Why in news?
The Union Budget 2026‑27 unveiled Bharat‑VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources), a multilingual artificial intelligence platform that will integrate various agricultural databases to provide customised advice to farmers. The initiative is part of the government’s broader push to deploy AI across public services.
Background
Farmers often struggle to access timely information on weather, soil health, crop management and government schemes. Existing digital platforms like AgriStack and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)’s knowledge portal offer vast data, but the information is fragmented and largely delivered in English. By harnessing AI, Bharat‑VISTAAR aims to deliver personalised, language‑specific advisories directly to farmers’ phones.
How the platform will work
- Integration of databases: Bharat‑VISTAAR will connect AgriStack portals (containing land records, weather and soil data) with the ICAR package of agricultural practices. AI systems will analyse this information to generate tailored advice.
- Multilingual support: The platform will operate in multiple Indian languages, enabling farmers across regions to access advice in their mother tongue.
- Customised recommendations: Unlike generic advisories, the AI will consider local soil type, crop stage, weather forecasts and market prices to deliver actionable guidance, reducing risk and improving yields.
- Cost‑effective deployment: The Budget did not earmark new funds; instead, the platform will leverage existing digital infrastructure and institutional frameworks.
Significance
- Provides farmers with timely, data‑driven recommendations, helping them decide what to plant, when to irrigate or fertilise, and when to sell produce.
- Reduces uncertainty and risk by offering site‑specific advice, potentially boosting farm productivity and income.
- Illustrates India’s ambition to use AI for inclusive growth, bridging the digital divide through multilingual tools.
Source: PIB
