17 hours ago
Farmers to get AI push, Maha to allot Rs500cr for 1st 3 years
Nagpur: The Maharashtra government on Monday approved a new Rs500 crore plan 'MahaAgri-AI Policy 2025–2029' to help farmers use artificial intelligence (AI) and new technologies for better farming.
The policy was approved in a cabinet meeting chaired by CM Devendra Fadnavis.
Over the next five years, AI will be used for tasks like crop monitoring, weather updates, farm advice, market trends, and pest control. The goal is to make farming more accurate, efficient, and profitable for farmers. Technologies like drones, smart sensors, and mobile apps will help collect and share information with farmers in real time.
The policy will begin with Rs500 crore funding for the first three years. A special team, technical experts, and a new Centre for AgriTech and AI Innovation will help run the programme. This centre will also support startups and train people in using new tools.
Many existing digital platforms like MahaVedh, AgriStack, CropSAP, and Mahadbt will be integrated together into a single system called agricultural data exchange (A-DeX).
It will help farmers get data about land, soil, weather, and markets through easy-to-use mobile and online services.
A smart system using satellite images, drones, and internet-connected devices will help government departments make better decisions. It will work along with national platforms like ISRO's Bhuvan and the central government's Fasal project.
The state will also start an AI-powered service called Vistaar, which will advise farmers in Marathi using chatbots and voice assistants on topics like crops, prices, pests, and government schemes.
To help farmers sell their crops in global markets, a blockchain system will track every step from the farm to the market. It will record the use of fertilizers, farming methods, and quality checks with QR codes, starting with export-quality crops.
Four AI training centres will be set up in state agricultural universities. Scientists, officials, and farmer producer groups will be trained in using AI. A helpdesk will also be created for technical support.
The government will also host a yearly "AI in Agriculture" event to bring together farmers, experts, companies, and investors. This event will be held in different districts each year.
The government in a statement said the entire programme is designed to directly benefit farmers and make farming more modern, secure, and successful in Maharashtra.
