Context: 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)

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

• 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.

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

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

• 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.

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.

• 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.

• 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

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

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

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

• Integration: Align Indian Standards with recommended agricultural practices.

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

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