National Agriculture Code (NAC) Formulation by BIS

Context:
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is formulating a National Agriculture Code (NAC) to standardize agricultural practices across India, similar to the National Building Code and National Electrical Code.

Introduction:
The NAC is being developed to set comprehensive standards for agricultural practices, covering the entire agriculture cycle. This move aims to bring uniformity in farming practices and guide stakeholders such as farmers, universities, and officials.

What is the NAC?

• BIS Role: BIS, the national body for setting standards across sectors, has already set standards for agricultural machinery (tractors, harvesters) and inputs (fertilizers, pesticides). However, many areas in agriculture, such as field preparation and water use, lack standardization.
• NAC Scope: The NAC will fill these gaps, serving as a reference guide for agricultural best practices. It will be structured in two parts:
  1. General principles for all crops
  2. Crop-specific standards for crops like paddy, wheat, and pulses.

What Will the NAC Cover?

• Agricultural Processes: It will cover standards for the entire agricultural process, from crop selection to post-harvest operations, including irrigation, soil and plant health management, and sustainability.
• Input Management: Standards for the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, crop storage, and traceability will be included.
• Emerging Areas: NAC will incorporate standards for new farming techniques such as natural and organic farming, and the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) in agriculture.

Stated Objectives of NAC:

1. Comprehensive Code: To create a national code addressing agricultural practices based on agroclimatic zones, crop diversity, and the agri-food value chain.
2. Quality Culture: To promote quality standards in agriculture, aiding policymakers and regulators in embedding NAC provisions into policies and regulations.
3. Guide for Farmers: To provide a detailed guide for farmers and officials to improve decision-making in farming practices.
4. SMART Farming & Sustainability: To address horizontal aspects like smart farming, sustainability, traceability, and record maintenance.
5. Capacity Building: To support agriculture extension services and organizations in capacity building and skill development.

Proposed Timeline:

• Drafting Process: BIS has formed working panels with experts from academia and R&D to draft the NAC, with a target completion date of October 2025.
• Post-Drafting Plans: BIS will provide training to farmers on NAC standards after its release.

Standardized Agriculture Demonstration Farms (SADF):

• Objective: BIS plans to establish SADFs in agricultural institutes to test and showcase agricultural practices aligned with Indian Standards.
• Implementation: MoUs will be signed with top agricultural institutes, and BIS will offer financial assistance. These farms will serve as learning hubs for farmers, officials, and industry stakeholders to adopt standardized practices.

 

 

 

 

Green Patch Spreading in Antarctica and Scientists’ Concerns

Context:
Plant cover on the Antarctic Peninsula has increased over 10 times in recent decades due to rising temperatures, posing new ecological risks.

How Quickly is Antarctica Warming?

• Warming Rate: A 2023 study found that Antarctica is warming twice as fast as the global average, at 0.22-0.32°C per decade compared to the global rate of 0.14-0.18°C.
• Antarctic Peninsula: It’s warming five times faster than the global average, now 3°C warmer than in 1950.
• Heatwaves: Antarctica has seen record-breaking heatwaves, with ground temperatures in July 2024 recorded at 10°C higher than normal, reaching up to 28°C above normal on certain days.

Study Findings on Vegetation

• Greening of Antarctica: Satellite data show that vegetation (mainly mosses and lichen) on the Antarctic Peninsula has increased 14 times in 35 years.
• Rate of Greening: This greening has accelerated, with a 30% increase in the period from 2016-2021.
• Impact on Ice: Rising temperatures have led to a rapid decrease in sea ice, which may be creating wetter conditions that favour plant growth.

Why is Increased Vegetation a Concern?

• Invasive Species: Mosses can create soil foundations, which may attract invasive species that could threaten Antarctica’s native ecosystems. Visitors like tourists or scientists could unintentionally introduce such species.
• Soil Formation: The rise in plant life will contribute to soil formation, increasing the risk of further colonization by non-native plants and animals.
• Albedo Effect: More vegetation could reduce the albedo effect (the surface’s ability to reflect sunlight). This darker surface will absorb more heat, further increasing temperatures locally and globally.

Conclusion

As the atmosphere continues to warm due to greenhouse gas emissions, Antarctica will get warmer, likely resulting in increased plant growth and further environmental changes. The spread of vegetation raises concerns about biodiversity, invasive species, and accelerating climate impacts in the region.