Question

Analyse the role of the ‘National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture’ to solve this problem.

Answer 1

The NMSA, launched under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), aims to transform Indian agriculture into a more resilient and productive system through the following key actions:

1. Rainfed Area Development (RAD): Promotes Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) that include crops, livestock, fisheries, and horticulture. This diversification reduces the chance of crop failure while also ensuring farmers’ consistent income.
2. Soil Health Management (SHM): Implements the Soil Health Card Scheme, which provides farmers with nutrient status assessments and customised fertiliser recommendations to prevent soil exhaustion and lower input costs.
3. On-Farm Water Management (OFWM): Focuses on “More Crop Per Drop” by encouraging micro-irrigation (drip and sprinkler systems) and water collection. This increases water-use efficiency, particularly in water-scarce locations.
4. Climate Resilience (CCSAMMN): Develops and disseminates climate-resilient technologies, as well as real-time weather data, to assist farmers in adapting to unpredictable weather patterns.
5. Agroforestry: Encourages tree planting on fields to improve soil organic matter and give additional revenue, protecting farmers from climate shocks.