India’s agricultural sector is set to undergo a major transformation with the introduction of the National Agriculture Code (NAC), developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This code aims to establish a set of comprehensive guidelines for agriculture, similar to existing national standards for buildings and electrical systems. By creating standardized practices, the NAC is expected to improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of farming in India, an industry that currently lacks uniform regulations in many areas.
Understanding the NAC
The NAC is designed to provide detailed regulations across various agricultural practices in India. It will focus on standardizing farming methods to ensure they are efficient, sustainable, and of high quality. While standards already exist for machinery, fertilizers, and pesticides, there are numerous aspects of farming, such as land preparation and irrigation, that currently lack clear guidelines. The NAC seeks to fill this gap, providing a structured approach to modern farming.
Why is the NAC Needed?
Although BIS has already established standards for specific areas such as farming equipment and inputs like fertilizers, there are critical areas of agriculture that remain unregulated. For example, practices like:
- Land preparation: How fields are readied for planting.
- Irrigation: Efficient and sustainable water management for crops.
- Sustainable farming: Practices that protect the environment and conserve resources.
The absence of clear regulations in these areas has led to inefficiencies and inconsistencies in farming practices. Policymakers recognize that a standardized framework like the NAC will help streamline agricultural operations, making them more organized, productive, and sustainable.
What Will the NAC Cover?
The NAC will cover a broad range of agricultural processes, including:
- Agricultural practices: From choosing appropriate crops to planting, watering, and harvesting, the NAC will guide farmers through each step of the farming process.
- Post-harvest operations: Guidelines will be established for the processing, storage, and traceability of crops after they are harvested to maintain quality and safety.
- Input management: Standards for the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and chemicals will be defined, along with an emphasis on promoting organic and eco-friendly farming.
- New technologies: The NAC will also encompass modern agricultural advancements like the Internet of Things (IoT) for precision farming and sustainable, smart farming methods.
Objectives of the NAC
The NAC is built around several key objectives:
- National Framework: It aims to create a standardized framework that can be applied across the country’s diverse agricultural landscape.
- Quality Culture: Promoting a culture of quality in farming, helping regulators, policymakers, and farmers align their practices.
- Farmer Guidance: The NAC will serve as a tool for farmers, assisting them in making better-informed decisions about their agricultural activities.
- Adoption of Modern Techniques: It encourages the use of modern technologies like smart farming, precision agriculture, and sustainability-focused practices to boost efficiency and environmental stewardship.
When Will the NAC Be Ready?
The Bureau of Indian Standards is in the process of drafting the NAC, with the goal of having it finalized by October 2025. Once complete, farmers will be provided with training to understand and implement the new standards in their daily operations, allowing them to adapt more easily to the updated framework.
Standardized Agriculture Demonstration Farms (SADF)
In conjunction with the NAC, BIS is also establishing Standardized Agriculture Demonstration Farms (SADF). These farms, developed in partnership with leading agricultural institutes, will act as experimental and educational sites where farmers can observe standardized practices in action. Through hands-on training and demonstrations, SADFs will help farmers understand how to implement the NAC guidelines in their own fields.
The NAC represents a significant step forward for Indian agriculture, addressing a long-standing need for uniformity and quality in farming practices. By setting clear standards and embracing modern agricultural technologies, the NAC has the potential to boost productivity, improve sustainability, and elevate the overall standard of farming across India. With the BIS targeting its completion by 2025, the future of Indian agriculture looks promising, as farmers will be equipped with the tools and knowledge to optimize their practices.