National Food Security Mission: Objective, Implementation, and Benefits

The National Food Security Mission was launched by the National Development Council (NDC) in October 2007, under the 11th Five-Year Plan. The main objective behind launching this mission is to increase the production of grains and pulses by expanding the cultivation area and enhancing productivity. This mission also helps to improve the employment opportunities and restore the soil fertility due to increased farming. It also improves the farmer’s economic status with financial and technical support. This mission was renamed as the National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (NFSNM) in 2024. Under this mission, various incentives like the distribution & production of the seeds, supply of a mini kit of seeds, and effective use of fertilizers are provided to the farmers to improve their farming. Through the journey of this article, we will get to know more about NFSM, its objectives, benefits, its implementation, scheme-related details, and much more.

Short Overview on National Food Security Mission: 

Here is a Short Overview of the National Food Security Mission: 

Launch Year of the Mission	2007
Launched by	National Development Council
Renamed as	National Food Security and Nutrition Mission
Main objective	The main objective of the mission is to increase the production of rice, wheat, cereals, and pulses, ensuring food security in India.
Target	Increase Production: During the eleventh plan, there were 10 million tons of rice, 8 million tons of wheat, and 2 million tons of pulses; during the twelfth plan, there were an extra 25 million tons.
Thrust Areas of the Mission	Growth in the production of the desired crops (via productivity improvement and area extension).Restoring soil productivity and fertilityincreases net income at the agricultural level.
Implemented Status	Currently, 638 Indian districts have adopted NFSM.

Objectives of National Food Security Mission (NFSM): 

The following are some of the NFSM’s goals:

1. The objective of the NFSM is to increase the production of grains and pulses to meet the needs of the growing demand of the country. 

2. The second objective is to reduce the taxes on imports so that farmers can pay attention to their yield production. 

3. Provide farmers with high-quality equipment and the fertilizers to improve the production of their crops. 

4. This mission focuses on restoring the soil fertility and productivity on the farm level to ensure long-term agricultural sustainability.  

5. Encourage the farmers in the natural and organic agricultural practices to conserve the natural resources and environmental balance. 

6. Another objective of this mission is to contribute to the National food Security by growing more food grains. 

7. To open the opportunities for rural development by increasing the employment opportunities and promoting agricultural practices worldwide.   

Benefits of National Food Security Mission (NFSM): 

Below is a list of some advantages of the National Food Security Mission:

1. With the help of this mission, farmers will experience enhanced production and productivity in their crops. 

2. Through the NFSM, the government is promoting improved agricultural practices through cluster demonstration, Cluster Fronline Demonstration, and Frontline Demonstration. 

3. Assist farmers with the quality and certified use of the seeds for the production and distribution. 

4. Provide support to the farmers in the nutrient management and pest control.  

5. Assist the farmers in the effective use of the technical agricultural machines for best results. 

Scheme Details of National Food Security Mission: 

The National Food Security Mission was implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare through the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW). The ministry provides both financial and technical support to the farmers to expand their production of crops. The mission primarily focuses on the food crops and operates within the collaboration of the state government to ensure the effective implementation and the maximization of the mission on the ground level.

Targeted Crops for the Mission include- Rice, Wheat, Pulses, and many more crops. Farmers of all categories or castes are eligible to enroll under the NFSM.

1) Components of the National Food Security Mission Scheme:

• NFSM Rice
• NFSM Wheat
• NFSM Pulses
• NFSM Coarse Cereals
• NFSM Nutri Cereals
• NFSM Commercial Crops

2) Various Incentives Given to the Farmers under the NFSM: 

• Demonstrating best practices for crop production based on different cropping systems
• supplying farmers with high-quality, certified seeds of the newest crop varieties and hybrids.

• Using smart and balanced methods to manage soil nutrients and control pests
• Organising hands-on training programs for farmers during the crop season to boost their skills and knowledge.

3) Incentives of Demonstration:

• Rs 9000 is given to the farmers for sole crops (excluding the coarse crops) per hectare.

• Rs 15000 for the cropping-system demonstration per hectare.

• Rs 6000 is given for the coarse cereals per hectare.

Please note that assistance on seed purchase is available up to 2 hectares per farmer per season.

Various Initiatives Taken Under NFSM: 

Several initiatives have been taken for the National Food Security Mission to support the farmers in increasing the productivity of their crops and meet the needs of the people on time. Some initiatives are as follows: 

• Demonstration Plots: Show farmers better ways to grow crops for higher yield and smarter farm management.
• Better Seeds for Better Crops: Provide farmers with high-yielding and hybrid seeds to improve production.
• Modern Farm Tools: Encourage the use of modern machines and tools to save time, reduce effort, and cut losses.
• Healthy Plates with Millets: Promote the growth and use of millets to improve nutrition in daily diets.
• Farmer Training: Train farmers on smart techniques like pest control, proper fertiliser use, and improved farming practices.
• Saving Water: Introduce water-saving irrigation methods to use every drop wisely.
• Caring for Soil: Improve soil health using the right mix of nutrients and treatments.
• Jobs in Villages: Generate more rural employment through farming and allied activities.

Implementation Strategy of National Food Security Mission:

The NFSM strictly follows the structured approach to the implementation, which includes: 

1. Planning on the State and District Level: The State Government and District government together decide the NFSM policies for the betterment of the local agricultural conditions. This planning includes the use of natural fertilizers, the improvised use of technical machines in agriculture, and increasing the employment opportunities and the productivity of crops.    

2. Financial help to the Farmers: Various funds are allocated by the authorities for the inputs such as seeds, fertilizers and machinery. 

3. Technological Support: Various workshops and research programs are held in the rural areas, so that farmers can get the technical support in operating the improvised machines. It helps to improve their farming techniques and grow the crops with advanced farming techniques. 

4. Regular Monitoring and Evaluation: The authorities monitor and evaluate the agricultural practices on a regular basis, to ensure the effectiveness and identify the areas of improvement. 

Application Process for National Food Security Mission

Farmers can easily apply to the National Food Security Mission by approaching their Local Rural Agricultural Extension officers. Their farmers have to submit their required documents such as the Aadhar card, caste certificate, bank details and passport size photograph. 

If the farmers wish to apply for the NFSM scheme online, then they can register themselves on the e-Krishi Yantra Grant Portal to get the benefits of the scheme. 

Must Read: GST Composition Scheme | Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme | Unified Pension Scheme

What is the National Food Security Act? 

The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, is a law made to ensure no one in India goes hungry. It gives subsidised food grains to those who need them most. Some of the Key highlights of the National Food Security Act are: 

1. About 75% of people in rural areas and 50% in urban areas are covered.
2. People are categorised as Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and priority households based on their need.

3. Each eligible person gets 5 kg of food grains (rice, wheat, or coarse grains) every month.
4. The grains are given at low prices, making them affordable for everyone.

5. Food grains are distributed through the Public Distribution System (PDS) – a wide network of ration shops across India.

6. Pregnant women receive nutritional support and financial help to ensure good health for both mother and child.

7. The eldest woman in a family (18+ years) is made the head of the household for issuing ration cards, helping promote gender equality.

What are the Challenges faced under the National Food Security Mission?

With the success of the mission, NFSM has faced some challenges also. These challenges are mentioned above: 

1. Lack of Awareness:

Many farmers, especially in remote or rural areas, simply don’t know about the government schemes or benefits that are meant to support them. They often miss out on valuable financial aid, subsidies, or training programs because no one has informed them properly, or the information isn’t easily accessible in their language or literacy level.

2. Problems in Implementation:

Even when good schemes exist, delays in getting funds, complicated paperwork, or poor coordination between departments can create major hurdles. Farmers often find themselves stuck in long processes, waiting for help that comes too late to make a real difference during critical farming seasons.

3. Impact of Climate Change:

Changing weather patterns, like unexpected droughts, floods, or unseasonal rains, are making it harder for farmers to predict crop cycles and harvests. This uncertainty can lead to major losses and add to their stress, especially when their entire livelihood depends on a good yield.

4. Limited Use of Technology:

While modern farming techniques and tools can improve productivity, small and marginal farmers often can’t afford them or don’t know how to use them effectively. Without proper training or financial support, they continue using traditional methods, which might not be enough to cope with today’s farming challenges.

FAQS about National Food Security Mission

More Schemes:

PM Internship Scheme	EducationBeing com
Startup India Seed Fund Scheme	EPDS Bihar gov in
Gogo Didi Yojana	What is E Labharthi
Rojgar Sangam Yojana	myaadhar.uidai.gov
PM Internship Scheme	E Shikshakosh Bihar Gov in
MBOCWW Board Registration	www technicaldhirajk com