Question

Farmers Information and Advisory Centre (FIAC)

• A. Village level
• B. Block level
• C. Distric level
• D. State level

Hint:

Under the ATMA extension model:
District Level $\rightarrow$ ATMA Governing Board and Management Committee.
Block Level $\rightarrow$ Farmers Information and Advisory Centre (FIAC) and Block Technology Team (BTT).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) is a decentralized agricultural extension program in India.
It operates at different administrative levels to deliver technology, information, and advisory services directly to farmers.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Under the ATMA model, extension activities are structured to bridge the gap between research institutions and farming communities:
1. District Level: ATMA is registered as a society at the district level, serving as the primary hub for agricultural planning and resource management.
2. Block Level: The Farmers Information and Advisory Centre (FIAC) is established at the block level.
The FIAC acts as a single-window cell for providing technical advice, extension services, and agricultural information to local farmers.
It is supported by two main bodies: the Block Technology Team (BTT), consisting of technical officers from different departments, and the Block Farmers Advisory Committee (BFAC), which represents the farming community.
3. Village Level: Activities are implemented through Farmer Interest Groups (FIGs) and Food Security Groups (FSGs) rather than a formal advisory center.
Therefore, the FIAC operates at the block level within the extension structure.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The Farmers Information and Advisory Centre (FIAC) operates at the Block level, which corresponds to Option (B).