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National Agriculture Code (NAC)
Context:
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has initiated the process of creating a National Agriculture Code (NAC), similar to the existing National Building Code and National Electrical Code.
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- The BIS, responsible for setting standards across various sectors, has already established guidelines for agricultural machinery like tractors and harvesters, as well as inputs such as fertilisers and pesticides.
- However, many aspects of agriculture, such as field preparation and water use, still lack standardised practices.
- As a result, policymakers have recognised the need for a comprehensive framework, which the NAC aims to provide.
About NAC
- Standardisation: The NAC will cover the entire agricultural cycle and include guidelines for future standardisation efforts.
- Two Parts: It will be divided into two parts: general principles applicable to all crops and crop-specific standards for major crops like wheat, paddy, pulses, and oilseeds.
- Reference: This code will serve as a reference for farmers, agricultural universities, and field officials.
- Scope: In addition to standards for agricultural machinery, the NAC will address various processes and post-harvest operations such as: Crop selection, Land preparation, Sowing and transplanting, Irrigation and drainage, Soil and plant health management, Harvesting and threshing, Primary and post-harvest processing, Sustainability practices and Record maintenance.
- It will also include standards for managing inputs like fertilisers and pesticides, as well as guidelines for crop storage and traceability.
- The NAC will cover emerging areas such as natural farming, organic farming, and the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) in agriculture.
- Timeline: The BIS has already formed working groups for 12-14 areas to draft the code, which is expected to be completed by October 2025.
- Afterward, training programs for farmers on NAC standards will be organised in collaboration with agricultural universities, with financial assistance provided by the BIS.
Objectives of the NAC
- Code: Developing a comprehensive, implementable code that considers agro-climatic zones, crop types, and socio-economic diversity.
- Quality: Promoting a culture of quality in Indian agriculture by providing a reference for policymakers and regulators.
- Guidance: Offering guidance to farmers to support better decision-making in agricultural practices.
- Integration: Integrating existing Indian standards with recommended agricultural practices.
- Horizontal Issues: Addressing horizontal issues in agriculture, such as sustainability, traceability, and SMART farming.
- Capacity-Building: Supporting capacity-building programs led by agricultural extension services and civil society organisations.
Standardised Agriculture Demonstration Farms (SADFs)
- In addition to drafting the NAC, the BIS is setting up Standardised Agriculture Demonstration Farms (SADFs) at selected agricultural institutions.
- These farms will be used to test and demonstrate agricultural practices and technologies based on Indian standards.
- The BIS plans to sign Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading agricultural institutes to develop these farms, with 10 institutes already identified.
- Two MoUs, including one with the Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT), have been signed.
- These farms will offer hands-on learning opportunities for officials, farmers, and industry professionals.
The successful implementation of the NAC holds the potential to transform India’s agricultural sector by creating a more conducive environment for farmers, ultimately benefiting both the agricultural community and the economy at large.
