Maharashtra’s agriculture minister, Dattatray Bharne, highlighted the government’s efforts to enhance the state’s agriculture sector through various schemes. The government is committed to leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital tools, and investments in infrastructure to revolutionize farming practices. Bharne emphasized the importance of addressing challenges like climate uncertainty and market fluctuations by introducing the Maha-Agri ‘AI’ Policy for 2025-2029, making Maharashtra a pioneer in this approach.
The state aims to integrate modern technologies like AI, Generative AI, drones, and robotics into farming to boost productivity, reduce input costs, and conserve water resources. Specialized training programs for farmers and Agriculture Department personnel are being rolled out to facilitate the adoption of these technologies. Maharashtra has established an Artificial Intelligence and Agritech Innovation Centre at the state level, along with research and incubation centers in all four agricultural universities.
Furthermore, the government organized the ‘AI for Agri’ international conference to explore cutting-edge agricultural technologies. Initiatives like the ‘Mahavistar’ mobile app and the ‘Vasudha’ AI-based phone service are providing crucial guidance to farmers on crop cultivation, disease management, and market insights. To support capital investment in agriculture, the Krishi Samruddhi Yojana with a budget allocation of Rs 2,000 crore for 2026-27 is promoting initiatives like farm ponds and agricultural drone usage.
Through the MahaDBT system, the state has disbursed over Rs 7,500 crore in subsidies to farmers since 2020. Notably, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana has been effectively implemented, with substantial compensation provided to farmers for crop losses. Various schemes like the ‘Mukhyamantri Baliraja Free Electricity Scheme’ and the ‘Magel Tyala Saur Krishi Pump’ are offering support to farmers, including free electricity for agricultural pumps and solar pump installations.
Financial assistance is being extended to farmers through schemes like the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Farmer Loan Waiver Scheme and the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi. The government has deposited Rs 52,316 crore directly into farmers’ accounts under the PM Kisan and Namo Shetkari schemes. The AgriStack project is facilitating the issuance of ‘Farmer IDs’ to streamline access to agricultural schemes, benefitting over 1.31 crore farmers in Maharashtra.
