The Central Government is implementing several digital initiatives to promote the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the agricultural sector. Ramnath Thakur, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, stated in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha that the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is utilizing AI-based projects in areas such as farmer advisory services, pest control, crop identification, insurance, the distribution of benefits from government schemes, and administrative analysis. Under the Digital Agriculture Mission, assistance is also being provided to states for projects involving modern technologies like AI, machine learning, blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics.
Crop Protection through the National Pest Surveillance System
The government stated that the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) helps minimize losses by detecting pest infestations in crops in a timely manner using AI and machine learning. Currently, over 10,000 agricultural extension workers are using this system. It is capable of monitoring 73 crops and 436 types of pests and allows farmers to receive instant advice by uploading photographs of pests.
5.28 Crore Farmers Benefit from AI-based Weather Advisories
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) provides AI-based monsoon and weather-related advisories, helping farmers plan their agricultural activities better based on location-specific weather forecasts. According to the government, approximately 5.28 crore farmers have benefited from this initiative so far.
Digital Agricultural Services via the ‘Bharat Vistar’ Platform
The government’s ‘Bharat Vistar’ platform has been developed as an AI-driven Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for the agricultural sector. It provides farmers with access to government schemes and agricultural support services, alongside real-time, location-specific agricultural advice.
According to the government, this platform has provided services to over 3 lakh farmers and resolved more than 72 lakh farmer queries to date. Through this platform, facilities such as access to 18 Central Government schemes, crop and livestock-related advisories, weather forecasts, market prices, pest and disease identification, soil health recommendations, and grievance redressal are being provided.
Services available via multiple channels and in 10 languages
Access is provided through the ‘Bharat Vistar’ web portal, a mobile application, an AI chatbot, and a dedicated telephone line. While the telephone service is currently available in Hindi and English, the chatbot, web portal, and mobile application offer services in 10 languages.
No separate assessment of AI’s impact
The government stated that no separate, comprehensive assessment of the impact of AI-based technologies has been conducted. However, budgets have been consistently allocated for digital agriculture initiatives over the past five years.
Increasing investment in digital agriculture
According to the government, allocations for digital agriculture initiatives were ₹60 crore in 2022-23, ₹450 crore in 2023-24, ₹763.88 crore in 2024-25, ₹758.56 crore in 2025-26, and ₹502.40 crore in 2026-27. Meanwhile, the actual expenditure during these years was ₹20.84 crore, ₹119.44 crore, ₹356 crore, ₹596.10 crore, and ₹364.62 crore, respectively.
Technical and financial support for states
The government stated that financial assistance is also being provided to states and Union Territories for project implementation, capacity building, technical collaboration, and human resources. This aims to ensure that all farmers—including small and marginal ones—have access to AI-based technologies and digital services.
