In a major step toward digital agriculture, the Government of Maharashtra officially launched the ‘MahaVISTAAR-AI’ mobile application, an AI-powered digital platform designed to assist farmers with real-time, personalised agri-advisory services. Hon’ble Chief Minister Mr. Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the initiative during the state-level Kharif season review meeting.

Developed by the Department of Agriculture in collaboration with the EkStep Foundation, the Centre for Open Societal Systems (COSS), FIDE, and other partners, MahaVISTAAR-AI integrates services under the vision of the central government’s VISTAAR framework. It leverages key digital infrastructure, including OpenAgriNet (OAN), India’s AI Mission, and Mission BHASHINI, ensuring access to information in multiple Indian languages.

The app is set to play a transformative role for the state’s 152 lakh hectares of Kharif cropland, offering farmers AI-powered chatbots, instructional videos, and crop-specific guidance. Farmers can now receive timely inputs on sowing methods, pest control, and weather advisories in their preferred language.

In addition to MahaVISTAAR-AI, the state will launch the ‘Saathi’ portal—an AI-based monitoring system to curb black marketing of seeds and fertilisers. All seeds will be mandatorily registered and traceable via the Central Government’s Saathi portal, which currently lists over 70,000 quintals of certified seeds. The government aims to achieve 100% registration by next year.

Chief Minister Fadnavis emphasised the importance of enhancing productivity through increased investment in agriculture, noting a record 27% rise in food grain production last year. He also called for coordinated efforts across departments, digital farming schools in every taluka, and expanded credit access without dependence on CIBIL scores. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde reaffirmed the readiness of the state’s agriculture system and stressed the importance of responsible planning amid changing climate patterns.

Finance Minister Ajit Pawar highlighted the state’s push toward adopting next-generation agri-tech under the “Farm of the Future” concept. Innovations like AI integration and climate-resilient farming are being implemented across 50,000 farms. Simultaneously, market intelligence and improved supply chains aim to ensure fair pricing for farmers.

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Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate outlined the government’s Rs 5,000 crore investment plan to modernise agriculture. Initiatives such as the Nanaji Deshmukh Krishi Sanjivani Project and the Balasaheb Thackeray Smart Project are actively reaching lakhs of farmers. Additionally, improvements in the Gopinath Munde Accident Insurance Scheme and disaster relief efforts have further strengthened farmer welfare programs.

The MahaVISTAAR-AI initiative is poised to usher in a new era of inclusive, tech-driven agriculture in Maharashtra, offering farmers trusted, accessible, and timely services as they navigate the Kharif season and beyond.

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