The National Food Security Mission (NFSM) is a flagship scheme launched by the Government of India to increase the production of key food grains, ensuring food security and addressing the challenges of hunger and malnutrition.

Objectives of NFSM

  1. Increase the production of rice, wheat, pulses, coarse cereals, and commercial crops.
  2. Enhance productivity of crops through sustainable farming practices.
  3. Bridge the gap between actual and potential yields in identified regions.
  4. Strengthen farmers' capacity by providing access to improved seeds, fertilizers, and technology.
  5. Promote climate-resilient agriculture practices to ensure sustainability.

Key Features of NFSM

  1. Launched in 2007-08 under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare.
  2. Focus on increasing production of food grains in identified districts across India.
  3. Provision of subsidized seeds, fertilizers, and pest control measures.
  4. Encouragement of integrated pest management and balanced use of nutrients.
  5. Promotion of technology adoption like seed drills, sprinklers, and irrigation systems.

Components of NFSM

  1. NFSM-Rice: Aims to increase rice production in major rice-growing states.
  2. NFSM-Wheat: Focuses on improving wheat yield in wheat-growing regions.
  3. NFSM-Pulses: Promotes pulse cultivation to reduce dependency on imports.
  4. NFSM-Coarse Cereals: Aims at increasing production of millets and other coarse cereals.
  5. NFSM-Commercial Crops: Targets crops like sugarcane, cotton, and jute to enhance production.

Implementation of NFSM

  1. Implemented in identified districts across states based on their agricultural potential.
  2. Focuses on cluster demonstrations to showcase improved practices to farmers.
  3. Includes provision for training, workshops, and capacity building of farmers.
  4. Emphasizes convergence with other schemes like the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).

Achievements of NFSM

  1. Significant increase in the production of rice, wheat, and pulses.
  2. Reduction in the yield gap between potential and actual crop productivity.
  3. Improved access to quality seeds and modern farming technologies.
  4. Encouraged the adoption of integrated nutrient management practices.
  5. Strengthened food security in the country by addressing production challenges.

Challenges of NFSM

  1. Regional Disparities: Uneven implementation across states and regions.
  2. Climate Change: Adverse weather conditions affecting crop yields.
  3. Awareness Gaps: Limited knowledge among farmers about available benefits.
  4. Infrastructure Issues: Lack of proper storage and distribution facilities.
  5. Monitoring: Weak monitoring mechanisms in some regions.

Key Points for Competitive Exams

  1. The National Food Security Mission (NFSM) was launched in 2007-08.
  2. NFSM focuses on increasing the production of rice, wheat, pulses, coarse cereals, and commercial crops.
  3. The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare.
  4. NFSM provides subsidized inputs like seeds and fertilizers to farmers.
  5. The scheme emphasizes cluster demonstrations to showcase improved practices.
  6. Components include NFSM-Rice, NFSM-Wheat, NFSM-Pulses, and NFSM-Coarse Cereals.
  7. NFSM promotes climate-resilient agriculture to ensure sustainability.
  8. Challenges include regional disparities and infrastructure bottlenecks.
  9. NFSM has significantly contributed to ensuring food security in India.

Category

Questions

  1. What is the main objective of the National Food Security Mission?
  2. When was the National Food Security Mission launched?
  3. Which crops are primarily targeted under the National Food Security Mission?
  4. Under which plan was the National Food Security Mission introduced?
  5. What is the main funding pattern of the National Food Security Mission?
  6. Which ministry is responsible for implementing the National Food Security Mission?
  7. What is the focus of the Mission’s Sustainable Agriculture component?
  8. What is the role of technology under the National Food Security Mission?
  9. How does the National Food Security Mission aim to increase productivity?
  10. What is a key feature of the National Food Security Mission related to pulses?
  11. Which institution provides technical support to the National Food Security Mission?
  12. What type of irrigation practices are encouraged under the Mission?
  13. What is the target growth rate for food grain production under the Mission?
  14. Which regions are prioritized under the National Food Security Mission?
  15. What is the role of cluster demonstrations in the National Food Security Mission?
  16. What financial incentive is provided for seed production under the scheme?
  17. What is the major challenge addressed by the National Food Security Mission?
  18. How does the Mission address nutrient management?
  19. What component of the Mission focuses on skill development for farmers?
  20. What is the Mission’s approach towards pest management?
  21. How does the Mission promote farm mechanization?
  22. Which body monitors the implementation of the National Food Security Mission?
  23. How does the Mission ensure efficient water use in agriculture?
  24. What is the role of farmer cooperatives under the scheme?
  25. How does the Mission ensure equitable distribution of resources?
  26. Which pulse crop was specifically targeted for increased production under the scheme?
  27. What is the role of the state governments in the Mission?
  28. How does the scheme promote private sector participation?
  29. What is a limitation of the National Food Security Mission?
  30. Which international body’s goals align with the objectives of the National Food Security Mission?
  31. What is a significant achievement of the National Food Security Mission?
  32. How are beneficiaries of the Mission identified?