National Food Security Mission, Significance, Objectives, Initiatives

The National Food Security Mission (NFSM) was launched in 2007-08 aiming to increase the production of rice, wheat, and pulses by expanding the cultivation area, enhancing productivity, restoring soil fertility, creating employment opportunities, and improving the farm-level economy. This initiative was renamed as National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (NFSNM) in 2024. Keep reading the article to know how the National Food Security Mission continues to play a major role in ensuring food security and strengthening India’s agricultural sector.

National Food Security Mission Overview

The National Food Security Mission (NFSM) is a significant initiative by the central government to increase food production and ensure food security for the growing population. The mission focuses on increasing the production of essential crops like pulses, nutri cereals, rice, wheat, and cereals. Check out the table below to get the National Food Security Mission Overview:

National Food Security Mission Objectives

The NFSM is introduced to promote the sustainable agricultural practices and enhance the productivity through the below mentioned National Food Security Mission Objectives:

1. Increase the production of rice, wheat, pulses, and coarse cereals to meet the growing food demand of the country.
2. Reduce reliance on imports and support farmers in improving their yields. 
3. Provide farmers with high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation support to improve crop yields.
4. Implement measures to restore soil health and maintain productivity at the farm level for sustainable agriculture.
5. Encourage the adoption of eco-friendly farming practices to conserve natural resources and ensure environmental balance.
6. Contribute to the nation’s food security by making more food grains available.
7. Create rural employment opportunities by promoting agricultural activities and interventions.

National Food Security Mission Scheme Details

The National Food Security Mission (NFSM) is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare through the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW). It offers both financial and technical support to farmers to increase the production of crops and new cultivation measures:

The mission primarily focuses on key food crops and operates in close partnership with state governments to ensure effective implementation and maximize its impact at the ground level. Target Crops includes Rice, wheat, pulses, coarse cereals, nutri cereals, and commercial crops.

NFSM Beneficiary

Under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), farmers of all categories are eligible to receive the scheme's benefits. This approach ensures that small, marginal, and large-scale farmers can access financial assistance, technical support, and other resources to improve their crop production and agricultural productivity.

NFSM Components

• NFSM-Rice
• NFSM-Wheat
• NFSM-Pulses
• NFSM-Coarse Cereals
• NFSM-NFSM-Nutri-Cereals
• NFSM-Commercial Crops

Initiatives under NFSM

Under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), farmers receive incentives through their respective States/UTs to enhance agricultural productivity. The support includes:

1. Promoting advanced techniques for better crop management and protection.
2. Conducting on-field demonstrations to showcase effective farming practices.
3. Encouraging the use of newly released varieties and hybrids by providing access to certified seeds.
4. Supporting sustainable farming through balanced fertilization and pest control methods.
5. Offering training programs during the cropping season to equip farmers with the latest agricultural knowledge and skills.

National Food Security Mission Application Process

Farmers can easily apply for support under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) by approaching their local Rural Agricultural Extension Officers and submitting the required documents. Other than this, they can register on the e-Krishi Yantra Grant Portal to access assistance and avail various benefits under the scheme.

National Food Security Act

The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 is a legal framework designed to provide subsidised food grains to eligible households, aiming to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in India. Key highlights of the NFSA include:

1. It covers around 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and priority households categories.
2. Each eligible person is entitled to 5 kg of wheat, rice, or grains per month at subsidised prices.
3. Food grains are distributed through an extensive network of ration shops.
4. Pregnant women are provided with nutritional support and financial assistance to ensure maternal and child health.
5. The oldest woman in the household is recognized as the head for ration card issuance, promoting gender equality.

National Food Security Mission FAQs

Q1. What is the National Food Security Mission?

Ans. The National Food Security Mission (NFSM) is a government initiative launched in 2007 to increase the production of rice, wheat, pulses, and coarse cereals.

Q2. Who launched the NFSM scheme?

Ans. The National Food Security Mission (NFSM) was launched by the Government of India under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare in 2007.

Q3. During which five year plan was NFSM launched?

Ans. The National Food Security Mission (NFSM) was launched during the 11th Five Year Plan (2007-2012) to increase the production of rice, wheat, and pulses.

Q4. Who is eligible for NFSM scheme?

Ans. Under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), eligibility includes farmers, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and State Agriculture Departments for financial and technical support.

Q5. Who is eligible for National Food Security Act?

Ans. Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), eligible beneficiaries include priority households and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families, covering about 67% of India's population.