Why in the News?

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.

What is the National Agricultural Code (NAC)?

• The NAC is a comprehensive set of standards for the agricultural sector, formulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
• It aims to standardize all agricultural practices and post-harvest operations, including the use of machinery, field preparation, water use, crop management, and input management like fertilisers and pesticides.
• It will cover both traditional and emerging agricultural practices like organic farming, natural farming, and the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) in agriculture.

What Role Will the NAC Play in Standardization?

• Comprehensive Framework: The NAC will provide a standardized framework for agricultural processes, ensuring quality, consistency, and efficiency in farming practices across India.
• Sector-wide Application: It will set guidelines for various aspects of the agriculture sector, including crop selection, land preparation, irrigation, soil and plant health management, post-harvest operations, sustainability, and documentation.
• Incorporation in Policies: The NAC will serve as a reference for policymakers, agriculture departments, and regulators to incorporate into schemes, policies, and regulations, aiding in quality control across the agricultural value chain.

Who is Involved in the Formulation of the NAC?

• The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is leading the formulation of the NAC.
• The BIS has formed working panels consisting of university professors, R&D organizations, and experts in 12-14 specific areas of agriculture to draft the NAC.
• The BIS is collaborating with premier agricultural institutes and has already signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with institutes like Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT) for setting up Standardized Agriculture Demonstration Farms (SADFs).

How will the NAC Impact Farmers’ Livelihoods?

• Improved Decision-Making: The NAC will provide farmers with a structured guide for better decision-making in agricultural practices, which will help improve crop yields and reduce resource wastage.
• Capacity Building: The BIS plans to offer training to farmers on NAC standards, enhancing their technical knowledge and helping them adopt sustainable practices.
• Quality Assurance and Market Access: Standardized agricultural practices can ensure that crops meet quality requirements, potentially opening up better market access, higher incomes, and improved livelihoods for farmers.
• Adoption of New Technologies: With standards in place for emerging technologies like IoT in agriculture, farmers can integrate modern technology into their operations, increasing productivity and efficiency.

Way forward: 

• Training and Capacity Building: Implement widespread training programs for farmers and agricultural professionals on NAC standards, ensuring smooth adoption of standardized practices and emerging technologies like IoT for improved efficiency.
• Policy Integration and Support: Ensure seamless incorporation of NAC recommendations into national agricultural policies, with financial incentives and technical support to promote sustainable and quality-driven farming practices across India.

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