National Agriculture Code (NAC) 

Why in the news ?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has begun working on a National Agriculture Code (NAC), similar to the National Building Code and National Electrical Code.

About National Agriculture Code (NAC)

A comprehensive code of standards for various agricultural practices.

Developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

NAC will cover the entire agriculture cycle and provide guidance for future standards, with two parts:-

• General principles for all crops.
• Crop-specific standards for crops like paddy, wheat, oilseeds, and pulses.

• It will serve as a guide for farmers, agriculture universities, and field officials.

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

Headquarter: Manak Bhawan, Old Delhi

The BIS is the national body that  sets standards for agriculture machinery and inputs like fertilizers and pesticides.

Establishment: 1986

Key Features of the NAC

• Covers all aspects of agriculture, including crop selection, land preparation, irrigation, soil health, plant health, harvesting, processing, storage, and sustainability.
• Includes standards for input management, such as fertilizers, pesticides, and weedicides.
• Addresses emerging areas like natural farming, organic farming, and IoT.
• Provides guidance for farmers, agriculture universities, and officials.

Objectives of NAC

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

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

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

4. Integration: Align Indian Standards with recommended agricultural practices.

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

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

National Agriculture Code (NAC)

CBL Practice Questions for Prelims

Which of the following is the primary objective of the National Agriculture Code (NAC)?

A) To promote urban agriculture
B) To regulate agricultural prices
C) To create a unified framework for agricultural governance
D) To increase agricultural exports

Ans.- C) To create a unified framework for agricultural governance

CBL Mains Practice Question

Assess the role of cooperative societies in the implementation of the National Agriculture Code. What challenges do these societies face in supporting farmers ?

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