Regular Update
New Delhi: To make rural India self-reliant, skilled, and economically strong, the central government has effectively implemented four major schemes ATMA, STRY, SMAM, and DAY-NRLM to expand agriculture, develop skills, and strengthen rural livelihoods. This information was shared by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Friday.
ATMA: Bringing Modern Farming Knowledge to Farmers
The ATMA (Agricultural Technology Management Agency) scheme, running since 2005-06, operates in 734 districts across 28 states and 5 union territories. It provides farmers with modern farming techniques, better agricultural practices, training, demonstrations, farmer meetings, exposure visits, and guidance through agricultural schools.
STRY: Skill Opportunities for Rural Youth
The Skill Training for Rural Youth (STRY) scheme, launched in 2015-16, helps rural youth become employable. Run in collaboration with MANAGE, SAMETI, and ATMA, it offers short-term skill-based training. So far, more than 86,000 rural youth and farmers have received training under this scheme.
SMAM: Promoting Farm Mechanization
Under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM), farmers receive 40–50% subsidy to buy farming equipment. This helps make farming more modern, productive, and cost-efficient.
DAY-NRLM: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
Under the Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM), women and their families are encouraged to start non-farm businesses through the SVEP program. Self-help groups (SHGs) are supported in setting up small industries, connecting with markets, developing digital skills, and building brands.
Specially, national trademarks like ‘Saras’, ‘Saras Aajeevika’, and ‘Aajeevika’ help SHG products gain recognition across the country.
These four initiatives in farming, skill development, mechanization, and women entrepreneurship are giving new strength to the rural economy. For rural youth and women, these schemes are not just government programs but a path to self-reliance.
