NATIONAL MISSION FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

MAJOR PROGRAMS UNDER NMSA: –

There are 4 major programs under NMSA. They are as follows: –

1.Rainfed Area Development(RAD): –

It develops an area-based approach for the development and conservation of natural resources along with farming systems. RAD is the cluster of different dimensions of agriculture such as crops, horticulture, livestock, forestry, fishery, and other agro-based activities which are sources of raising money. It implements good practices that control soil nutrients based on the development of farming land and soil health cards. RAD grows new property resources like banks for fodder, and grains, combined marketing initiatives, and shredders for biomass. RAD is based on a cluster-based approach with an area of 100 hectares or more.

2.On-Farm Water Management(OFWM): –

By encouraging advanced on-farm water conservation equipment and technologies OFWM emphasizes on optimum usage of water. Rain water management and harvesting is one of the major area of focus. For utilizing the MGNREGA mission, water conservation on the farm by digging farm pond is encouraged.

3.Soil Health Management: –

It promotes sustainable practices which is ultimately good for soil health. it is based on specific locations and the type of crops that could be particularly farmed. It can be achieved with the support of various techniques like organic farming by making new maps with details on soil fertility. And also combining them with micro-management and macro-management of nutrients, management of residue, correct use of fertilizers, minimizing degradation & soil erosion, and perfect use of land.

Under soil health management thematic maps are thereafter generated by Geographical Information System(GIS) technology.And also the database is created on land and soil with the help of scientific surveys.

The Soil and Land Use Survey of India, the National Centre of Organic Farming(NSOF), the State Government and Central Fertilizer Quality Control and Training Institute, and the State Government as a whole are responsible for maintaining Soil Health Management.

4. Climate Change and Sustainable Agriculture: Monitoring, Modeling and Networking(CCSANNM):-

Create and circulate knowledge and also upgraded information on climate change.

Coordinate with other schemes or missions like RKVY, Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Program(AIBP), MGNREGA, IWMP, and NMAET. It also supports pilot blocks for disseminating rainfed technologies.

STRATEGY OF NMSA: –

1. Resource Conservation Technology: – Through popularizing resource conservation technology (both on- and off-farm), the mission establishes various practices. These practices will support reduction efforts during severe climatic events or disasters such as floods, droughts, heavy rain, etc.

2. Use of Technology: – Encouraging the use of technology to improve water use efficiency and promote effective water management of the water resources that are currently accessible.

3. Complementary or remainder Production System: – The mission encourages using complementary/remainder production systems. This will provide livelihood options and will ensure food security hence it will reduce the risk of crop failure in the Integrated farming system.

4. Use of Integrated Nutrient Management Techniques: -Promoting the use of Integrated nutrient, management techniques that are appropriate to a given site and crop. This will consequently improve soil quality, increase agricultural yield, and maintain the quality of land resources and water.

5. Better Agronomic Practices: Advertising better agronomic practices to increase farm outputs,  and water holding capacity, improve soil treatment, promote soil carbon storage, and use chemicals and energy wisely.

6. Collaboration from Academic Institutions and Experts: Collaborating with academic institutions and experts in creating methods for climate change prevention and adaptation for particular agroclimatic circumstances.

OBJECTIVE OF NMSA: –

1. Making farming activities more sustainable, productive, climate resilient, and also profitable by encouraging location-specific composite/ Integrated farming systems.
2. To preserve natural resources through appropriate soil and moisture conservation practices.
3. Optimizing utilization of water resources to finally expand coverage for achieving “more crop per drop” through efficient water management.
4. To encourage farmers to correspondingly shift towards organic practices. The mission encourages methods that minimizes the use of synthetic inputs and thereby promote healthier and chemical-free products.
5. To adopt overall soil health management practices based on soil fertility maps, soil test-based application of macro & micronutrients, wise use of fertilizers, etc.
6. To formulate models in a selected block for improving the productivity of rainfed farming by mainstreaming rainfed technologies refined through NICRA and also by leveraging resources from other schemes/Missions like MGNREGA, IWMP, RKVY, etc.

To more about MGNREGA visit:

To know more about RKVY, visit:

7. To advocate crop diversification to ultimately minimize the risk of pest outbreaks and integrate livestock and agroforestry for sustainable farming.
8. To equip farmers with training programs on sustainable practices, creating opportunities for additional sources of income through agro-processing and value addition.
9. To motivate farmers to accept advanced technologies for precision farming, including the use of genetically modified crops for increased productivity in due time.

CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD:-

CHALLENGES:

1.Financial problems-Limited resources finally stops the progress in adopting sustainable practices.

2.Impact of climatic change- Uncertain weather affects agricultural produces and livelihoods as a whole.

3.Market constraints- Market access for sustainable produces and insufficient demand particularly pose a challenge in the way of this mission.

4.Infrastructure Deficit-Inadequate facilities for processing as well as storing sustainable produce pose a challenge.

5.Awareness Gap- Farmers and people involved in farming as a whole are unaware about benefits of sustainable practices.

WAY FORWARD:

1.Financial support-Provide subsidies, financial incentives and credit facilities for farmers thereupon shifting to sustainable agricultural methods.

2.Climate adaptable plans- Establish  water saving techniques, climate adaptable crops farming and insurance forclimate –related losses.

3.Market Expansion-Promote eco-friendly certificatins, create consumer awareness & create sustainable –focused markets.

4.Infrastructure Development-Support and grow sustainable produce supply chains by developing cold storages, modern Infrastructure and efficient transportation.

5.Training Initiatives- Conduct training and awareness sessions and workshops to educate farmers about sustainable agricultural practices.

CONCLUSION:

In conclusion, The National mission for sustainable agriculture is like a guiding torch for farmers and the environment. It is all about doing agricultural activities in a way that saves water, promote nature as well as keeps soil healthy. By growing different types of crops and using smart way of farming we can thereby ensure that our foods are healthy and our land stays fertile.As a matter of fact if common people along with Government of India work together and keep updating their knowledge, we can make sure that our farms stay green, our farmers stay happy and our future is bright. Though there are so many challenges as mentioned above,by attacking these challenges in a planned way we can pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future in agriculture. This will consequently benefit both farmers and the climate.

To read more Government schemes, kindly visit:

www.blessedimran.com