National Agriculture Code

National Agriculture Code

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is working on developing the National Agriculture Code (NAC), a comprehensive initiative aimed at creating standardized guidelines for agricultural practices throughout the entire agricultural cycle. This project, modeled after the National Building Code (NBC) of India 2016 and the National Electrical Code (NEC) of India 2023, aims to enhance the quality of agricultural practices and provide clear, structured guidance for farmers, policymakers, and stakeholders. To support the drafting of the NAC, BIS is also setting up Standardized Agriculture Demonstration Farms (SADF) at select agricultural institutes. The NAC is expected to be completed by October 2025.

What is the National Agriculture Code (NAC)?
Purpose:
The NAC is designed to create a standardized framework for agricultural practices, covering everything from land preparation to the storage of crops. It aims to address the gaps in regulation that currently exist in many agricultural areas, even though the BIS has established standards for machinery and inputs.
Scope:
The NAC will encompass all stages of agriculture, including crop selection, land preparation, sowing, irrigation, soil health management, harvesting, post-harvest processes, and storage. It will also cover standards for agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, and weedicides. Additionally, the code will incorporate modern agricultural practices like organic farming, natural farming, and the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in farming.
Structure:
The NAC will consist of two parts:

• The first part will lay out general principles that apply to all crops.
• The second part will offer specific standards tailored to different types of crops, including paddy, wheat, oilseeds, and pulses.

Objectives:

• To create a unified framework that considers India’s diverse agro-climatic zones, crop varieties, and socio-economic factors.
• To promote a culture of quality in Indian agriculture by guiding policymakers and regulators to incorporate NAC guidelines into their policies and schemes.
• To provide farmers with a detailed guide to help them make informed decisions about their agricultural practices.
• To address key agricultural challenges such as sustainability, traceability, and documentation while promoting smart farming techniques.

Stakeholder Guidance:
The NAC will serve as a reference for various stakeholders, including farmers, agricultural universities, and government authorities. It will help them make well-informed decisions, implement best practices, and adopt modern agricultural technologies.

Training and Support:
Once finalized, the BIS plans to offer training programs for farmers to help them understand and adopt the NAC standards effectively.

Challenges in Developing the NAC:

1. Diverse Agricultural Practices:
   India’s wide range of agro-climatic zones (15 different zones) and soil types makes it difficult to create a uniform set of standards. Tailoring the NAC to accommodate such variations poses a significant challenge.
2. State vs. Central Jurisdiction:
   Agriculture is primarily a state subject in India, which may lead to conflicts between central and state regulations. Harmonizing laws while respecting the federal structure is a difficult task.
3. Resource Constraints:
   Many smallholder farmers may not have the resources or infrastructure to adopt the new practices recommended by the NAC, including access to modern equipment, quality seeds, and efficient irrigation systems.
4. Technological Barriers:
   Although the NAC aims to promote technology use, many farmers may lack the necessary technology and skills. Bridging this gap is crucial for successful implementation.
5. Data and Research Gaps:
   A lack of comprehensive data on agricultural practices and yields may hinder the creation of effective, evidence-based policies. Addressing these gaps is essential for the development of the NAC.

Solutions to Overcome Challenges:

1. Customization and Flexibility:
   Develop region-specific guidelines within the NAC to accommodate the country’s diverse agro-climatic conditions. The code should also be scalable and adaptable to different farm sizes, from smallholdings to large-scale agricultural enterprises.
2. Environmental Considerations:
   The NAC should address key environmental issues like land degradation, water scarcity, and climate change while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
3. Capacity Building:
   Create training programs to help farmers understand and adopt the standards. Mobile apps such as Meghdoot, e-NAM, and Kisanbandi can be used to provide real-time advice and facilitate information sharing.
4. Policy and Regulatory Support:
   A supportive legislative framework is needed to ensure the enforcement of the NAC. Incentives like tax benefits and recognition programs can encourage farmers to comply with the standards.

Agricultural Policy Models from Other Countries:

• Common Agricultural Policy (CAP):
  The EU's CAP is a unified policy that provides subsidies, direct payments to farmers, and overall support for the agriculture sector. It plays a vital role in ensuring the stability and sustainability of agriculture in the region.
• Growing Forward 2 (GF2):
  Canada’s GF2 policy framework focuses on fostering innovation, market development, and competitiveness in agriculture, emphasizing a modern, responsive approach to agricultural challenges.

Standardized Agriculture Demonstration Farms (SADF):
SADF will act as experimental sites to test new agricultural technologies and practices in line with the standards set by the NAC. These farms will provide a platform for farmers, agricultural experts, and industry professionals to learn and implement standardized practices.

National Building Code (NBC) of India:
The NBC is a comprehensive model code that provides guidelines for building construction. Initially published in 1970, it was revised in 1983 and 2005, with the latest update in 2016. The NBC emphasizes the involvement of professionals in project execution and introduces measures to enhance fire safety, sustainability, and the use of innovative construction materials and technologies.

National Electrical Code (NEC) of India:
The NEC, first formulated in 1985, sets guidelines for electrical installations. The latest revision, in 2023, focuses on safety measures against electrical hazards, such as electric shocks and fire, and provides standards for solar installations and other modern electrical technologies.

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS):
BIS is the national body responsible for standardization and quality certification in India. It plays a vital role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and quality of goods through its comprehensive standards and certification programs. BIS also represents India in international standard-setting bodies such as the ISO and IEC.

Key Takeaways
The National Agriculture Code (NAC) represents a significant move towards modernizing Indian agriculture by creating a standardized, evidence-based framework. As its development progresses, ensuring active stakeholder engagement will be critical to creating a code that addresses the diverse needs of the agricultural sector across India.

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