The significance of suitable information package and its spreading as one input has understood additional emphasis in the present age of information and technology. The kind of information and the way it is to be used are key factors for the development of agriculture. It is also worth noting that it is no longer enough for research to generate information alone. The required information is also to be delivered to the end users at one place. This information must be direct clear and easily understandable and without providing any scope for distortion.
The foundation stone of agricultural revolution has been the accessibility of improved varieties of crops, breeds of livestock including poultry and fisheries, horticultural plant materials and improved management practices for improved productivity, sustainability and stability of various crop and livestock enterprises. This has raised the hunt by farmers for future availability of seed, planting materials and other materials, trouble-free accessibility to diagnostic services for soil fertility and plant protection, availability of appropriate information through leaflets and pamphlets and increased scope in sale of consultancy services.
Habitually the farmers are not aware as to whom and where to approach for field problems. It is felt that the facilities of a single window approach will unable farmers to have the required information for the solution to their problems related to the areas in which the concerned institute is involved. With these views, the ICAR has taken decision to set up ATICs as a part of World Bank Funded National Agricultural Technology Project in the year 1990-91. In Gujarat, S. D. Agricultural University, Anand Agricultural University, Navsari Agricultural University, and Junagadh Agricultural University has such center.
Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC) is a single window support system linking the various units of a research institutes with intermediary users and end users (farmers) in decision making and problem solving exercise.
Objectives of the centre:
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1. To provide a single window delivery system for the products and species available from an institution to the farmers and other interested groups as a process of innovativeness in technology dissemination at the institute level.
2 To facilitate farmers to access the institutional resources available in terms of technology, advice, technology products etc. for reducing technology dissemination losses.
3. To provide mechanism for feedback from the users to the institute. In addition to support individual farmers /groups, public and private agencies in supplying quality materials technology, technologies knowledge etc. The information, services and supplies will include