National Food Security Mission (NFSM)

Details about National Food Security Mission (NFSM): Empowering Farmers with Advanced Techniques

The National Food Security Mission (NFSM) aims to increase crop production by closing the yield gap through advanced farming techniques and better resource management. This government initiative provides farmers with access to improved seeds, modern farming tools, and sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring a boost in productivity and income.

Key Benefits of the NFSM

1. Demonstration Programs

Farmers receive incentives to learn and adopt better farming practices through on-field demonstrations:

• ₹9,000 per hectare for single-crop demonstrations (except coarse cereals).
• ₹15,000 per hectare for cropping-system-based demonstrations.
• ₹6,000 per hectare for demonstrations of coarse cereals.

2. Seed Distribution

Farmers can purchase seeds with financial assistance, covering up to 2 hectares per crop season under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. The subsidy rate varies by crop.

By focusing on innovation and sustainability, the NFSM supports farmers in achieving higher yields and contributing to India’s food security goals.

Benefits of National Food Security Mission (NFSM)

Key Benefits of the National Food Security Mission (NFSM)

The National Food Security Mission (NFSM) offers a range of benefits to empower farmers and boost agricultural productivity:

1. Increase Crop Production
   Enhance the overall production and productivity of key crops across the country.
2. Promote Advanced Farming Techniques
   Spread awareness and adoption of improved technologies and seed varieties through Cluster Demonstrations, Cluster Frontline Demonstrations, and Frontline Demonstrations.
3. Seed Assistance
   Provide support for the production and distribution of high-quality certified seeds to farmers.
4. Nutrient and Pest Management
   Offer guidance and resources for effective nutrient and pest management to improve crop health.
5. Farm Tools and Post-Harvest Support
   Enable farmers with financial aid for farm implements, machines, water-carrying pipes, and post-harvest technologies such as Dal Mills, de-stoning, and grading equipment.

This comprehensive approach helps farmers adopt sustainable practices while ensuring better yields and improved incomes.

What is the eligibility criteria for National Food Security Mission (NFSM)?

The National Food Security Mission (NFSM) is open to all farmers, with specific guidelines to ensure targeted support for various groups and regions.

General Eligibility

• All farmers can benefit from the scheme for various components, limited to 5 hectares per season.

Special Allocations for Target Groups

1. Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST):
   • 16% of funds are reserved for SC farmers under the Special Component Plan (SCP).
   • 8% of funds are allocated for ST farmers under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP).
   • States may adjust allocations based on the population of SC/ST farmers in their districts.
2. Small and Marginal Farmers:
   • At least 33% of funds are reserved for small and marginal farmers.
3. Women Farmers:
   • At least 30% of funds are earmarked for women farmers.

Criteria for District Selection

1. NFSM-Rice and NFSM-Wheat:
   • Districts with over 50,000 hectares of farmland and yields below the state average are included.
2. Northeast Regions:
   • All districts in northeastern states (excluding Assam) with at least 5,000 hectares under rice are covered.
3. Hill States:
   • Districts in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand with at least 15,000 hectares under rice or wheat are selected.
4. NFSM-Pulses:
   • All districts in 29 states are included.
5. NFSM-Coarse Cereals:
   • Districts covering 70% of the state’s total coarse cereal area (maize and barley) are targeted.
6. NFSM-Nutri-Cereals:
   • All states growing jowar, bajra, ragi, and small millets are eligible.

Demonstration Cluster Requirements

1. Cluster Front Line Demonstration (CFLD):
   • Organized by ICAR, clusters must cover at least 25 hectares.
2. Front Line Demonstration (FLD):
   • Organized by ICAR, clusters must cover at least 1 hectare.
3. Demonstrations by State Governments:
   • Clusters must cover 100 hectares, or 25 hectares for hilly and northeastern states.

This strategic allocation ensures the scheme reaches underserved areas, uplifts marginalized farmers, and promotes sustainable agricultural growth.

How to apply for National Food Security Mission (NFSM)?

Farmers can benefit from the NFSM through a transparent and structured process involving local and state-level authorities. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1: Beneficiary Identification

• Eligible farmers are identified in a transparent and time-bound manner.
• Local Gram Panchayats and Panchayati Raj Institutions play an active role in selecting beneficiary farmers and interventions for the program.

2: Fund Allocation to States

• The National Food Security Mission Executive Committee (NFSM-EC) approves and releases funds to State Governments.

3: Transfer of Funds to State Agencies

• State Governments transfer the approved funds to their respective State-Level Agencies through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) or Treasury.

4: District-Level Allocation

• State-Level Agencies distribute the funds to District-Level Agencies as per the approved program for each district.

5: Funds to Implementing Agencies/Beneficiaries

• District-Level Agencies release the funds directly to Implementing Agencies or beneficiary farmers.

This streamlined process ensures the benefits of the NFSM reach farmers efficiently, enabling them to access resources and support for sustainable farming practices.

What are the documents required to apply for National Food Security Mission (NFSM)?

To apply for the NFSM scheme, farmers need to provide the following essential documents:

1. Aadhaar Number – For identification and verification.
2. Caste Certificate – Required for Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) applicants.
3. Bank Details – To facilitate direct transfer of funds.

Note: Additional documents may be needed depending on the type of intervention and the state’s specific requirements. Farmers are advised to check with local authorities for detailed documentation guidelines.

Providing accurate documents ensures a smooth application process and quick access to scheme benefits.

Source and References

• Guidelines