National Agriculture Code (NAC)

Current Context : Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is developing a new set of guidelines called the National Agriculture Code (NAC).

• This is similar to the existing national codes used for buildings and electrical systems, but specifically for agriculture.
• Aim : to enhance the overall quality and efficiency of agriculture in India, making it more sustainable and responsive to modern challenges.

ABOUT NATIONAL AGRICULTURE CODE

• The National Agriculture Code (NAC) aims to standardize various agricultural practices in India, improving quality and sustainability.
• Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is responsible for establishing standards for products across sectors, including agriculture, where it has already set standards for machinery (like tractors and harvesters) and agricultural inputs (such as fertilizers and pesticides).

WHAT WILL THE NAC COVER?

NAC will include standards for :

• Agricultural machinery.
• Processes related to crop selection, land preparation, sowing, irrigation, soil health, plant health, harvesting, and post-harvest operations.
• Input management including the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and weed killers.
• Crop storage and traceability to ensure safety and quality.