Introduction

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is in the process of developing the National Agriculture Code (NAC), which aims to establish standardized practices across the agricultural sector. This initiative mirrors existing frameworks such as the National Building Code and the National Electrical Code.

Purpose of the National Agriculture Code

The NAC seeks to standardize agricultural practices throughout the entire agricultural cycle, ensuring consistency and quality in farming operations. It will serve as a comprehensive guide for farmers, agricultural institutions, and policymakers.

Structure of the NAC

The NAC will be divided into two main parts:

1. General Principles: Applicable to all crops, providing a foundational framework.
2. Crop-Specific Standards: Tailored standards for key crops such as paddy, wheat, oilseeds, and pulses.

Coverage of the NAC

The code will encompass a wide range of agricultural processes, including:

• Agricultural Cycle: From crop selection to post-harvest operations.
• Post-Harvest Operations: Including standards for storage, processing, and traceability.
• Emerging Practices: Guidelines for natural and organic farming, as well as the integration of Internet-of-Things (IoT) technologies.
• Input Management: Recommendations for the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and weedicides.

Objectives of the National Agriculture Code

The BIS outlines several key objectives for the NAC:

• Standardization: Create a national code that reflects the diverse agro-climatic zones and socio-economic conditions across India.
• Quality Culture: Act as a reference for policymakers and regulators to enhance agricultural quality.
• Guidance for Farmers: Provide a practical guide to assist farmers in making informed decisions.
• Integration of Standards: Combine existing Indian standards with agricultural practices.
• Modernization: Emphasize aspects such as SMART farming, sustainability, and documentation.
• Capacity Building: Support training programs conducted by agricultural extension services.

Implementation Timeline

The BIS has established working panels comprising university professors and research organizations to draft the NAC, with a target completion date set for October 2025. Following this, training programs for farmers will be organized, facilitated by universities with financial assistance from the BIS.

Standardized Agriculture Demonstration Farms (SADF)

In conjunction with the NAC, the BIS is launching Standardized Agriculture Demonstration Farms (SADFs) at select agricultural institutions. These farms will serve as experimental sites to test and implement agricultural practices aligned with Indian standards. Partnerships with prominent agricultural institutes are being formalized through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), with two agreements already signed, including one with Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology.

Significance of the NAC

• Uniform Standards: Promotes best practices in diverse agricultural environments.
• Stakeholder Guidance: Provides a structured framework for informed decision-making.
• Support for Modern Techniques: Encourages the adoption of innovative practices and technologies.
• Farmer Empowerment: Facilitates training and capacity building for enhanced productivity.

Challenges and Limitations

• Implementation Barriers: Standardizing practices across varied climates and soil conditions may prove challenging.
• Adoption Resistance: Smaller farmers might struggle with resource availability or awareness of new practices.
• Dynamic Agricultural Needs: The need for frequent updates to the NAC to keep pace with evolving agricultural trends.
• Infrastructure Constraints: Rural areas may lack the necessary infrastructure to effectively implement NAC guidelines.

Conclusion

The National Agriculture Code represents a pivotal move towards modernizing and standardizing agricultural practices in India. While it aims to enhance productivity and sustainability, its success hinges on effective implementation, farmer engagement, and ongoing updates to meet the changing landscape of agriculture.