Content
- National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
- Somnath Temple: Civilisational Resilience, Cultural Continuity, and Governance Model
National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
Why in News ?
- Recent government data (May 2026) highlights expanded coverage and outcomes under NMSA, including ₹2,119.84 crore under Rainfed Area Development (8.5 lakh ha, 14.35 lakh farmers) and ₹26,325 crore under PDMC covering 109 lakh ha.
- Emphasis on climate-resilient agriculture, micro-irrigation expansion targets (100 lakh ha by 2030), and 2,996 climate-resilient crop varieties reinforces NMSA’s centrality in climate adaptation policy.
Relevance
- GS II (Governance / Social Justice): Agricultural schemes, climate adaptation policy, institutional coordination (ICAR, NRAA)
- GS III (Economy / Agriculture): Farm income stability, irrigation efficiency, rainfed agriculture, climate-resilient farming
Practice Question
- Discuss the role of National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) in promoting climate-resilient agriculture in India. (15M)
Basics / Static Background
- NMSA (2014-15) launched under National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) to address climate risks in agriculture, especially in rainfed areas (~60% of net sown area, ~40% food production).
- Reorganised as sub-mission under Green Revolution – Krishonnati Yojana (2018-19) and later subsumed under PM-RKVY (2022-23) for integrated agricultural development.
Issue in Brief
- Indian agriculture faces high climate vulnerability due to dependence on monsoon, degraded soils, and inefficient water use, particularly in rainfed regions.
- Fragmented schemes earlier lacked integration of soil, water, and climate adaptation, necessitating a holistic mission-mode approach through NMSA.
Core Components and Interventions
Rainfed Area Development (RAD)
- Promotes Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) combining crops, livestock, fisheries, and horticulture to diversify income and reduce climate risk.
- Covers 8.50 lakh hectares, benefiting 14.35 lakh farmers, with ₹343.86 crore allocation (2025–26) and emphasis on agro-climatic adaptability.
Per Drop More Crop (PDMC)
- Focuses on micro-irrigation (drip and sprinkler) to enhance water-use efficiency and productivity.
- Achieved 109 lakh hectares coverage with ₹26,325 crore assistance, with target of 100 lakh hectares (2025–30) requiring ~20 lakh ha/year expansion.
Soil Health Management (SHM) + Soil Health Card (SHC)
- Promotes balanced nutrient management and soil fertility restoration through scientific advisories.
- 97.53 lakh samples collected, 92.87 lakh tested (2025-26); cumulative 25.79 crore Soil Health Cards issued guiding fertiliser use.
Supporting Institutional Mechanisms
- National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA) provides policy and technical guidance for dryland agriculture.
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) through NICRA (2011) develops climate-resilient technologies and capacity building.
- Soil and Land Use Survey of India (SLUSI) prepares village-level soil fertility maps (6,954 villages identified; 2,023 completed) for precision agriculture.
Scientific and Technological Interventions
- Development of 2,996 climate-resilient crop varieties (2014–2025) under National Agricultural Research System.
- Promotion of climate-smart practices:
- Direct seeded rice
- Zero-till wheat
- Crop residue management
- Stress-tolerant crop varieties
- NICRA vulnerability mapping across 651 districts, identifying 310 highly vulnerable districts, with 448 climate-resilient villages in 151 districts.
Economic and Social Significance
- Enhances farm income stability through diversification (IFS) and resource efficiency.
- Reduces input costs (fertilizers, water) through precision agriculture and SHC-based advisories.
- Strengthens food security and rural livelihoods, particularly in rainfed and marginal areas.
Environmental Significance
- Promotes sustainable water use through micro-irrigation, reducing groundwater depletion.
- Improves soil health and carbon sequestration, contributing to climate mitigation.
- Supports ecosystem-based agriculture, reducing land degradation and enhancing resilience to extreme weather events.
SDG Linkages
- SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Sustainable food production via RAD and SHM.
- SDG 6 (Clean Water): Efficient water use through PDMC.
- SDG 13 (Climate Action): Climate-resilient farming systems and risk mitigation strategies.
Data & Evidence
- 60% of India’s net sown area is rainfed; contributes ~40% food output.
- 109 lakh hectares under micro-irrigation (PDMC).
- 25.79 crore Soil Health Cards issued.
- 2,996 climate-resilient crop varieties released.
- 310 districts identified as highly climate vulnerable.
Challenges
- Slow adoption of micro-irrigation due to high initial costs and fragmented landholdings.
- Limited awareness and utilisation of Soil Health Cards at farm level.
- Weak last-mile extension services and capacity gaps in climate-resilient technologies.
- Inadequate integration with market linkages and crop insurance schemes.
- Climate variability outpacing current adaptation measures in vulnerable regions.
Way Forward
- Scale up micro-irrigation with targeted subsidies and community irrigation models for small farmers.
- Strengthen digital agriculture platforms (AI-based advisories, soil-health apps) for better decision-making.
- Integrate NMSA with PMFBY (crop insurance) and e-NAM for risk mitigation and market access.
- Expand climate-resilient villages and district-level contingency plans for localized adaptation.
- Promote public-private partnerships in agri-tech and precision farming.
Prelims Pointers
- NMSA launched in 2014 under NAPCC.
- Key components: RAD, PDMC, SHM.
- Indian Coast Guard NOT related (trap).
- NICRA by ICAR (2011) supports climate resilience.
- Soil Health Cards → nutrient-based fertiliser recommendation.
Mains Enrichment
Introductions
- “Climate change poses a systemic risk to Indian agriculture, necessitating integrated missions like NMSA for resilience and sustainability.”
- “NMSA represents India’s transition from input-intensive agriculture to climate-smart, resource-efficient farming.”
Conclusions
- “Sustainable agriculture in India hinges on integrating water, soil, and climate strategies through mission-mode governance.”
- “Scaling NMSA with technology, institutional reforms, and farmer participation is critical for future food security.”
Value Addition
- Key Concept: Climate-resilient agriculture = productivity + sustainability + risk mitigation.
- Example: IFS under RAD reduces income volatility compared to monocropping systems.
Somnath Temple: Civilisational Resilience, Cultural Continuity, and Governance Model
Why in News ?
- 75 years of reopening (1951–2026) and 1000 years since first attack (1026) marked through Somnath Swabhiman Parv, highlighting Somnath as a symbol of civilisational resilience and cultural revival.
- High-level visit and national commemoration underline heritage-led nation-building and cultural diplomacy.
Relevance
- GS I (Art & Culture / History): Temple architecture, Jyotirlinga tradition, civilisational continuity, historical resilience
- GS I (Society): Cultural identity, collective memory, role of religion in society
Practice Question
- Somnath Temple symbolises civilisational resilience in India. Examine its historical and cultural significance. (15M)
Basics / Static Background
- Somnath Temple is the first among the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, mentioned in Shiva Purana and Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram.
- Located at Prabhas Patan (Saurashtra coast, Gujarat) along the Arabian Sea, symbolising sacred geography + maritime cultural linkages.
- Associated with Lord Shiva, Chandra (Moon God), and Krishna tradition, reflecting syncretic religious heritage.
Historical Evolution and Civilisational Significance
- First recorded destruction in 1026 CE, followed by repeated invasions until 18th century, yet consistently rebuilt by rulers like Kumarapala and Ahilyabai Holkar, indicating continuity of faith.
- Post-independence reconstruction led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (1947), symbolising restoration of cultural confidence after colonial rule.
- Consecrated in 1951 by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, marking civilisational resurgence + state neutrality with cultural affirmation.
Cultural and Spiritual Importance
- Ranked first among Jyotirlingas, reflecting primacy in Shaivite tradition and pan-India pilgrimage circuits.
- Annual footfall of 92–97 lakh devotees, with 13.77 lakh participating in Bilva Pooja, showing its continued relevance as a living religious institution.
- Represents “faith beyond destruction”, embodying India’s cyclical cultural renewal model rather than linear historical decline.
Architectural and Heritage Features
- Built in Kailash Mahameru Prasad style, symbolising classical temple architecture revival.
- Key features:
- 150-ft shikhara with 10-tonne kalash
- 1,666 gold-plated kalash, 14,200 dhwajas
- Garbhagriha, Sabha Mandap, Nritya Mandap
- Located along coastline, representing fusion of sacred architecture with natural geography.
Environmental and Sustainability Initiatives
- Declared Swachh Iconic Place (2018); promotes circular economy practices:
- Temple flowers → vermicompost
- Plastic waste → paver blocks (4,700/month)
- Rainwater harvesting treating ~30 lakh litres/month, enhancing water sustainability.
- Miyawaki forest: 7,200 trees absorbing ~93,000 kg CO₂ annually, contributing to climate action.
Way Forward
- Promote sustainable pilgrimage management (carrying capacity, green infrastructure).
- Integrate Somnath into national heritage circuits (PRASHAD, Swadesh Darshan) for balanced regional development.
- Strengthen digital heritage preservation and global outreach through virtual tourism and archives.
- Encourage community participation and local livelihoods through heritage-based economy.
Prelims Pointers
- Somnath = 1st Jyotirlinga, located in Gujarat (Prabhas Patan).
- Rebuilt in 1951, led by Sardar Patel.
- Style: Kailash Mahameru Prasad architecture.
- Associated with Chandra (Moon God) legend.
Mains Enrichment
Introductions
- “Somnath Temple stands as a powerful symbol of India’s civilisational resilience, reflecting continuity of faith despite repeated historical disruptions.”
- “The reconstruction of Somnath represents not merely a religious act but a reaffirmation of India’s cultural identity in the post-independence era.”
Conclusions
- “Somnath exemplifies how heritage can act as a driver of cultural unity, economic development, and sustainable governance.”
- “India’s future lies in preserving its civilisational roots while adapting them to contemporary developmental and environmental needs.”
Value Addition
- Key concept: Cultural resilience = continuity despite disruption.
- Example: Somnath’s repeated reconstruction → symbol of India’s enduring civilisational identity.
