In a major push to modernize agriculture, the government announced the launch of the AI-powered Bharat Vistaar platform in the Union Budget 2026. Designed as a digital companion for farmers, the platform will deliver real-time agricultural guidance in regional languages, helping improve productivity, decision-making, and access to government services.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman described the initiative as a step toward integrating artificial intelligence into everyday farming practices, ensuring that even small and marginal farmers can benefit from advanced technology.
A Digital Partner for Farmers
Bharat Vistaar — short for Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources — is built to function as an intelligent advisory system. It will provide farmers with personalized updates on weather conditions, soil health, crop planning, and government schemes in their preferred language.
The platform is directly linked to the national Agri-Stack portal and data from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), ensuring reliable, data-driven recommendations. Officials believe this integration will help farmers make informed decisions from sowing to harvesting.
According to reports, AI chatbots are already being used by around 4,000 agricultural staff in states such as Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The government now plans to expand the system nationwide.
Easier Access to Schemes and Expert Advice
One of the platform’s biggest advantages is simplified access to expert guidance. Farmers will no longer need to travel long distances for consultations. A Wadhwani AI-powered chatbot linked to farmer call centers will be capable of answering millions of queries simultaneously.
Beyond advisory services, Bharat Vistaar will act as a gateway to government welfare programs. Farmers will be able to receive information about schemes and apply directly through the platform, reducing paperwork and eliminating middlemen. The system is expected to strengthen direct communication between farmers and government agencies.
Image Recognition to Detect Crop Diseases
A standout feature of Bharat Vistaar is its use of image-recognition technology. Farmers can upload photos of affected crops, and the AI system will identify pests or diseases and suggest remedies. The platform incorporates practical field knowledge from thousands of farmers, including regional farming practices from states like Tamil Nadu.
The AI assistant will operate through both voice and text interfaces, making it accessible even to farmers with limited digital literacy.
Toward a Tech-Driven Agriculture Sector
Officials say the initiative aims to increase crop yields while building technological confidence among farmers. By combining artificial intelligence with grassroots agricultural knowledge, Bharat Vistaar represents a major shift toward data-driven farming in India.
Experts view the platform as a milestone in India’s digital agriculture journey, with the potential to boost rural incomes and create a more resilient farming ecosystem.
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