The Rashtriya Khadya Suraksha Evam Poshan Yojana: A Shift Towards Nutrition

FAQs about the Rashtriya Khadya Suraksha Evam Poshan Yojana

1. What is the Rashtriya Khadya Suraksha Evam Poshan Yojana?

The Rashtriya Khadya Suraksha Evam Poshan Yojana is the renamed version of the National Food Security Mission (NFSM). It reflects a broader focus on nutrition security along with food security by emphasizing the production and availability of nutrient-rich crops.

2. Why was the National Food Security Mission renamed?

The renaming aligns with the government’s initiative to use Hindi names for major schemes and aims to make the program more relatable to farmers. Additionally, the revised scheme focuses on addressing malnutrition, anaemia, and stunting among children rather than just increasing food production.

3. What changes have been introduced in the revamped scheme?

• Greater emphasis on nutrition security rather than just increasing food output.
• Promotion of traditional, nutrient-dense crops, including coarse cereals and millets.
• Increased subsidies and support for farmers cultivating nutritious crop varieties.
• Focus on enhancing seed availability of traditional and region-specific crops.
• Ensuring that benefits reach small and marginal farmers, not commercial entities.

4. How does the scheme address malnutrition?

The scheme now promotes nutrient-rich crop varieties such as coarse grains, millets, and pulses, which are rich in vitamins and minerals. This shift is crucial in tackling malnutrition-related issues like anaemia, stunting, and wasting among vulnerable populations.

5. How does the new scheme impact farmers?

Farmers will receive higher subsidies for growing nutrient-rich crops. The scheme also aims to increase market returns for these crops, making them more financially viable. Additionally, farmers will benefit from improved access to better-quality seeds.

6. What is the role of seed replacement in the scheme?

The scheme will enhance seed availability by promoting the propagation, storage, and distribution of traditional seed varieties at the panchayat level. This will help improve the genetic diversity of crops and increase productivity.

7. How will the new scheme improve food production targets?

While shifting towards nutrition-focused production, the scheme retains its original goal of increasing food output. The previous National Food Security Mission had set targets to increase:

• Rice production by 10 million tonnes
• Wheat production by 8 million tonnes
• Pulse production by 2 million tonnes

These goals will continue, but with a greater focus on nutritional quality rather than just quantity.

8. How much funding has been allocated to this mission?

Under the 12th Five-Year Plan, the government allocated ₹8282 crore for the program. This budget supports efforts to increase food production and promote nutritious crops.

9. How will the scheme ensure fair distribution and prevent misuse?

Officials have been directed to ensure that only genuine farmers benefit from the scheme. Measures include:

• Seed distribution at the panchayat level to ensure accessibility.
• Preventing commercial misuse by restricting benefits to non-commercial farmers.
• Monitoring subsidy disbursement to reach targeted beneficiaries.

10. What is the long-term goal of the Rashtriya Khadya Suraksha Evam Poshan Yojana?

The long-term aim is to create a sustainable food security system that balances higher agricultural productivity with improved nutrition. The scheme will also help reduce India’s reliance on staple grains and encourage diverse dietary habits for better public health.