National Agriculture Code (NAC)

Overview:

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has developed the National Agriculture Code (NAC), setting comprehensive guidelines for the agricultural sector.

Purpose:

The NAC provides a standardized framework for the entire agricultural process, akin to the National Building Code and National Electrical Code.

Structure of NAC:

• General Principles: These apply to all types of crops.
• Crop-Specific Standards: Tailored for key crops such as paddy, wheat, oilseeds, and pulses.

NAC Categories:

1. Agricultural Processes:
   • Crop selection
   • Land preparation
   • Sowing and transplanting
   • Irrigation and drainage
   • Soil and plant health management
   • Harvesting and threshing
   • Primary processing
   • Post-harvest operations
   • Sustainability practices
   • Record maintenance
2. Input Management:
   • Guidelines on the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and weedicides.
3. Storage and Traceability:
   • Standards for proper crop storage and mechanisms for traceability.
4. Emerging Areas:
   • Focus on natural farming, organic farming, and the integration of Internet-of-Things (IoT) in agriculture.