National Rainfed Area Authority

About National Rainfed Area Authority:

• It is an expert body to provide the much-needed knowledge inputs regarding systematic up-gradation and management of the country's dry land and rainfed agriculture.
• It was established in 2006.
• The NRAA has a two tier structure.
  • Governing Board: It provides necessary leadership and appropriate coordination in implementation of programmes. 
  • The Governing Board is chaired by Union Agriculture Minister and co-chaired by Union Minister of Rural Development.
  • Executive Committee: It consists of technical experts and representatives from stakeholder Ministries. 
  • The Executive Committee would be headed by a full time Chief Executive Officer who should be a recognized expert on the subject.
  • The CEO will be supported by five full-time technical experts. The Authority is serviced by the Ministry of Agriculture and is located at Delhi.
• Mandate:
  • Water conservation and covers all aspects of sustainable and holistic development of rainfed areas, including appropriate farming and livelihood system approaches.
  • Issues pertaining to landless and marginal farmers, who constitute the large majority of inhabitants of rainfed areas, are to be addressed by the Authority.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

Q1: What is an Integrated farming system?

It is a sustainable agricultural system that integrates livestock, crop production, fish, poultry, tree crops, plantation crops and other systems that mutually benefit each other.

News: Union Government is keen to promote traditional varieties through various schemes related to agriculture and horticulture: Secretary Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi