National Food Security Mission NFSM
The National Food Security Mission (NFSM) helps farmers increase productivity of rice, wheat, pulses, coarse cereals, and commercial crops through demonstrations, subsidised seeds, and improved farm equipment. All farmers across India are eligible, with priority given to small/marginal farmers, women farmers, and SC/ST communities. Benefits are delivered through state governments and district-level agencies.
About This Scheme
The National Food Security Mission (NFSM) helps farmers increase productivity of rice, wheat, pulses, coarse cereals, and commercial crops through demonstrations, subsidised seeds, and improved farm equipment. All farmers across India are eligible, with priority given to small/marginal farmers, women farmers, and SC/ST communities. Benefits are delivered through state governments and district-level agencies.
Full official description
The core objective of the Mission is to bridge the yield gap in respect of these crops through dissemination of improved technologies and farm management practices. Under the programme, various incentives like production and distribution of seeds, supply of seed mini kits, Front Line/Cluster Demonstrations, improved farm implements, bio-pesticides, micronutrients, bio-fertilizers etc. are provided to the farmers.
S. No.ComponentBenefit1DemonstrationThe incentives for demonstration in one ha area for sole crop (excluding coarse cereals) will Rs 9000/- and Rs. 15000/- for a cropping-system based demonstration.For coarse cereals, the incentive for demonstration in one ha area will be Rs. 6000/-2Seed DistributionAssistance for purchase of seeds will be available to selected farmers for the area not exceeding 2 ha each in a crop season as per provisions in the DBT. The rate varies for each crop.
Benefits
- Subsidised seeds: assistance for purchase of certified/quality seeds (up to 2 hectares per farmer per crop season)
- Crop demonstrations: ₹9,000/ha for sole crop demos, ₹15,000 for cropping-system demos; ₹6,000/ha for coarse cereals
- Farm equipment support: flexi funds for implements/machines, post-harvest tech like dal mills and graders
- Nutrient and pest management support: bio-pesticides, micronutrients, bio-fertilizers
- Capacity building and training for farmers
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Open to all farmers in India — no income limit
- At least 33% of funds earmarked for small and marginal farmers
- At least 30% of funds reserved for women farmers
- 16% reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCP) and 8% for Scheduled Tribes (TSP)
- Maximum assistance per farmer is limited to 5 hectares per season
- Selected districts are identified based on crop area thresholds and yield below state average
How to Apply
Step 01: Identification of individual beneficiary in a transparent and time-bound manner. Gram Panchayat should be involved in selection of beneficiary farmers. Panchayati Raj Institutions will be actively involved in selection of beneficiary and selection of interventions under Local Initiatives in the identified districts.
Step 02: Funds for implementing the Mission's programme will be released to the State governments with the approval of the NFSM-EC.
Step 03: The State Governments will release the funds to the State Level Agency through PFMS/Treasury.
Step 04: The State Level Agency would make funds available to the District Level Agency in accordance with
approved programme of the district.
Step 05: District level agency would release the fund to the Implementing Agency/ beneficiary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any age criteria for availing scheme benefits?
Any farmer who owns the land can avail benefits under the scheme.
Is there a preference for certain gender /caste of farmers?
All farmers are to be considered under the scheme, however, as per GoI norms, women farmers, and SC/ST farmers may be given preference.
Is there a minimum education qualification for the scheme?
No, any farmer meeting requisite criteria may be considered under the scheme.
Is there a fee for availing the benefits?
No, there is no fee.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- ) Aadhaar number
- ) Caste certificate (SC/ST)
- ) Bank details
- The specific documents for availing the benefits of the program may vary depending on the type of intervention and the state. It is recommended to consult with the relevant authorities for detailed information on documents to be submitted.