Context
Under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, the Government has set a target to expand micro-irrigation coverage to 100 lakh hectares during the period from 2025–26 to 2029–30.
About National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture
- The scheme was introduced in 2014–15 under the framework of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
- It is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to promote sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.
- Since 2022–23, the mission has been functioning under the umbrella of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PMRKVY).
- The mission focuses on reducing the impact of climate change and weather variability on the agriculture sector.
- It aims to strengthen long-term food security and support farmers’ livelihoods through integrated agricultural interventions.
- Improving soil fertility, increasing water-use efficiency and promoting resilient farming systems are among its major objectives.
Major Components
- The “Per Drop More Crop” component encourages the use of micro-irrigation systems for efficient utilisation of water resources.
- Rainfed Area Development (RAD) promotes Integrated Farming Systems to support diversified and low-risk agricultural practices.
- Soil Health Management (SHM) is linked with the Soil Health Card Scheme to encourage balanced nutrient use and maintain soil productivity.
- The Climate Change and Sustainable Agriculture: Monitoring, Modelling and Networking (CCSAMMN) component supports the exchange of climate-related knowledge between farmers and research institutions.
