Central Government Scheme : The National Food Security Mission (NFSM)

  Central Government Scheme : The National Food Security Mission (NFSM) 

Introduction :

The National Food Security Mission (NFSM) is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented by the Government of India to increase the production and productivity of food crops and ensure food security in the country. It was launched in 2007-08 and is one of the flagship programs under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare.

The primary objective of NFSM is to bridge the yield gaps in food crops and enhance the food production capabilities of farmers. The scheme focuses on increasing the production of rice, wheat, pulses, and coarse cereals in targeted districts of the country.

Main Features of NFSM Scheme :

The National Food Security Mission (NFSM) scheme has several key features that aim to enhance food production, improve agricultural productivity, and ensure food security in India. The main features of the NFSM scheme are as follows:

Area-specific approach: NFSM adopts an area-specific strategy by targeting districts and regions where the productivity of food crops is comparatively low. The scheme focuses on addressing the specific challenges and constraints faced by farmers in these areas.

Crop-specific interventions: NFSM focuses on four main crops: rice, wheat, pulses, and coarse cereals. Crop-specific interventions are implemented to enhance the production and productivity of these food crops. The interventions are tailored to the specific requirements and characteristics of each crop.

Seed distribution: NFSM promotes the distribution of quality seeds of improved varieties to farmers. These seeds are selected based on their yield potential, resistance to pests and diseases, and suitability to local agro-climatic conditions. Subsidized rates are provided to ensure affordable access to high-quality seeds.

Promotion of balanced use of fertilizers: The scheme encourages the balanced use of fertilizers by providing soil health cards to farmers. Soil testing is conducted to assess the nutrient status of the soil, and recommendations are provided to farmers for appropriate fertilizer application. This helps optimize fertilizer use, reduce input costs, and improve soil health.

Integrated pest management: NFSM emphasizes the adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) practices to control pests and diseases in food crops. Farmers are trained on IPM techniques, and support is provided in the form of bio-pesticides, bio-control agents, and other eco-friendly pest management approaches.

Water management: The scheme promotes efficient water management practices in agriculture. This includes the adoption of micro-irrigation techniques, water-saving technologies, and better water management practices. Efficient water use helps conserve water resources and improve water use efficiency in crop production.

Farm machinery and equipment: NFSM supports the availability and promotion of farm machinery and equipment to enhance farm mechanization. This includes the distribution of farm implements, machinery, and equipment to farmers at subsidized rates. Mechanization helps reduce labor requirements, improve operational efficiency, and enhance productivity.

Capacity building and training: The scheme focuses on capacity building and training of farmers, extension workers, and other stakeholders. Training programs are conducted to impart knowledge on improved agronomic practices, modern technologies, crop management techniques, and sustainable farming practices.

Market support: NFSM facilitates better market linkages for farmers by promoting the establishment of farmer-producer organizations, market infrastructure, and value addition activities. This helps farmers in getting fair prices for their produce, accessing markets efficiently, and participating in value chain activities.

Monitoring and evaluation: The scheme includes a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the progress and impact of the implemented activities. Regular monitoring helps identify gaps, address challenges, and ensure effective implementation of the scheme.

These features collectively contribute to the overall objectives of increasing food production, improving farmers' income, enhancing agricultural productivity, and ensuring food security in India.

Advantages of the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) scheme:

Increased food production: NFSM aims to bridge yield gaps and increase the production and productivity of food crops. By promoting improved agronomic practices, quality seeds, balanced fertilizer use, and integrated pest management, the scheme can contribute to increased food production, helping meet the growing food demand of the country.

Food security: NFSM plays a crucial role in ensuring food security in India. By focusing on major food crops such as rice, wheat, pulses, and coarse cereals, the scheme helps enhance their availability, reducing dependence on imports and stabilizing food prices.

Improved farm incomes: The scheme's interventions, such as seed distribution, promotion of efficient farming practices, and market linkages, can contribute to increased farm incomes. By enhancing crop productivity and facilitating access to markets, farmers have the potential to earn higher returns from their produce.

Enhanced agricultural productivity: NFSM encourages the adoption of modern technologies, farm mechanization, and efficient water management practices. These interventions can enhance agricultural productivity, leading to higher yields and improved overall farm efficiency.

Capacity building and knowledge dissemination: The scheme focuses on capacity building and training programs for farmers and extension workers. This helps in disseminating knowledge about improved farming techniques, agronomic practices, and pest management strategies. Farmers gain access to valuable information, empowering them to make informed decisions and adopt best practices.

Disadvantages of the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) scheme:

Limited coverage: The NFSM scheme primarily targets specific districts and regions with low productivity of food crops. While this ensures targeted interventions, there may be areas outside the scheme's coverage that could also benefit from similar support and interventions.

Implementation challenges: The effective implementation of NFSM requires coordination between multiple stakeholders, including central and state governments, agriculture departments, and extension agencies. Ensuring timely and efficient delivery of inputs, services, and support to farmers can be challenging and may lead to implementation bottlenecks.

Inadequate infrastructure: While NFSM focuses on improving agricultural productivity, the lack of adequate infrastructure such as storage facilities, cold chains, and market linkages can hinder farmers' ability to effectively market their produce and obtain fair prices. Strengthening infrastructure support is crucial to fully realize the potential benefits of the scheme.

Sustainability concerns: The scheme's emphasis on high-yielding varieties, increased fertilizer use, and intensive farming practices may raise concerns about long-term sustainability. Overreliance on external inputs without adequate attention to soil health, natural resource conservation, and ecological balance could lead to environmental degradation and dependence on costly inputs.

Differential impact: The benefits of NFSM may not be equally distributed among all farmers. Small and marginalized farmers, who often face resource constraints and limited access to inputs and credit, may not fully benefit from the scheme. Ensuring equitable access to support and addressing the specific needs of smallholder farmers is crucial for inclusive agricultural development.

Finance and subsidy of NFSM scheme:

The National Food Security Mission (NFSM) is a centrally sponsored scheme, with financial assistance provided by both the central and state governments. The funding pattern for NFSM is shared between the central government and the respective state governments based on a specified ratio.

The financial support for NFSM is allocated under the following components:

Seed Subsidy: NFSM provides subsidies for the distribution of quality seeds of improved varieties to farmers. The subsidy amount varies depending on the type of crop and the category of farmers (small, marginal, or others). The central government provides a certain percentage of the seed subsidy, while the remaining portion is borne by the state government.

Integrated Nutrient Management (INM): The INM component of NFSM focuses on promoting balanced fertilizer use through soil health management and soil nutrient management practices. Financial assistance is provided to farmers for soil testing, the distribution of soil health cards, and promoting organic manure and bio-fertilizers. The central government provides a certain percentage of the INM subsidy, and the state government contributes the remaining share.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM): NFSM supports the adoption of integrated pest management practices to control pests and diseases in food crops. Financial assistance is provided for training programs, distribution of bio-pesticides, bio-control agents, and other IPM inputs. The central government provides a certain percentage of the IPM subsidy, and the state government bears the rest.

Farm Mechanization: NFSM promotes the use of farm machinery and equipment to enhance farm mechanization and labor-saving practices. Financial support is provided for the distribution of farm implements, machinery, and equipment at subsidized rates to farmers. The central government provides a specific percentage of the subsidy, and the state government contributes the remaining amount.

The specific financial allocations and subsidy percentages may vary from year to year and between states based on their respective agricultural potential and performance. The central government determines the overall budget allocation for NFSM, and the state governments allocate their share of funds accordingly.

It's important to note that the exact financial details, subsidy percentages, and allocation can change over time as per government policies and budgetary decisions. Farmers and stakeholders can refer to the official government notifications and guidelines for the most up-to-date information on the financial aspects and subsidy provisions of the NFSM scheme.

How to Apply :

To apply for the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) scheme, you can follow the general process outlined below. However, it's important to note that the specific application process may vary depending on the state and district you are located in. It is advisable to refer to the official guidelines and contact the respective State Department of Agriculture or the designated implementing agency for detailed instructions on the application procedure. Here are the general steps:

Visit the Agriculture Department: Contact the State Department of Agriculture or the designated agency responsible for implementing the NFSM scheme in your state. They will provide you with the necessary information and application forms.

Obtain Application Form: Request the application form for the specific component of the NFSM scheme you wish to apply for. For example, if you are interested in seed subsidy, INM, IPM, or farm mechanization, request the respective application form(s) from the department.

Fill in the Application Form: Carefully fill in the application form, providing accurate and complete information. Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the particular component you are applying for, such as landholding size, category of farmer, etc.

Attach Required Documents: Gather the necessary documents as specified in the application form. These documents may include identification proof, land ownership documents, bank account details, and any other documents specific to the component you are applying for. Make sure to include all the required supporting documents with your application.

Submit the Application: Once you have filled in the application form and attached the necessary documents, submit the application to the designated office or agency mentioned in the guidelines. Ensure that you submit the application within the specified timeline.

Application Verification and Approval: The submitted applications will undergo a verification process by the authorities. They will assess the eligibility and completeness of the application. If your application is found to be eligible and meets the criteria, it will be considered for approval.

Grant Disbursement: If your application is approved, you will be notified about the acceptance of your application and the subsidy or support you are eligible to receive under the NFSM scheme. The subsidy amount or assistance will be disbursed to your bank account as per the specified procedure.

It is important to stay updated with the guidelines and notifications related to the NFSM scheme in your state, as there may be specific requirements, deadlines, and contact information that you need to be aware of. Contacting the State Department of Agriculture or the designated implementing agency will provide you with accurate and detailed information on the application process and any additional requirements specific to your location.