BIS to Launch National Agriculture Code

Imagine a guidebook for Odisha's farmers, filled with the best advice on everything from preparing the land to storing the harvest. That's exactly what the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is creating with the National Agriculture Code (NAC). Just like the National Building Code helps people construct safe houses, the NAC will guide farmers on the best ways to grow crops, ensuring good harvests and better incomes.

The BIS is like a quality checker for different products we use every day. They already have standards for things like tractors, fertilizers, and pesticides. But now, they want to create a complete guide for farming practices, covering everything from choosing the right seeds to keeping the soil healthy.

Why is the NAC important for Odisha?

Odisha is an agricultural state, and our farmers face many challenges like changing weather patterns, pest menace and other vagaries which are not suitable for agricultural practices. The NAC will help them adapt to these challenges by providing the latest scientific knowledge and best practices. It will also help farmers produce better quality crops that can be sold for higher prices, improving their livelihoods.

The NAC will be like a comprehensive handbook for farmers, covering all aspects of farming:

• Crop selection: It will guide farmers on selecting suitable crops based on the soil and climate of their region.
• Land tilling: It will provide advice on how to prepare the land for sowing, including techniques for proper tilling and soil management.
• Sowing and planting: It will offer guidance on the best methods for sowing seeds and planting seedlings, ensuring optimal growth.
• Irrigation: It will provide information on efficient irrigation techniques, including micro-irrigation, to conserve water and maximize yields.
• Soil Management: It will guide farmers on maintaining soil fertility and health through sustainable practices like organic farming and crop rotation.
• Pest control: It will offer advice on managing pests and diseases using environmentally friendly methods.
• Harvesting and storage: It will provide guidance on proper harvesting techniques and storage methods to minimize losses and maintain crop quality.
• Adapting new techniques: It will cover modern farming practices like natural farming, organic farming, and the use of technology in agriculture.

The NAC will benefit the farmers in many ways:

• Crop yields: By following the best practices outlined in the NAC, farmers can increase their crop yields and improve their income.
• Quality produce: The NAC will help farmers produce high-quality crops that will fetch better prices in the market.
• Sustainable farming: The NAC will promote sustainable farming practices, helping conserve resources and protect the environment.
• Improving Skill - set: The NAC will serve as a valuable resource for farmers, providing them with the latest scientific knowledge and best practices.

The BIS is working with experts from universities and research organizations to create the NAC. They plan to have it ready by October 2025. After that, they will organize training programs for farmers to help them understand and implement the guidelines. The NAC is a significant step towards modernizing and strengthening agricultural sector.

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