Impact of Agricultural Technology Information Centre on beneficiaries in Marathwada region

Abstract

The present study assessed the impact of the Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC) on its beneficiaries in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra during 2021-22. A total of 180 beneficiaries were selected using an ex post facto research design to evaluate the effectiveness of ATIC services in enhancing agricultural knowledge, decision-making, and livelihood outcomes. The findings revealed that socio-economic and communication variables played a significant role in determining the impact of ATIC interventions. Path analysis indicated that annual income, educational status, social participation, training exposure, and access to information sources exerted a strong direct and indirect influence on the overall impact of ATIC services. In the absence of these critical factors, the effectiveness of independent variables in influencing beneficiary outcomes was considerably reduced. The study highlights the pivotal role of ATIC as a single-window delivery system for technology dissemination, diagnostic services, and need-based advisory support to farming communities. Strengthening farmer capacity through targeted training, improved information access, and enhanced participation can substantially increase the effectiveness and outreach of ATIC interventions in the region.