Syllabus
GS Paper III – Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country.
Context
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has initiated the development of a National Agriculture Code (NAC), similar to the existing National Building Code and National Electrical Code.
National Agriculture Code (NAC)
Introduction
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has embarked on creating a National Agriculture Code (NAC), akin to the existing National Building Code and National Electrical Code. This initiative aims to establish comprehensive standards for agricultural practices, encompassing the entire agricultural cycle from field preparation to post-harvest operations. The NAC will integrate emerging technologies, innovative farming methods, and diverse regional conditions across India. By providing a structured framework, the NAC seeks to enhance quality, efficiency, and sustainability in agriculture, ultimately benefiting farmers, policymakers, and the agricultural community at large.
National Agriculture Code (NAC)
- BIS Role: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national authority responsible for setting standards across various economic sectors.
- NAC Overview: The National Agriculture Code (NAC) will establish standards for agricultural practices, including field preparation, micro-irrigation, and water usage.
- Scope: The NAC will encompass the entire agricultural cycle and include a guidance note for future standardization.
- Technological Integration: It will integrate emerging agricultural technologies, innovative farming methods, and diverse regional conditions across India.
- Nodal Authority: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will oversee the NAC.
Objectives
- Guidance: The NAC will serve as a reference for farmers, agricultural universities, and officials.
- Quality Promotion: It aims to promote quality and best practices within the agricultural sector.
- Comprehensive Code: The NAC will provide a national code with recommendations for agricultural practices, considering agroclimatic zones, crop types, and the agrifood value chain.
- Policy Reference: It will act as a reference for policymakers to foster a quality culture in Indian agriculture.
- Decision-Making: The NAC will offer a comprehensive guide to aid the farming community in making informed decisions.
- Standard Integration: It will integrate relevant Indian Standards with recommended agricultural practices.
- Horizontal Aspects: The NAC will address aspects such as SMART farming, sustainability, traceability, and documentation.
- Capacity Building: It will support capacity-building programs organized by agricultural extension services and civil society organizations.
Features
- Technological and Regional Integration: The NAC will incorporate emerging agricultural technologies, novel farming practices, and varying regional conditions across India.
- Two-Part Structure:
- General Principles: The first part will cover general principles applicable to all crops.
- Crop-Specific Standards: The second part will address standards for specific crops like paddy, wheat, oilseeds, and pulses.
- Comprehensive Coverage: The NAC will cover all agricultural processes and post-harvest operations, from crop selection and land preparation to harvesting/threshing and record maintenance.
- Input Management: It will set standards for the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and weedicides, as well as crop storage and traceability.
- Emerging Areas: The NAC will include standards for natural farming, organic farming, and the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) in agriculture.
- Demonstration Farms: Standardized Agriculture Demonstration Farms will be established in selected agricultural institutes to test and implement various agricultural practices and new technologies in line with Indian Standards.
- Development: The NAC is being developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
Benefits
- Enhancing Agricultural Processes: It will ensure the adoption of best practices from crop selection to the storage of agricultural produce.
- Boosting Efficiency: Optimal utilization of resources and the latest technologies will be promoted.
- Standardization Improvement: Identifying areas lacking standardization and developing standards for them.
- Quality Enhancement: It will foster a quality culture in Indian agriculture by providing necessary references for policymakers and guidance for the farming community.
- Agricultural Sector Transformation: It has the potential to significantly transform India’s agricultural sector by creating a more supportive environment for farmers.
- Rural Livelihood Improvement: By addressing farmers’ challenges and promoting efficient and sustainable agricultural practices, the NAC can greatly enhance the livelihoods of millions in rural India.
- Environmental Benefits: The development of innovative crop production methods will reduce the environmental impact of agriculture.
Challenges
- State-Level Autonomy: Given that agriculture is a state subject, there may be resistance from states to implement a national-level code.
- Regulatory Diversity: Harmonizing the diverse agricultural regulations of different states with the NAC can be a significant challenge.
- Inadequate Warehousing and Cold Storage: The lack of sufficient warehousing and cold storage facilities can impede the effective implementation of the NAC.
- Inefficient Transportation Networks: Poor transportation infrastructure can increase the cost of moving agricultural produce, thereby affecting farmers’ profitability.
- Farmer Illiteracy: Many farmers may be unaware of the NAC’s provisions or how they can benefit from them.
- Digital Divide: The lack of access to modern technology among many farmers, especially in rural areas, can hinder the adoption of digital tools and platforms essential for the NAC’s success.
Way forward
- Fostering Collaboration: Encourage joint efforts among the central government, state governments, farmers, and other stakeholders.
- Farmer Training: Provide education and training to farmers on the NAC and its standards.
- Financial Support for Training: Offer financial assistance to institutions for conducting training programs for farmers.
- Awareness Campaigns: Launch awareness campaigns to inform farmers about the benefits and provisions of the NAC.
- Infrastructure Development: Invest in improving warehousing, cold storage, and transportation infrastructure to support the NAC’s implementation.
- Technological Access: Enhance access to modern technology and digital tools for farmers, especially in rural areas.
- Policy Alignment: Ensure alignment of state policies with the NAC to facilitate smooth implementation.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish mechanisms for regular monitoring and evaluation of the NAC’s impact and effectiveness.
Conclusion
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)‘s initiative to develop a National Agriculture Code (NAC) marks a significant step towards standardizing agricultural practices across India. By integrating emerging technologies and innovative farming methods, the NAC aims to enhance efficiency, quality, and sustainability in agriculture. However, its successful implementation will require overcoming challenges such as state-level autonomy, diverse regulations, and infrastructural limitations. Collaborative efforts among the central and state governments, farmers, and other stakeholders, along with targeted training and financial support, will be crucial. Ultimately, the NAC holds the potential to transform Indian agriculture, benefiting farmers and the broader agricultural community.
Related PYQ
Assess the role of National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in boosting the production, productivity and income of horticulture farms. How far has it succeeded in increasing the income of farmers? [UPSC CSE – 2018 Mains]
Practice Question
Discuss the significance of the National Agriculture Code (NAC) initiated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in transforming Indian agriculture. What are the potential challenges in its implementation, and how can they be addressed? [150 words]
Guidelines to Answer
Introduction
- Briefly introduce the National Agriculture Code (NAC) and its purpose.
- Mention the role of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in developing the NAC.
Body
- Significance of NAC
- Potential Challenges
- Addressing the Challenges
Conclusion
- Summarize the importance of NAC in transforming Indian agriculture.
- Reiterate the need for a collaborative approach and targeted interventions to overcome implementation challenges.
- End with a positive note on the potential benefits of NAC for the agricultural sector and rural livelihoods.