National Agriculture Code (NAC) 

Source: The post on National Agriculture Code (NAC) is based on the article “What is the National Agriculture Code, currently being formulated by Bureau of Indian Standards” published in “Indian Express” on 5th October 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has initiated the development of a National Agriculture Code (NAC), similar to the existing National Building Code and National Electrical Code.

About National Agriculture Code (NAC)

1. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is formulating a National Agriculture Code (NAC).

2. The NAC aims to set standards across the agriculture cycle, covering field preparation, crop selection, irrigation, harvesting, storage, and emerging areas like natural and organic farming.

3. Implementation: BIS has created a strategy and formed working panels for 12-14 specific areas, involving university professors and R&D organisations.

4. The NAC will serve as a guide for farmers, agricultural universities, and officials in the field, ensuring uniformity and best practices.

5. Need Of NAC: BIS currently sets standards for agricultural machinery (tractors, harvesters) and inputs (fertilizers, pesticides). There is no existing standard for critical agricultural practices such as field preparation, micro-irrigation, and water use.

6. Structure of NAC:

i) Part 1 includes general principles applicable to all crops.

ii) Part 2 includes Crop-specific standards for major crops like paddy, wheat, oilseeds, and pulses.

7. Coverage of NAC:  NAC will include standards for the entire agricultural cycle, including Crop selection, Land preparation, Sowing/transplanting, Irrigation and drainage, Soil health management, Plant health management, Harvesting/threshing, post-harvest operations, Sustainability practices and Record maintenance.

8.  Standards for the use of inputs like chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and crop storage will also be included. It will address new areas such as natural and organic farming and Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications in agriculture.

Objectives of NAC

1. Comprehensive Code: Develop an implementable national code covering agricultural practices based on agroclimatic zones, crop types, and socio-economic diversity.

2. Quality Culture: Promote quality standards in Indian agriculture, providing references for policymakers and regulators.

3. Decision-Making Guide: Create a reference guide for farmers to make informed decisions about agricultural practices.

4. Integration: Align Indian Standards with recommended agricultural practices.

5. Smart Farming: Address broader agricultural aspects such as smart farming, sustainability, traceability, and documentation.

6. Capacity Building: Support agriculture extension services and civil society organisations in capacity-building initiatives.

UPSC Syllabus: Agriculture