Revised ATMA Guidelines - TNAU Agritech Portal

2.3. SUPPORT FOR INNOVATIVE ACTIVITY AT VILLAGE LEVEL(FARMER FRIEND):It is necessary to identify and groom progressive farmers to act as focalpoints at village level. A progressive farmer identified as Farmer Friend(FF) will be placed @ one FF per two census inhabited villages. The FFwill help in activating the much-needed village-based, bottom-upplanning process and serve as vital link, between extension system andfarmers at village level. Farmer Friend will lead by example and isexpected to have up-graded skills and would be available in the villageto advise on agriculture and allied activities. The Farmer Friend willbe engaged by BTM on a resolution of Gram Panchayat (GP), whichwill, in turn, consult FIGs working in the Panchayat area.(i) FFs will not be paid any cash-compensation but it is proposedto provide them with a special opportunity for up-gradation of skillsthrough trainings, study tours and visits to SAUs / other institutes.An amount of Rs.2000 per Farmer Friend per year is proposed for thispurpose which will be supplemented equally, by State Governments.Hence, a total sum of Rs. 4,000 per Farmer Friend per year will beused to meet contingency expenditure which he incurs towardsdischarge of his duties as a Farmer Friend.(ii) Since male farmers are involved in varied agriculturalactivities which may require their frequent movements outside thevillage, more women farmers may be involved as ‘Farmer Friends’.Women Farmer Friends will also be helpful in reaching out to womenfarmers / farm women.Guidelines for Modified ‘Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms’ Scheme, 201024