Explore the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)—its objectives, key components like Rainfed Area Development (RAD), Per Drop More Crop (PDMC), and Soil Health Management (SHM), the role of National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA), major achievements, and its contribution to SDG 2, SDG 6, and SDG 13. Important for APSC & UPSC ( Prelims & Mains ).
Blog Source: PIB
About NMSA
- Launched in 2014-15 under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
- Aims to promote climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture while ensuring food and livelihood security.
- Focuses on improving the productivity and sustainability of rainfed farming, which accounts for nearly 60% of India’s net sown area and contributes about 40% of total food production.
- Integrated under the Green Revolution–Krishonnati Yojana as a sub-mission from 2018-19.
- Since 2022-23, it has been implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PMRKVY).
Integrated Interventions under NMSA
The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) promotes climate-resilient farming through integrated interventions focused on efficient resource use and sustainable production.
Key Interventions
- Rainfed Area Development (RAD): Promotes Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) to diversify income sources and reduce climate-related risks.
- Per Drop More Crop (PDMC): Encourages micro-irrigation to enhance water-use efficiency and conserve water resources.
- Soil Health Management (SHM): Supports sustainable farming through improved soil health practices.
- Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme: Promotes balanced nutrient application based on soil testing, helping maintain long-term soil fertility.
Rainfed Area Development (RAD)
- Implemented under NMSA since 2014-15.
- Promotes agro-climatic zone-specific Integrated Farming System (IFS) models developed by ICAR.
- Encourages the integration of:
- Multi-cropping
- Crop rotation
- Intercropping and mixed cropping
- Allied activities such as horticulture, livestock, and fisheries
- Aims to improve farm productivity, income diversification, and resilience to climate variability.
National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA)
- Acts as an expert body for the development and management of dryland and rainfed agriculture in India.
- Provides knowledge-based inputs and policy support to strengthen rainfed farming systems.
- Facilitates coordination among different agencies to promote sustainable agricultural practices in rainfed areas.
Per Drop More Crop (PDMC)
The PDMC initiative aims to improve water-use efficiency through the adoption of micro-irrigation technologies and other water-saving practices.
Key Features
- Provides subsidies to farmers for adopting micro-irrigation systems.
- Promotes efficient water use at the farm level through:
- Drip Irrigation: Delivers water directly to the root zone, reducing wastage and improving resource efficiency.
- Sprinkler Irrigation: Distributes water through pipes and nozzles, simulating rainfall and ensuring uniform field coverage.
Achievements and Targets
- Since 2015-16, around 109 lakh hectares have been brought under micro-irrigation.
- The Centre has released ₹26,325 crore as financial assistance under the scheme.
- The government aims to cover 100 lakh hectares under micro-irrigation during 2025-26 to 2029-30.
- To achieve this target, approximately 20 lakh hectares need to be covered annually under PDMC.
Soil Health Management (SHM)
SHM promotes sustainable and location-specific soil management practices to improve soil fertility and agricultural productivity.
Key Features
- Encourages crop- and region-specific soil management practices.
- Supports soil fertility mapping and balanced use of macro and micronutrients.
- Promotes residue management and organic farming practices.
- Advocates the judicious use of fertilizers through Integrated Nutrient Management (INM).
- Emphasizes measures to prevent soil erosion and land degradation.
- Aims to ensure long-term soil health and sustainable productivity.
Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme
Launched in 2015, the Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme provides farmers with crop-specific nutrient recommendations based on soil testing.
Key Highlights
- In 2025-26, 97.53 lakh soil samples were collected and 92.87 lakh samples were tested.
- As of February 2026, 25.79 crore Soil Health Cards have been generated.
- Helps farmers optimize fertilizer use and improve soil health.
Impact
- A 2025 NITI Aayog evaluation found that the scheme has:
- Reduced nutrient imbalances, including excessive urea use.
- Improved agricultural productivity.
- Advanced the objectives of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM).
- Among surveyed farmers:
- 68.5% reported a significant improvement in soil health.
- 25.7% observed marginal improvements after adopting recommended practices.
Soil Fertility Mapping for Better Nutrient Management
The Soil and Land Use Survey of India (SLUSI) prepares village-level soil fertility maps to help farmers adopt balanced and site-specific nutrient management practices.
Key Highlights
- Maps identify spatial variations in soil nutrients at the village level.
- Soil fertility mapping has been initiated in 6,954 model villages.
- Completed in 2,023 model villages so far.
- Maps are publicly displayed to improve awareness and support informed fertilizer use.
- Enables farmers to make field-level nutrient management decisions, enhancing soil health and productivity.
ICAR and Climate-Resilient Agriculture
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) launched the National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) in 2011 to develop and promote technologies that help agriculture adapt to climate change.
NICRA Initiatives
- Conducts capacity-building programmes and field demonstrations on location-specific climate-resilient technologies.
- Supports research to strengthen resilience against droughts, floods, heat waves, and other extreme weather events.
Key Achievements
- Vulnerability assessments completed in 651 agricultural districts using IPCC protocols.
- 310 districts identified as highly or very highly vulnerable to climate change.
- District Agriculture Contingency Plans prepared with location-specific crop and management strategies.
- Climate Resilient Villages established in 448 villages across 151 vulnerable districts in 28 States/UTs.
Research and Technological Innovations
- Under the National Agricultural Research System (2014–2025), 2,996 climate-resilient crop varieties were released.
- Climate-smart practices promoted include:
- Direct-seeded rice
- Zero-till wheat
- Stress-tolerant crop varieties
- Crop residue management
These interventions strengthen farm resilience, reduce climate risks, and promote sustainable agricultural growth.
NMSA and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) contributes to the achievement of key UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, particularly SDG 2, SDG 6, and SDG 13.
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- Rainfed Area Development (RAD) promotes Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) to enhance productivity and diversify farm income.
- Soil Health Management (SHM) supports balanced nutrient use and improves long-term soil fertility.
- Together, these interventions strengthen food security and sustainable agricultural production.
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) improves water-use efficiency through:
- Micro-irrigation technologies
- Precision water application
- Soil moisture conservation practices
- Supports the sustainable management of water resources in agriculture.
SDG 13: Climate Action
- Promotes climate-resilient farming systems and natural resource conservation.
- Encourages strategies to reduce risks from droughts, floods, and other climate-related stresses.
- Enhances farmers’ adaptive capacity to climate change.
Through these interventions, NMSA addresses the food-water-climate nexus while advancing the broader goals of sustainable development.
Conclusion
The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) provides an integrated framework for promoting climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture in India. Through interventions such as Rainfed Area Development (RAD), Per Drop More Crop (PDMC), and Soil Health Management (SHM), the mission enhances resource-use efficiency, soil health, and agricultural sustainability.
Supported by ICAR-led research and the National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA), NMSA strengthens farmers’ resilience, improves productivity, and supports livelihood security. By contributing to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), the mission plays a crucial role in ensuring long-term food security and sustainable agricultural growth in India.
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