National Food Security Mission

National Food Security Mission is a pivotal government initiative aimed at bolstering India's food security by enhancing crop production, particularly focusing on rice, wheat, and pulses. Launched in 2007, this mission is significant because it addresses the pressing issue of food insecurity, which is intricately linked to the country's nutritional security and overall well-being. The mission's emphasis on increasing the production of staple crops is crucial, given that these crops are the primary source of nutrition for a vast majority of the population. By targeting these crops, the mission seeks to ensure that the basic food needs of the population are met, thereby contributing to the nation's food security. The year 2007 marked a critical juncture for India's agricultural sector, with the mission being one of the key initiatives undertaken to revitalize the sector. ## Origins / Historical Background The National Food Security Mission was conceived against the backdrop of India's historical struggles with food security. The country's experience with food shortages and dependence on imports in the 1960s led to a concerted effort to achieve self-sufficiency in food production. The Green Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s was a significant milestone in this journey, as it led to a substantial increase in wheat and rice production. However, by the early 2000s, there was a growing concern about the stagnation in agricultural growth and the need to rejuvenate the sector. It was in this context that the National Food Security Mission was launched, with the objective of increasing the production of rice, wheat, and pulses by 10 million tonnes, 8 million tonnes, and 2 million tonnes, respectively, by the end of the Eleventh Five-Year Plan (2007-2012). The mission's launch was a response to the challenges facing Indian agriculture, including declining productivity, inadequate irrigation facilities, and limited access to credit and technology for farmers. The government recognized the need for a targeted approach to address these challenges and ensure that the country's food security needs were met. The mission's focus on rice, wheat, and pulses was based on the critical role these crops play in the Indian diet and the potential for increasing their production through improved agricultural practices and technology. ## How It Works / Mechanism The National Food Security Mission operates through a multi-pronged approach, involving the central government, state governments, and other stakeholders. The mission provides financial assistance to states for initiatives such as seed production, soil testing, and demonstration of improved crop varieties. It also promotes the use of modern farming techniques, such as precision farming and conservation agriculture, to enhance productivity and reduce waste. The mission has a strong focus on farmer training and capacity building, recognizing that the adoption of new technologies and practices is critical to improving productivity. The mission's implementation is overseen by a national-level committee, which provides guidance and support to state-level committees. The state-level committees are responsible for identifying priority areas, allocating funds, and monitoring progress. The mission also involves the participation of other stakeholders, including farmers' organizations, research institutions, and the private sector. This collaborative approach is designed to leverage the strengths of different partners and ensure that the mission's objectives are achieved. ## Current Status / Implementation The National Food Security Mission has made significant progress since its launch in 2007. The mission has contributed to an increase in the production of rice, wheat, and pulses, with the country achieving record production levels in recent years. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, the production of rice, wheat, and pulses increased by 35.6 million tonnes, 26.4 million tonnes, and 10.3 million tonnes, respectively, between 2007-08 and 2020-21. The mission has also led to an improvement in the productivity of these crops, with the average yield per hectare increasing by 15-20% over the same period. The mission's implementation has been supported by a significant increase in budgetary allocations, with the government providing over Rs 50,000 crore for the mission's activities between 2007 and 2020. The mission has also been instrumental in promoting the use of technology in agriculture, with the government launching initiatives such as the Soil Health Card scheme and the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) to support farmers. These initiatives have helped to improve the