Impact of Agricultural Technology Management Agency Programme on Diversification of Cropping System in Bihar

An investigation was undertaken at Patna and Muzaffar districts of Bihar to measure the extent of diversification in cropping system due to implementation of Strategic Research and Extension Plan of Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA). For this purpose the primary data were collected from 160 beneficiary farmers from both districts using well structured interview schedule. It was observed that there was 17.72 per cent increase in crop diversification after implementation of ATMA in projectarea. There was significant increase in area under vegetables and oil seeds mostly at the expense of area undercereals. An increase in the area under the cultivation of pulses was also observed but it was not statistically significant. Implementation of ATMA project was thus found to be successful in increasing crop diversification.