National mission for sustainable agriculture

Sustaining agricultural productivity depends on quality and availability of natural Resources like Soil and water. Agricultural Growth can be sustained by promoting conservation and sustainable use of these scarce Natural Resources through appropriate location specific measures. Indian Agriculture remains predominantly rainfed covering about 60% of the country’s net sown area and accounts for 40% of the total food production. Thus, conservation of natural resources in Conjunction with development of rainfed agriculture holds the key to meet burgeoning demands for food grain in the country. Towards this end, National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) has been formulated for enhancing agricultural productivity especially in rainfed areas focusing on integrated farming, water use efficiency, soil Health management and synergizing resource conservation.

NMSA derives its mandate from Sustainable Agriculture Mission which is one of the eight Missions outlined under National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). The strategies and programmers of actions (POA) outlined in the Mission Document, that was accorded ‘in principle’ approval by Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change (PMCCC) on 23.09.2010,aim at promoting sustainable agriculture through a series of adaptation measures focusing on ten key dimensions encompassing Indian agriculture namely; ‘Improved crop seeds, Livestock and fish cultures’, ‘Water Use Efficiency’, ‘Pest Management’, ‘Improved Farm Practices’, ‘Nutrient Management’, ‘Agricultural insurance’, ‘Credit support’, ‘Markets’, ‘Access to Information’ and ‘Livelihood diversification’. During XII Five Year Plan, these measures are being embedded and mainstreamed onto ongoing/proposed Missions/ programmes / Schemes of Dept. of Agriculture & Cooperation (DAC&FW) through a process of restructuring and convergence. NMSA architecture has been designed by converging, consolidating and subsuming all ongoing as well as newly proposed activities/programmes related to sustainable agriculture with a special emphasis on soil & water conservation, water use efficiency, soil health management and rainfed area development. The focus of NMSA will be to infuse the judicious utilization of resources of commons through community based approach.

NMSA will cater to key dimensions of ‘Water use efficiency’, ‘Nutrient Management’ and ‘Livelihood diversification’ through adoption of Sustainable Development pathway by progressively shifting to environmental friendly technologies, adoption of energy efficient equipments, conservation of natural resources, integrated farming, etc. Besides, NMSA aims at promoting location specific improved agronomic practices through soil health management, enhanced water use efficiency, judicious use of chemicals, crop diversification, progressive adoption of crop-livestock Farming Systems and integrated approaches like crop-sericulture, agro-Forestry, fish farming, etc.

The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) is a flagship programme of the Government of India launched in 2007 with the objective of enhancing agricultural productivity and profitability, while ensuring environmental sustainability. The NMSA is implemented through a number of sub-programmes, each of which addresses a specific aspect of sustainable agriculture.

One of the key sub-programmes of the NMSA is water management. Water is a critical input for agriculture, and its efficient use is essential for sustainable production. The NMSA supports a number of initiatives to improve water management in agriculture, including:

Drip Irrigation: Drip Irrigation is a highly efficient method of irrigation that delivers water directly to the roots of Plants. This helps to reduce water losses due to Evaporation and runoff, and also improves crop yields.
Water harvesting: Water harvesting is the process of collecting and storing rainwater for use in agriculture. This can be done through a variety of methods, such as constructing check Dams, tanks, and ponds.
Conjunctive use of surface and groundwater: Conjunctive use is the practice of using both surface water and groundwater for irrigation. This can help to improve water use efficiency and reduce the risk of water shortages.

Another key sub-programme of the NMSA is soil health management. Soil is a vital resource for agriculture, and its health is essential for sustainable production. The NMSA supports a number of initiatives to improve soil health, including:

Organic Farming: Organic farming is a method of agriculture that relies on natural processes and materials to maintain soil health and productivity. This includes using compost, manure, and other organic matter to improve Soil fertility, and using biological controls to manage pests and diseases.
Conservation agriculture: Conservation agriculture is a set of practices that help to protect and improve soil health. These practices include minimum Tillage, Crop Rotation, and cover Cropping.
Integrated nutrient management: Integrated nutrient management is a system of nutrient management that takes into account the needs of the crop, the soil, and the Environment. This helps to ensure that nutrients are used efficiently and that the risk of nutrient pollution is minimized.

The NMSA also supports a number of other sub-programmes, including integrated pest management, integrated weed management, post-harvest management, agricultural extension, farmer’s welfare, research and development, capacity building, institutional strengthening, public-private PARTNERSHIP, policy and regulatory reforms, and monitoring and evaluation. These sub-programmes are designed to address the various challenges and opportunities facing Indian agriculture.

The NMSA has made significant progress in achieving its objectives. Between 2007 and 2017, the Average annual growth rate of agricultural production was 2.7%, which is higher than the growth rate of Population. The NMSA has also helped to improve the livelihoods of farmers, reduce POVERTY, and protect the environment.

However, there are still a number of challenges that need to be addressed in order to achieve sustainable Agriculture In India. These challenges include:

Water scarcity: India is facing a severe water crisis, and this is having a negative impact on agriculture. The NMSA needs to find ways to improve water use efficiency and reduce water losses.
Soil degradation: Soil degradation is a major problem in India, and it is reducing the productivity of agricultural land. The NMSA needs to find ways to improve soil health and prevent soil degradation.
Pest and disease outbreaks: Pest and disease outbreaks are a major threat to agriculture, and they can cause significant crop losses. The NMSA needs to find ways to manage pests and diseases in a sustainable manner.
Climate change: Climate change is having a significant impact on agriculture, and it is causing changes in rainfall patterns, temperature, and sea level. The NMSA needs to find ways to adapt to climate change and reduce its impact on agriculture.

Despite the challenges, the NMSA is making a significant contribution to sustainable agriculture in India. The NMSA has the potential to transform Indian agriculture and help to achieve the goal of doubling farmers’ incomes by 2022.

What is sustainable agriculture?

Sustainable agriculture is a system of agriculture that focuses on producing food and fiber while protecting the environment and conserving natural resources. It is a holistic approach that considers the entire system, from the soil to the water to the air, and seeks to create a balance between human needs and the needs of the planet.

What are the benefits of sustainable agriculture?

There are many benefits to sustainable agriculture, including:

Improved soil health: Sustainable agriculture practices help to improve soil health by reducing erosion, increasing organic matter, and promoting Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity.
Reduced Water Pollution: Sustainable agriculture practices help to reduce water pollution by reducing runoff and nutrient leaching.
Improved air quality: Sustainable agriculture practices help to improve air quality by reducing emissions from fossil fuels and by planting trees and other vegetation.
Increased biodiversity: Sustainable agriculture practices help to increase biodiversity by providing habitat for wildlife and by promoting the growth of native plants.
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Sustainable agriculture practices help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the use of fossil fuels and by sequestering carbon in the soil.
Increased Food Security: Sustainable agriculture practices can help to increase food security by producing more food with fewer resources.

What are the challenges of sustainable agriculture?

There are some challenges to sustainable agriculture, including:

Higher costs: Sustainable agriculture practices can be more expensive than conventional agriculture practices.
Lower yields: Sustainable agriculture practices can sometimes result in lower yields than conventional agriculture practices.
Lack of government support: Sustainable agriculture practices often receive less government support than conventional agriculture practices.
Public perception: Sustainable agriculture is sometimes misunderstood by the public, which can make it difficult to gain support for these practices.

What are some examples of sustainable agriculture practices?

There are many examples of sustainable agriculture practices, including:

Organic farming: Organic farming is a system of agriculture that uses natural methods to produce food and fiber. Organic farmers do not use synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or Fertilizers.
Conservation tillage: Conservation tillage is a system of farming that minimizes soil disturbance. Conservation tillage practices include no-till farming, minimum-till farming, and ridge tillage.
Integrated pest management: Integrated pest management is a system of pest control that uses a variety of methods, including biological control, cultural control, and chemical control.
Water conservation: Water conservation is the practice of using water more efficiently. Water conservation practices include drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and greywater recycling.
RENEWABLE ENERGY: Renewable energy is energy that comes from sources that are naturally replenished, such as Solar Energy, Wind Energy, and hydropower. Renewable energy can be used to power farm equipment, irrigation systems, and other agricultural operations.

What is the future of sustainable agriculture?

The future of sustainable agriculture is bright. The world is facing a number of challenges, such as climate change, water scarcity, and food insecurity. Sustainable agriculture can help to address these challenges by producing food more sustainably and by protecting the environment. As more people become aware of the benefits of sustainable agriculture, it is likely that this practice will become more widespread.

Which of the following is not a goal of the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture?
(A) Increasing crop yields
(B) Reducing the use of pesticides
(C) Increasing the use of organic farming methods
(D) Increasing the use of genetically modified crops
Which of the following is not a challenge facing sustainable agriculture?
(A) Climate change
(B) Water scarcity
(C) Soil degradation
(D) Pests and diseases
Which of the following is not a benefit of sustainable agriculture?
(A) Increased food security
(B) Reduced environmental impact
(C) Increased farmer income
(D) Increased use of pesticides
Which of the following is not a type of sustainable agriculture?
(A) Organic farming
(B) Conservation agriculture
(C) Integrated pest management
(D) Genetically modified crops
Which of the following is not a way to support sustainable agriculture?
(A) Buying organic food
(B) Planting a garden
(C) Composting
(D) Eating meat
Which of the following is not a government program that supports sustainable agriculture?
(A) The National Organic Program
(B) The Conservation Reserve Program
(C) The Environmental Quality Incentives Program
(D) The Renewable Fuel Standard
Which of the following is not a non-profit organization that supports sustainable agriculture?
(A) The Organic Trade Association
(B) The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
(C) The Rodale Institute
(D) The Nature Conservancy
Which of the following is not a way to learn more about sustainable agriculture?
(A) Take a class
(B) Read a book
(C) Watch a documentary
(D) Talk to a farmer
Which of the following is not a way to get involved in sustainable agriculture?
(Volunteer at a farm
(B) Start a community garden
(C) Buy local food
(D) Eat meat
Which of the following is not a way to make your own impact on sustainable agriculture?
(A) Reduce your food waste
(B) Conserve water
(C) Use energy-efficient appliances
(D) Drive less