What is the National Agriculture Code, currently being formulated by Bureau of Indian Standards - Indian Express 

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has begun the process of formulating a National Agriculture Code (NAC), on the lines of the existing National Building Code and National Electrical Code.

National Agriculture Code (NAC)

• Coverage: 
  • Encompasses the entire agriculture cycle with guidance for future standardization.
  • Two parts: General principles for all crops and crop-specific standards (e.g., paddy, wheat, oilseeds, pulses).
• Scope:
  • Guide for farmers, agriculture universities, and officials.
  • Includes agriculture processes and post-harvest operations, such as crop selection, land preparation, sowing, irrigation, soil and plant health management, harvesting, processing, sustainability, and record maintenance.
  • Covers input management (fertilizers, pesticides, weedicides), crop storage, and traceability standards.
  • Addresses new areas like natural farming, organic farming, and use of IoT in agriculture.
• Objectives: 
  • Develop a national code considering agroclimatic zones, crop types, socio-economic diversity, and the agrifood value chain.
  • Serve as a quality reference for policymakers, agriculture departments, and regulators.
  • Provide a comprehensive guide for effective decision-making in agricultural practices.
  • Integrate relevant Indian Standards with recommended agricultural practices.
  • Address aspects like SMART farming, sustainability, traceability, and documentation.
  • Support capacity-building programs organized by agriculture extension services and civil society organizations.