Bhopal:Saturday, September 27, 2008:The state government is according special importance to farm schools due to their vital role in extension reform programme (ATMA). The per unit cost of farm school has been fixed at Rs 51 thousand 74 by the government of India. Under this scheme, first row demonstrations will be held for farmers who would have come out with best performance in one hectare area.
Each farm school will have 25 farmers, who are presidents of Krishak Ruchi Samooh, as students. Under the scheme, these selected farmers will be exposed to study tours six times at the critical stages of crops. Each Ruchi Samooh will have 20 members. Thus, 500 farmers will be made aware of improved farm techniques through every farm school.
Under ATMA scheme, works to the tune of Rs 1773 lakh of seven selected institutions have been finalised under public-private participation during 2008-09. Highlights of this programme include establishment of 1213 farm schools in 173 development blocks in 39 districts, 15 thousand 92 demonstrations, 58 thousand 875 training days and 12 thousand 995 study tours.