,

Prem Chand Kasaut ,Amba Ram

3 Village –

Bhallakamal

Fatah Singh, Chagan Lal, Prithvi

Raj,

Block Piploda-

List of farmers

S.No. Name of

village

Beneficiary

farmer

Non-beneficiary farmer

1 Village- Hatnara Bhuwan Lal Dhakad,

Bakat Lal Dhakad,

Madan Lal,

Bhageerath Ji, Radhe

Shyam, Kailash ji

Iswar Lal ji, Rakesh Nagar, Rameshwar

Nagar, kalu lal Ninaam, Khemraj Patidar

2 Village-

Aakhatwasa

Mangi Lal, Ratan Lal

Malawi, Deepak ,

Prakash Joshi, Karu

Lal

Ratan Das, Nar Singh Choudhary, Nagu

Choudhary, Goverdhan Das, Rajesh Da



FFS conducted in Ratlam district-

Block name Season

Kharif Rabi

Baajna 2 0

Piploda 1 2

Sailana 1 2

Levels of training-

Field level training- Scientist regularly visits the farmer’s field at intervals during

different growth stages. For better observations demonstration are laid on an

achiever farmers field (first line demonstration) and later some selected farmers

are provided with improved seeds for wider demonstration.

Block level training- At block level trainings were conducted where selected

farmers from different villages invited. Farmers trained here act as resource

person at village level.

Farmers also take participation in District level training and State level training at

regular intervals. At this level only those farmers are chosen who show regular

presence in training session and have better adoption rate for new technology.

These training mostly focused on popularization of farm mechanization and

vegetable production.



Method of selection of farmers for appraisal-

IN due course of study only those villages were selected where trainings under

ATMA were conducted earlier. Besides them due to little bit similarity of Organic-

Waadi project to ATMA its impact study was also taken up. Farmers were selected

randomly while transect walk through village and sometime intentionally from

farmers meetings at different places.

Main occupation of beneficiaries-

In all these blocks the population of tribal people is very high. The main source of

livelihood is agriculture and allied activities only. Due to lack of education they are

unable to get Govt job. Many people of these blocks also migrate to Rajasthan

and Gujrat in summer season for work.

In case of large farmers like Patidar community of Sailana and Piploda block

migration is also a good option but the case is different totally from tribals. They

have leased in hectares of land for cultivation from the farmers where they are

migrating. Many farmers have already commercialized their farm but still most of

the farmers need institutional help to stabilize their farm income.

Inputs provided as seeds

Adwania village Wheat, onion

Karia village Wheat, Gram

Hatnara Wheat, Gram, Onion

Aakhatwasa Wheat, Gram, Onion

Baajna block Sweet corn



Topics of training-

Improved methods of sowing- it is observed that farmers are making

regular losses due to faulty practice of broadcasting. FFS popularized line

sowing among farmers through demonstration.

Seed treatment –Farmers become aware about biological methods of seed

treatment against disease and insect like use of Trichoderma viridi

Optimum use of fertilizer dose- the misconception among farmer about

excess use of Urea many time results in more disease and insect attack. For

maintaining soil health, balance use of fertilizer is necessary. In different

session of FFS emphasis on soil testing was given.

Right time of weeding, irrigation- Being a drought prone area it is very

necessary to improve water use efficiency in field. To resolve this issue

farmers were provided detailed information about weed and water

management. But the loss and unequal distribution of water under flood

system of irrigation is still an area of concern. For which proper land

leveling and drip irrigation is promoted as possible solution.

Disease and pest management- Farmer’s knowledge about pest controlling

chemicals was worth appreciating during FFS observation. Trap crop

phenomenon was felt a nice approach by farmers.

Optimum seed rate- Due to broadcasting not only maintenance of standing

crop is difficult but overpopulation reduces yield also.



Intercropping- With a view to change conventional agriculture into

profitable practice under new guidelines intercropping in cotton is

promoted with chili and lady’s finger. Papaya and grapevine orchard also

provided wider scope for crops of short height (onion, garlic etc).

Organic cultivation- Organic-waadi project in Bildi and Aadhpath facing

problem due to shortage of water and subsistence farming. Through FFS

farmers learnt how to utilize resources in minimum cost. Neemol, Power

plant bloom, PSB and Azotobactor use is gaining ground among farmers.

Seed production- As a base work of formation of “Farmers Seed Grower

Society” farmers were sensitized towards different criteria to keep in mind

for producing best quality of seeds.

Participation level of farmers-

Observation has shown that during meetings all farmers were not actively

participating during whole meeting. Farmers complained that sometimes the

techniques and varieties suggested by scientists were old and low yielder.

According to them timing of meeting should be convenient to their time as they

are busy in daytime in farm activities. However people who attended the meeting

in Karia village had shown interest in new initiatives. Formation of four youth

farmers groups in first meeting was a positive sign and these groups members

deciding to start soyabean seed production.

Exposure visits- Ujjain, Jhabua, Indore, Bhadrawasa, Bhopal



Benefits of training-

Knowledge level-

Under ATMA farmers got opportunity of better interaction with scientists. If

this opportunity of interaction is utilized properly it will strengthen farmer’s

faith in recent development of agricultural science and technology.

Interaction with the farmers in training sessions had shown that they learnt

efficient and cost-effective methods of input management. These methods

are used by farmers in achieving maximum productivity potential of land

and plant.

Economic benefits-

Inefficient use of inputs unnecessarily increases the cost of cultivation. The

knowledge of critical growth stages of crops for fertilizer application and

irrigation can save its wastage. Farmers shared their experiences of

increasing awareness about these issues. By proper application of this

learning they are getting higher production from the same resources.

Communication –

Para- extension workers/jankars, Kisan-Mitra/contact farmer have been

recruited to strengthen the flow of information in both sides. But their

approachability and experience is still an area to improve. Their

approachability can firm the faith in extension process.

Benefits of new verities-

Farmers are provided improved seeds for different crops like soyabean, wheat,

onion, garlic and gram. Farmers in some areas are also provided with Mini-kits of

staple crops and vegetables. Farmers are impressed with the performance of new



verities and have shown interest in replacing old verities with improved ones. But

the question is why only few farmers regularly get attention of facilitators?

Women participation –

One of the biggest challenge before the ATMA is to assure women participation in

any activity. ATMA has partial success in this front. Jankaar have contacts with

women SHG’s to ensure their presence in meetings. But if we compare the spare

time of women to men then it is really a hard task for them to join meeting

regularly. Still we can say that ATMA has addressed complaints of women about

training at distant places. ATMA is strengthening poor families it is proved by

example of Suppli Bai and Jeevani Devi in Adhapath village which are now going

to start a small industry of cloth printing in Baajna block.

The low participation of women may be attributed to following reasons-

Handling house and farm work simultaneously

Poor health condition

Restriction to meet outsiders by family

Language and education gap

Tribal women are mostly illiterate so feel shyness in expert’s present

methodology of training like teacher

Examples of adoption of new technology-

The main benefit of ATMA project is that it promotes farmer-farmer interaction.

Successful farmer sets an example before the new farmers in this way. For

example-



Chagan Lal Patidar of Advania village has motivated many farmers to adopt

line sowing and onion cultivation in grapevine orchard for initial years of

production.

Enthusiastic group of youths in Karia village is working to involve more

progressive farmers in seed production societies.

Suppli Bai of Adhapath village has diversified her source of income

Ratan Lal ji of Akhatwasa willing to develop an Citrus orchard at his farm

Deepak ji from Aakhatwasa village is helping to aware farmers about

benefits of group approach and also setting example by establishing a

papaya orchard

Bhuwan Lal Ji has planned to apply drip irrigation in cotton crop

Suppli Bai- Baajna Print Plot under Waadi project



Components of ATMA

Farmers organization-

.no. Attributes Description

1 Structure Farmers were grouped , according to the convenience of group,

usually 15 to 20 members, one president and one secretary

2 Role To get financial assistance from government and utilize it in

collective way

Intercropping of onion in grapevine

orchard

Healthy nursery of improved onion

variety



3 Activity To participate in trainings and utilize funds and inputs provided by

agency in best way

4 Meeting Group meetings at regular intervals and participation in trainings

5 Benefits Farmer become a part of channel to get financial and technical

help at every stage

Contact farmers

s.no. Attributes Description

1 Selection Progressive farmer of groups which plays active role in every activity

2 Role Act as a channel between scientist and FO

3 Activity To disseminate information and knowledge learnt in training

4 Meeting In meetings of FO’s act as leader and guides fallow farmers

5 Benefits Contact farmer enjoys greater credibility due to familiarity to farmer

Documentation- In any FO, group secretary maintains all records.

Types of facilities provided to FO’s-

Written material – Pamphlets on different methods and technological

issues like improved cultivation practice of different crops, information

about diverse scheme of MP Government etc



Information about Credit and machinery – For purchasing new machinery,

inputs they can apply in bank through group. Subsidy is also provided by

Government under NHM for orchard development, micro irrigation

arrangement etc.

Improved seeds- Improved seeds of soyabean, onion, gram and wheat are

provided to farmers for demonstration.

Fertilizers, Manures – Some farmers which are members of farmer group

are provided with Urea, DAP and pesticides. Proper knowledge of

application of optimum dose and time of application

Use of audio-video tools in training- PPT, videos and pictures on different

topics present before farmers regularly during training in NLRI.

Changes observed in beneficiaries-

Attitude – New approach has passed a good message among farmers that

Government approach is to take whole community together. It shows shift in

approach of extension department from client farmer to group focused

approach.

Reaction –With the government support beneficiaries are ready to keep aside

short term goals for safeguarding their long term interest. The popularization

of sustainable cultivation techniques is one of the major achievements of

ATMA programme in these blocks.

Adoption of new methods and techniques- A lot of successes stories are

present in these villages which show turnaround of time by replication of

experiments.



Technological advancement

In these blocks a lot of efforts were done to develop agriculture as industry.

Due to these efforts Ratlam district has improved its image as major producer of

many crops. Now increased awareness about efficient use of water has lead to

adoption of micro-irrigation techniques. This drip system is proving to be

backbone of nascent grapevine industry. Organic- waadi projects running under

GVT will soon prepare a launch pad for the farmers of Madhya Pradesh to

capture this billions dollar market.

Lacuna

Despite so many efforts to avoid past stigmas of other extension programmes

ATMA also seems to underperform from its own capacity. The main problems are

discussed below-

S.no. Problems Reasons Solution

1 Farmers reluctant to follow

before a real example of

success

All farmers don’t have

sufficient resources

More exposure to

successful examples

2 Demonstration plot was not

taken care of by some

farmers

Small and marginal farmers

prone to negligence due to

shortage of inputs

Such farmers need

more support

3 Lack of bio-pesticides at Low supply in market More supply of bio-



Farmers seed

grower’s societies

market pesticide in market

4 Non-beneficiary farmers in

water scarce areas were

suspicious about significant

results

Even minimum water

requirement of crop can’t be

fulfilled by existing water

resources

Development of

water resource

5 Irregularity of farmers in

attending sessions

Busy in their farm activities

and other works

Awareness about

benefits need to

increase

6 Farmers need support more

than one season

Completion of one season

already under ATMA

Change in policy of

only one season

support in ATMA

New initiatives

This is a nice initiative of organizing farmers in groups so that benefits of

economies of scale in seed production can be realized and farmers get all

technical help from support agency. In true sense this model can be built against

seed producing MNCs who are trying to capture seed market all over country. It

gives sense of restoration of farmer’s right to bright future.



Approach

To produce foundation seed of soyabean, the farmers need to form a group (not

less than 13 persons) which will be registered for certification under scientist.

Scientist will provide them breeder seed and necessary training for maintaining

genetic-physical purity. After harvest of crop it will be available for selling in

market as foundation seed. For encouragement Government will provide better

price and bonus in farmer’s bank account.

GVT is implementing agency in Neemuch, Mansaur, Dhar, Devas, Ujjain and

Ratlam districts for this scheme.

Achievements -

Till now within one month farmers of Adwania and Karia have formed one society

each. Aakhtwasa farmers are also working to form many groups in the hope of

expected benefits.



Organic waadi/Javick waadi

With the support of NABARD MP govt is introducing a plan with the help of GVT to

make organic cultivation popular among farmers of selected blocks.

Aim

To provide higher price for their products

To reduce their risks through diversification

Maintaining soil health

Approach

Selected farmers of a village are helped who have sufficient land and assured

source of irrigation for better management of available resources. A contract is

signed between GVT and farmers that upto7 year they will follow all practices

according to the necessary guidelines. For convenience to local people it has

made some innovative adaptation also e.g. porous pitcher use instead of drips for

controlling release of water.

Main components

Under organic- waadi people are encouraged to grow short duration vegetable crops between rows of trees. Even border of plot is used to grow medium height crops as hedge.

Horticulture crops- Mango, Guava, Orange, Papaya, Jackfruit

One acre =42 tree when (Mango + guava) are cultivted

Vegetables-Tomato, Brinjal, Gilki, Onion, coriander, garlic



Hedge plants- bhindi, jetropha,

ATMA support to project-

Though ATMA is not part of NABARD project but the information and trainings

given on Bio-farming proved to be very successful in crop management under

Waadi project. Farmers can themselves prepare manures and some bio-pesticides

like Neem-oil for crop health. Trap crops and legume crops should also become an

unavoidable part of cropping system.



Recommendations

Though ATMA programme is running successfully in district but to increase its

effectiveness following points can be considered important-

Increase in the duration of activity in village once selected for at least two

years to assess real adoption behavior

Number of visits and participants (farmers) can also be increased

Experts also need to realize that it is not every time that farmers are at

receiver’s end but sometimes they also need to learn from innovative

farmers

Number of demonstration can also be increased

To motivate farmers to adopt mixed farming approach

More community involvement in identification of beneficiary for

programme

Para-jaankars who are actually grass-root workers should be motivated

with proper rewards

Way forward

From a long time experimenting with so many approaches to reach to the

farmers, it seems government has found a dependable approach to succeed. This

approach has vast scope to answer farmers need not just in form of providing

new technology but also having better communication with other farmers. It is an

important initiative to turn agriculture into an industry through organizing

farmers first into an organized form and then setting a common livelihood option.



In my view every ecological zone should come up with its own plan to cope with

local constraints to achieve highest production. The decentralization of extension

process done under ATMA will reach its summit when each geographical and

climatic unit of cultivable area has its own action plan to optimize production in

local condition.

Learning from action research-

This study has provided me an insight about the problems of farmers and

extension workers to develop agriculture as a lucrative livelihood option. My key

learning from the research is as follows-

ATMA’s main objective is to provide all form of assistance to farmers at

door steps through minimizing the gap between farmer and research. But it

should also be taken as livelihood enhancement activity because increased

production ultimately increases the income of farmer.

Under MP government initiative development agencies are trying to focus

on Agriculture Economic Zone development action plan. Farmers living in

particular region will be supported to grow crop suitable to that region. I

believe this approach is revolutionary in uplifting the living standard of farm

based population.

Farmers are facing a lot of challenges due to spiraling increase in cost of

cultivation and needs support from credit, marketing and research

institution.

The psychology and economic condition of farmers also affects their

adoption behavior. Dependence of agriculture on environmental

conditions makes them think seriously about its consequences. So it is

necessary to convince them about significant results from new techniques

and training.



Proper strategies to tackle any inverse effect of environment should be

core of institutional research. Bio-fertilizers, Bio-pesticides and legume

crops have got focus of recommendation in these areas which is a sign of

positive policy of Government.

Increase in the production of major field crops through seed replacement

by seed grower society is an ambitious project. In my view the success of

programme depends on seriousness of farmer to follow recommended

guidelines.

The relationship of all stakeholders can be seen according their importance

in policy making as follows-

Produceruse of best inputs

credit benefits

marketing support

technological help

Market

processing

packaging

pricing

promotion

Research

selection of improved variety

knowledge support to producer

market orientation

environment protection

Consumer

purchasing

satisfaction

demand

Government and credit institution



Annexure

Satisfaction level of farmers

Sample size-60 farmers

Farmers of villages selected under study were asked how much they were benefited from

attending FFS. The farmers response are shown in the table given below-

Adoption of technology by farmers

Among many of the technology introduced among farmer following were selected to show in

form of table. For observations farmer’s fields were visited and asked about how this change

has benefited in maintenance and yield –

56%22%

17%

5%

Chart Title

Extremely satisfieded Satisfied Neutral Not satisfied



Information/Technique disseminated

Line sowing in wheat Intercropping Manure application

Fiel

ds

visi

ted

Tech

niq

ue

ado

pte

d

No

t ad

op

ted

Fiel

ds

visi

ted

Tech

niq

ue

ado

pte

d

No

t ad

op

ted

Fiel

ds

visi

ted

Tech

niq

ue

ado

pte

d

No

t ad

op

ted

12 9 3 9 6 3 10 9 1

Benefits in crop yield

No. of Farmers whose response taken- 10

S.No. Crop Yield before training

(qt/bheega)

Yield expected

/achieved after training

(qt/bheega)

1 Wheat 2 2.6

2 Gram 7-8 8-9

3 Onion 45 50

4 Soyabean 7-8 9-10



Jankaar from Aakhatwasa village Stagnation of water causing damage

FFS in Adwania village Meeting with village panchayat members



Strategy of improving crop productivity**

No. Name of activities Contribution in %

1. Soil & water management 15 – 20

2. Seed replacement 15-20

3. Seed treatment 2-3

4. Culture treatment (Bio-fertilizer) 2-3

5. Nutrient management 15 – 20

6. Inter cultural operations (weed control in Kharif) 5-10

7. Use of improved agricultural implements (Power,

Bullock) 3-4

8. Irrigation Management 15-20

9. Timely operation and management of every activity 3-5



A case which needs to be understand in relation to migration pattern

in Madhya Pradesh:

i. Migration Pattern: The Ratlam District consists of six blocks out of which Bajna and Sailana are blocks heavily migration affected. The intensity of migration on an average is 65% where as it reaches to 70% in summer season particularly in June. Reason behind the migration is highly undulating terrain with degraded land and high runoff of monsoon water. The area is rainfed and only Kharif crop is manageable to grow in these blocks. Small land holding and low productivity of crops does not satisfy the needs of the families which in turn promotes the migration. The migration in other block is very little and entirely different in nature in comparison to those Sailana and Bajna Block.

ii. Seasons of Migration: It has been observed that the migration started with the crop harvesting season which starts from September – October month for Kharif crop and March- April month for Rabi crop. After the agricultural work these people stay in towns for construction activity and other works. The migration intensified after April in want of job for earning. They also moved to other places with their cattle for grass and fodder. These people generally do not come back to their home till month of June. They generally come back before the monsoon for preparation of their agriculture land.

iii. Rural to Urban Migration: The general trend of migration here is from rural areas to urban areas though it starts from nearby rural areas to big city. These labour moves from their area to Ratlam, Ujjain and Indore in Madhya Pradesh. They also move to Banswara, Chitorgarh, Kota in Rajasthan and Baroda, Dahod in Gujrat.

iv. Migration within district: Migration within the district by the village people is normal practice but it is found to be comparatively lesser than the migration outside the district.



v. Migration outside district: It is a general trend and mentioned in above paragraphs. Migration outside the district is almost 90%. During the migration period only old members of the family and children left to their home places to keep care of each other and to their cattle. Migration start from month of September every year and reaches to its peak during the month of May - June.

Limitation of study-

ATMA is a very ambitious project of government which involves a number of stakeholders from farmers to project implementation agency. To cover all aspects of the research, challenges found to be visible are as follows-

Some areas are difficult to reach due to less transportation facilities

Farmers were busy due to harvesting season of Rabi crops

Government officials and PRI representatives have busy schedule due to recent elections in Panchayat

All village jankars (community coordinators) were not proactive on their part

Due to low literacy and rude behavior of some officials villagers were reluctant to express their views freely

Group dynamics-

Under this project two types of groups were contacted-farmers

organization and self help group. The farmers group consists of people from

the village who are part of ATMA programme. Once these groups are

registered with the agency they provide facilities to group in terms of

inputs and training. But it has come into knowledge that all group members

not attend meetings properly and their main intention is to know about

agency before active participation. The agency also has some limitations



about the no of beneficiary it can select for one season, so it selects usually

those farmers as beneficiary who are regular during meetings.

Though in all farm activities participation of women is equal but these groups

have no arrangement to ensure women participation.

Farmers of these villages are also organized as SHG for promoting savings

among them. Women self help groups prepares MDM scheme food in school,

either preparing in school premises or bringing prepared food from their

homes. But in many cases villagers complained about the quality of food

prepared by these groups. That is reason in some villages children are not

taking food in school. Even due to caste issue Patidar community not allow

their children to take food in school.

Formal and non-formal institution; interface between institution and

individual, group, and institution-

In poor areas of these blocks Bheel tribe is in majority. This

community shows some characteristics like little belief in group activities

and low savings for future. Formal institutions like PRI, Anganwaadi, schools

and SHGs are performing far below their own potential. PDS are far away

from many villages but their supply is also questionable. Sarpanch of these

villages are uncooperative and are concerned more about their meetings

rather than listening what people expect from them. Banks of these areas

are not clear about their role to finance poor rather they think about

profitability. Due to small land holding many of the farmers were not

considered to be eligible for loans. The recovery rate of loans from the

large farmers is also not much appreciable. So it raises a question –why

only small and marginal farmers are deprived of the loans?

After discussions with the local people one important fact came out that

SHGs among these tribals are not successful till now. The possible reasons

found to be low confidence on each other and seasonal migration of



farmers to other places for four months. In NREGS work in their village

people got less than Rs.50 due to malpractices and poor quality of work.

Rural development scenario

While moving from economically well villages to poor villages

ignorance about different development schemes is more. Tribal villages are

also untouched from mass media which is a potential tool to be updated

about beneficial schemes. They are not much benefited by government

schemes like Indira Aawas Yojna, Total sanitation Campaign etc. BPL cards

distribution criteria seems to miss the persons who really need it as farmers

with sufficient resources found to be posses it while those with less land

still demanding it. In absence of support to farmers before providing them

livestock, saplings and credit facilities they couldn’t sustain it for long time.

Due to this reason many efforts done by GVT vanished as they withdrew

support after completing seven years. Under PMGSY road connectivity has

improved a lot but NREGS progress limited to wells digging activities.

It is very regrettable that these poor people have to go Ratlam for

getting benefit of free medical facilities provided by charitable societies.

Existing government and non-government strategies and programmes-

Government of Madhya Pradesh has adopted a typical approach for

development. It is sharing the responsibilities of development with non-

government organization and CSR. Such approach resulted in utilization of

funds through these organizations. On the real ground it seems that

schemes of Government and non-government sectors is overlapping but no

one is achieving full target. Government officials not approachable by

people of these remote areas while non-government agencies are focused

on achieving own targets, so remains less flexible in their approach. For

example agencies complaining lack of funds while I suggested adopting a



capacity building approach. They know it’s importance but unable to

implement because no initial provision were made when agreement was

signed between government and agency. People initiative is totally absent

in tribal areas due to their individualistic values (as it seems and confirmed

by Tribals themselves). This is the main reason of their low social and

political strength.

**from Government sources

Literature reviewed-

ATMA guidelines of Government-PDF

MP Government’s new policy for Agri-business

Recommendation of working group on Agriculture extension for formulation of Eleven five year plan

Background paper on revitalization of Agriculture extension

Spice-magazine MANAGE Hyd-Nov 2002 issue

Operationalization of ATMA-Dr. M.A.Kareem

Documents

ATMA Programme- An Assesment Study