National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Towards Climate-Resilient and Eco-Friendly Farming

 Launched on 1st April 2014, the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) is a flagship initiative under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) that focuses on making Indian agriculture more productive, climate-resilient, and environmentally sustainable. With special emphasis on rainfed areas, NMSA aims to empower farmers by promoting integrated farming systems, efficient water use, soil health enhancement, and resource conservation techniques.

NMSA addresses three key dimensions of sustainable agriculture—Water Use Efficiency, Nutrient Management, and Livelihood Diversification. By encouraging the adoption of energy-efficient technologies, organic and agroecological farming practices, and integrated farming systems, the mission seeks to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture while improving long-term productivity and farmer incomes.

To achieve these goals, NMSA operates through a series of interlinked schemes and programs:

1. Rainfed Area Development (RAD) – Focuses on promoting integrated farming systems for enhancing productivity and income in rainfed areas.

2. Soil Health Management (SHM) – Aims at promoting balanced fertilization and maintaining soil fertility through organic and inorganic nutrient management.

3. Sub Mission on Agro Forestry (SMAF) – Encourages tree-based farming systems that provide ecological and livelihood benefits.

4. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) – Promotes organic farming through cluster-based certification and market linkages.

5. Soil and Land Use Survey of India (SLUSI) – Conducts scientific land use surveys and planning for better agricultural land management.

6. National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA) – Provides knowledge-based support for improving productivity in dryland and rainfed areas.

7. Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) – Develops organic value chains and market linkages in the North-East.

8. National Centre of Organic Farming (NCOF) – Supports organic farming research, training, and extension services.

9. Central Fertilizer Quality Control and Training Institute (CFQC&TI) – Ensures quality control and training in fertilizer use and management.

By integrating modern technology with traditional knowledge, NMSA plays a critical role in aligning Indian agriculture with sustainable development goals (SDGs). It empowers farmers not only to cope with climate-related challenges but also to embrace a more resilient, eco-friendly, and profitable agricultural model.