Question

Decentralized bottom up extension includes the approaches as:
A. Training and Visit system (T&V)
B. National Agricultural Technology Project (NATP)
C. Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA)
D. Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC)

• A. A only
• B. B and C only
• C. B, C and D only
• D. A, B, C and D

Hint:

ATMA (C) is the classic example of decentralized, bottom-up, and participatory extension in India. T&V (A) is the classic example of a centralized, top-down approach. This distinction is vital.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Agricultural extension systems have shifted from rigid, centralized, top-down approaches to flexible, decentralized, bottom-up, and participatory models.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate each extension approach:
- Training and Visit (T&V) System (A): Introduced in the 1970s under World Bank funding, it was a highly centralized, rigid, and top-down hierarchical extension model. Thus, it is excluded.
- NATP (B) and ATMA (C): The National Agricultural Technology Project (NATP) introduced the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) model to India. ATMA is a registered society at the district level that promotes decentralized, participatory, and bottom-up extension planning, integrating research, extension, and farmers.
- ATIC (D): While a useful single-window service center, it is a service-delivery mechanism rather than a decentralized, bottom-up planning model.
Therefore, the approaches that represent decentralized, bottom-up planning are B (NATP) and C (ATMA).

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct approaches are B and C only, matching Option (B).