National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India
Launched: 2014–15 (as part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change)
Implemented By: Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW)
Scheme Type: Climate-Resilient & Sustainable Agriculture Development
Beneficiary Type: Farmers, FPOs, SHGs, State Agriculture Departments
Coverage: All States & Union Territories
Category: Climate-Smart Agriculture / Soil & Water Conservation
Official Website: https://agricoop.gov.in
About the Scheme
The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) aims to make Indian agriculture more productive, sustainable, remunerative, and climate-resilient.
It promotes practices that adapt to climate variability, enhance resource use efficiency, and protect the natural resource base of farming systems.
Goal: To promote sustainable agriculture through soil and water management, climate-resilient technologies, and integrated farming systems ensuring food, water, and livelihood security.
🧭 Objectives
- To enhance agricultural productivity while conserving resources.
- To promote climate-resilient and low-carbon farming practices.
- To improve soil health, water use efficiency, and crop diversification.
- To strengthen capacity-building for farmers and institutions on sustainable technologies.
- To reduce agriculture’s vulnerability to climate change and extreme weather.
🧾 Key Features
- Focuses on holistic resource management — soil, water, nutrients, and energy.
- Encourages Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) and precision agriculture.
- Convergence with other schemes such as PMKSY, PKVY, PMFBY, and NeGPA.
- Emphasis on capacity-building and farmer training through KVKs and ATMA.
- Uses climate modelling and GIS tools to identify vulnerable areas.
- Promotes water harvesting structures, micro-irrigation, and soil health restoration.
🌾 Major Components / Sub-Missions
| Component | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| 1. Rainfed Area Development (RAD) | Promotes integrated farming (crop-livestock-horticulture) in rainfed areas. |
| 2. On-Farm Water Management (OFWM) | Improves water-use efficiency via micro-irrigation and water harvesting. |
| 3. Soil Health Management (SHM) | Encourages soil testing, organic manure, and micronutrient balance. |
| 4. Climate Change Adaptation & Mitigation (CCAM) | Demonstrations of climate-resilient technologies and stress-tolerant crops. |
| 5. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) | Organic and traditional farming under sustainable frameworks. |
| 6. Agro-Forestry & Silvi-Pasture Systems | Promotes tree-based farming for income diversification and carbon sequestration. |
Eligibility Criteria
| Eligible Beneficiaries | Details |
|---|---|
| Individual Farmers | Priority to small and marginal farmers in rainfed regions |
| FPOs / SHGs / Cooperatives | Registered producer groups promoting integrated farming |
| State Governments | For implementing cluster-based projects |
| NGOs / KVKs / Institutions | For capacity-building and demonstration projects |
Priority given to:
- SC/ST farmers
- Women farmers
- Rainfed and drought-prone districts
Documents Required
| Type | Document |
|---|---|
| Identity Proof | Aadhaar / Voter ID |
| Land Record | Khasra / Khatauni / Ownership document |
| Bank Details | Passbook / Account number for DBT |
| Project Proposal | For FPOs / NGOs |
| Photograph | Passport-sized |
| Mobile Number | For SMS alerts and verification |
How to Apply
🖥️ Online Method
- Visit https://agricoop.gov.in
- Go to “Schemes → National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA).”
- Click “Farmer Registration / Apply Online.”
- Select State, District, and Component (e.g., Rainfed Area Development).
- Fill details and upload documents.
- Submit and note the registration number for tracking.
Offline Method
- Visit the District Agriculture Office / Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK).
- Collect the NMSA application form.
- Attach Aadhaar, land proof, and bank details.
- Submit to Agriculture Officer for verification.
- Approved beneficiaries receive direct DBT assistance.
Funding Pattern
| Category | Centre’s Share | State’s Share |
|---|---|---|
| General States | 60% | 40% |
| NE & Hill States | 90% | 10% |
| UTs | 100% | — |
Indicative Financial Assistance:
- ₹10,000/ha for integrated farming systems (RAD).
- 50% subsidy for micro-irrigation under OFWM.
- 50% assistance for compost units, soil health cards, and vermicompost.
- 100% support for farmer training and capacity-building programs.
📈 Achievements
- Over 5 million hectares brought under integrated farming systems.
- Micro-irrigation expanded in drought-prone regions.
- Soil Health Card coverage enhanced through SHM component.
- Introduced climate-resilient crop varieties and stress-tolerant seeds.
- Improved carbon sequestration and water productivity in multiple states.
- Strengthened community-level watershed management initiatives.
Benefits Summary
- Promotes climate-smart and sustainable agriculture.
- Enhances water and soil conservation.
- Encourages integrated, organic, and diversified farming.
- Improves resilience to droughts and floods.
- Supports training, capacity-building, and DBT subsidies.
📞 Contact Details
National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) Division
Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Krishi Bhawan, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road,
New Delhi – 110001
📞 Helpline: 1800-180-1551
🌐 https://agricoop.gov.in
How to Check Status
- Visit https://agricoop.gov.in
- Navigate to “Monitoring & Reports → NMSA Dashboard.”
- Enter State, District, or Application Number.
- View project progress, beneficiary list, and subsidy release status.
Follow-Up & Grievance Redressal
If facing issues or delays:
- Contact your District Agriculture Officer / State Nodal Officer (NMSA).
- Lodge grievance at https://pgportal.gov.in
- Call Helpline: 📞 1800-180-1551
- Email: nmsa@agricoop.nic.in
- Email: nmsa@agricoop.nic.in
Who’s Who
| Designation | Name | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare | Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan | Overall policy leadership |
| Minister of State (Agriculture) | Shri Bhagirath Choudhary | Coordination and awareness campaigns |
| Secretary (Agriculture & Farmers Welfare) | Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, IAS | Administrative and financial management |
| DG, ICAR / Secretary (DARE) | Dr. Himanshu Pathak | Technical guidance on climate-resilient research |
| Mission Director (NMSA) | — | Implementation and monitoring |
FAQs
1. What is the main purpose of NMSA?
To promote sustainable agriculture practices that reduce vulnerability to climate change and enhance resource efficiency.
2. Which farmers can benefit from NMSA?
All farmers, especially small, marginal, and rainfed area farmers practicing integrated or organic farming.
3. How does NMSA help farmers adapt to climate change?
Through soil conservation, drought-resistant seeds, micro-irrigation, and integrated farming systems.
4. Is NMSA linked with PMKSY and PKVY?
Yes, NMSA converges with PMKSY (water use) and PKVY (organic farming) for holistic sustainability.
5. Are subsidies available?
Yes — 50%–100% assistance depending on the component and farmer category.