Content

1. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
2. 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.