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SIGNUP

National Food Security Mission (NFSM)

At a glance

NFSM was launched in 2007-08 to increase India's production of rice, wheat and pulses by expanding crop area and raising productivity, while restoring soil fertility and improving farm incomes. Coarse cereals were added from 2014-15, and oilseeds and the Seed Village Programme came under the mission in 2018-19. Today it runs as several sub-missions: NFSM-Rice, NFSM-Wheat, NFSM-Pulses, NFSM-Coarse Cereals, NFSM-Nutri-Cereals and NFSM-Commercial Crops. Farmers do not receive one fixed payment; instead, the mission funds a menu of supports — subsidised certified seed, field demonstrations, soil nutrients, plant protection, small machines and training — delivered through state agriculture departments.

Who is eligible

  • Farmers growing the mission's crops (rice, wheat, pulses, coarse cereals, nutri-cereals such as millets, and notified commercial/oilseed crops) in districts selected under the mission.
  • The guidelines reserve at least 33% of funds for small and marginal farmers and at least 30% for women farmers, so these groups get priority.
  • Selection of beneficiaries is done by state/district agriculture offices as per the annual plan.

Benefits

  • Certified seeds of newly released varieties and hybrids at subsidised rates; free seed "minikits" of the latest varieties are distributed to farmers' doorsteps through central seed agencies.
  • Cluster demonstrations of improved practices and cropping systems on farmers' fields, with inputs supported.
  • Integrated nutrient management and pest management support (soil ameliorants, bio-fertilizers, plant protection chemicals and equipment).
  • Farm machines and water-saving devices at subsidised rates (exact subsidy rates vary by item and state — confirm on the official portal).
  • Training during the cropping season through farmer field schools and capacity-building programmes.

How to apply

  1. Visit your block or district agriculture office (or Krishi Vigyan Kendra) and ask which NFSM interventions are available in your district this season.
  2. Apply through the state agriculture department's process — many states take applications on their own agriculture portals; others enrol farmers through extension staff.
  3. Beneficiaries are selected as per the district's annual action plan; inputs are then supplied at subsidised cost or subsidy is transferred as per state procedure.

Documents required

  • Aadhaar card
  • Land records / proof of cultivation
  • Bank account details
  • Caste certificate, if claiming benefits under SC/ST priority (as applicable in your state)

Key dates & status

  • Launched: 2007-08; ongoing. Interventions are planned season by season (kharif/rabi) in each district.
  • Application windows are state-specific — confirm the current season's window with your agriculture office.

Common questions

Q: Is NFSM a cash-transfer scheme like PM-KISAN? A: No. NFSM gives support in kind — subsidised seeds, inputs, machines, demonstrations and training — through your state agriculture department.

Q: I grow millets. Am I covered? A: Yes. Nutri-cereals (millets) have their own sub-mission under NFSM in selected districts.

Q: What subsidy will I get on a seed drill or sprayer? A: Rates differ by implement and state — confirm the current rate on nfsm.gov.in or at your district agriculture office before purchasing.

Q: Do women farmers get any preference? A: Yes. At least 30% of the mission's allocation is earmarked for women farmers, and 33% for small and marginal farmers.

Sources: https://www.nfsm.gov.in, https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1698199, https://www.pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=2114891. Last verified: 2026-08-07. Always confirm current details on the official portal before acting.