Why is it in the news?

• The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is developing a National Agriculture Code (NAC) to establish comprehensive agricultural standards similar to existing codes for building and electrical systems.
• While BIS has already set standards for agricultural machinery and inputs like fertilizers and pesticides, significant gaps remain in areas such as field preparation and micro irrigation. The NAC aims to fill these gaps and provide a robust framework for agricultural practices in India.

About NAC

• The NAC will cover the entire agricultural cycle, structured into two parts: general principles applicable to all crops and crop-specific standards for types like paddy, wheat, oilseeds, and pulses.
• This code will serve as a vital resource for farmers, agricultural universities, and officials involved in the sector.
• In addition to machinery standards, the NAC will encompass all agricultural processes and post-harvest operations, including crop selection, irrigation, soil health management, harvesting, and sustainability practices.
• It will also set guidelines for input management, including fertilizers and pesticides, as well as storage and traceability. The NAC will address emerging areas like natural and organic farming and incorporate Internet-of-Things technologies.
• The objectives of the NAC include creating a national code that considers agro-climatic zones, crop types, and socio-economic diversity, fostering a quality culture in agriculture, and serving as a comprehensive guide for farmers.
• The code will integrate relevant Indian Standards with recommended practices and support capacity-building programs organized by agricultural extension services.
• Further, the BIS has formed working panels to draft the NAC, with a tentative deadline of October 2025. After its completion, training programs for farmers will be organized in collaboration with universities, with BIS providing necessary financial support.
• In conjunction with the NAC, BIS is establishing ‘Standardized Agriculture Demonstration Farms’ (SADF) at selected agricultural institutes to test and implement practices aligned with Indian Standards.
• Moreover, MoU’s will be signed with prominent institutes, and the BIS will provide financial assistance for setting up these farms, which will be open for learning to officials, farmers, and industry personnel. This concept has seen successful implementation in China, providing a model for India.