National Agriculture Code (NAC): A Comprehensive Framework for Standardizing India’s Agricultural Practices

Why in the News?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is currently working on the development of the National Agriculture Code (NAC), a comprehensive initiative aimed at establishing standardised practices for the entire agricultural process.

This ambitious code is inspired by the successful implementation of the National Building Code (NBC) in 2016 and the National Electrical Code (NEC) in 2023, both of which provided structured guidelines for their respective sectors.

Alongside drafting the NAC, the BIS is also setting up Standardised Agriculture Demonstration Farms (SADF) at various agricultural institutes to showcase these standardized practices.

Note: The tentative completion date for the NAC is scheduled for October 2025.

What is the National Agriculture Code (NAC)?

The National Agriculture Code (NAC) is designed to create a structured, standardized framework that governs every aspect of the agricultural cycle—from land preparation to the storage of harvested crops. It will address gaps in existing regulations and establish new standards for unregulated areas.

• Current Scenario: While the BIS already has standards for agricultural machinery and inputs, there is still a lack of comprehensive regulation for agricultural practices.
• Scope: The NAC will cover processes such as crop selection, land preparation, sowing, irrigation, soil health management, harvesting, post-harvest activities, and storage. It will also regulate inputs like fertilizers, pesticides, and weedicides.
• Modern Practices: Standards for emerging practices like natural farming, organic farming, and the application of Internet-of-Things (IoT) in agriculture will also be part of the code.
• Structure:

1. The first part of the code will provide general guidelines applicable to all crops.
2. The second part will focus on specific standards for different crops, including paddy, wheat, oilseeds, and pulses.

Objectives of the National Agriculture Code:

1. The National Agriculture Code (NAC) will account for agro-climatic zones, crop types, and socio-economic diversity, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the entire agri-food value chain.

• 1. It aims to promote a culture of quality in Indian agriculture, guiding policymakers and regulators in incorporating the NAC into their policies.
  2. The code will serve as a valuable resource for farmers, enabling them to make informed decisions.
  3. It will also address key agricultural issues like SMART farming, sustainability, traceability, and record-keeping.
  4. Guidance for Stakeholders: The National Agriculture Code (NAC) will provide critical reference points for farmers, agricultural universities, and policymakers to help them incorporate best practices into their work.
  5. Training: Once the National Agriculture Code (NAC) is finalized, the BIS will introduce training programs for farmers to help them understand and adopt these standards effectively.

Challenges in Formulating the NAC in India

1. Diverse Agricultural Practices: India’s vast agro-climatic diversity, encompassing 15 different zones and a wide range of soil types, poses a significant challenge in developing a uniform set of agricultural standards. The code must be tailored to suit these diverse conditions.
2. State vs. Central Jurisdiction: As agriculture falls under the State List (Entry 14) of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, formulating a central code may lead to potential conflicts between central and state regulations. Harmonizing the two while respecting state autonomy will be a major challenge.
3. Resource Constraints: Many smallholder farmers lack access to the resources and infrastructure required to adopt the new practices outlined in the National Agriculture Code.

This includes limitations in access to modern equipment, quality seeds, and efficient irrigation systems. Engaging these farmers in the development process is crucial to ensure their acceptance of the NAC.

1. Technological Barriers: While the National Agriculture Code (NAC) seeks to promote technology adoption in agriculture, a large number of farmers lack the necessary access to technology or the skills required to utilize it. Bridging this gap will be essential for the successful implementation of the code.
2. Data and Research Gaps: There is a shortage of comprehensive data on agricultural practices, yields, and market trends, which makes evidence-based policy formulation difficult. Addressing these gaps is critical for the development of an effective National Agriculture Code (NAC)

Addressing the Challenges in Formulating the NAC

Customisation and Flexibility: The National Agriculture Code (NAC) should be customized to address the unique needs of different regions within India.

• Region-specific guidelines will account for the country’s diverse agro-climatic conditions.
• The code must also be adaptable and scalable to accommodate both smallholder farms and large-scale agricultural enterprises.

Environmental Considerations: It is vital that the National Agriculture Code (NAC) takes into account pressing environmental issues such as land degradation, water scarcity, and climate change while still promoting agricultural growth.

Capacity Building: Extensive training programs should be developed to familiarize farmers with the National Agriculture Code (NAC). Additionally, mobile apps like Meghdoot and platforms like e-NAM and Kisanbandi should be used to offer real-time advice and information-sharing.

Policy and Regulatory Support: A supportive legislative framework is necessary to ensure the enforceability of the National Agriculture Code (NAC). Incentive structures, such as tax benefits and recognition programs, could encourage farmers to comply with the standards.

Agricultural Policies in Other Countries:

Common Agricultural Policy (CAP): In the European Union, agriculture is the only sector with a common policy. The CAP provides subsidies, direct payments to farmers, and overall support for agricultural supply and control.

Growing Forward 2 (GF2): In Canada, the GF2 is a five-year federal-provincial-territorial policy framework aimed at promoting innovation, competitiveness, and market development within the agricultural and agri-food sector.

Standardised Agriculture Demonstration Farms (SADF)

SADF Farms will act as experimental platforms for testing and demonstrating standard agricultural practices and emerging technologies.

These farms will provide learning opportunities for extension officials, farmers, and industry professionals to observe standardised practices in action. The BIS will provide financial support for these initiatives.

National Building Code (NBC) of India

The NBC is a comprehensive model code that offers guidelines for agencies involved in building construction.It was first published in 1970 and has been revised in 1983, 2005, and most recently in 2016 to reflect modern construction practices.

Key Provisions of NBC 2016:

• Involvement of certified professionals for effective project execution.
• Streamlined approval processes, promoting ease of business and digitalization.
• Enhanced accessibility standards for people with disabilities.
• Improved fire and life safety regulations, particularly for complex or high-rise buildings.
• Promotion of sustainability through the use of innovative materials and disaster-resistant structures.

National Electrical Code (NEC) of India

The NEC is a detailed code regulating electrical installations across India, developed by the BIS.Originally formulated in 1985, the NEC was revised in 2011 and again in 2023 to align with international practices.

Key Provisions of NEC 2023:

• Focuses on protecting against electric shock, fire, and overcurrent.
• Emphasizes the safety of electrical installations in agricultural settings, accounting for environmental factors like water and corrosive substances.
• Includes standards for solar installations, prioritizing safety and quality control.

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

BIS is India’s National Standard Body, established under the BIS Act of 2016 to oversee the development of standards, certification, and quality marking for goods. Headquartered in New Delhi, BIS plays a critical role in ensuring product reliability, promoting exports, and reducing health hazards through standardization.

The BIS also represents India in international standard-setting bodies like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electro-technical Commission (IEC).

The Standardization Management Board (SMB) is IEC’s top governing body, responsible for technical policy matters.

Conclusion

The proposed National Agriculture Code (NAC) marks a significant step towards modernizing agricultural practices in India. Engaging all relevant stakeholders throughout the development process will be essential to ensure the code addresses the diverse needs of India’s agricultural landscape effectively.

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