Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted Maharashtra’s pioneering efforts in hosting India’s first dedicated Artificial Intelligence conference for farmers. He emphasized the state’s commitment to enhancing farmers’ lives through digital solutions, including multilingual apps for easy access to agricultural information. The government’s focus on collaboration between academia, research, and industry through the Maha-AI Innovation Centre aims to create a tech-savvy agricultural ecosystem.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India’s digital infrastructure and AI initiatives have gained prominence, with the India AI Mission prioritizing inclusive and impactful technological advancements. Maharashtra’s proactive stance in adopting AI in agriculture is evident through the launch of the “Maharashtra Agricultural Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025–2029” and the development of the “Maha-Vistar AI” platform for farmers’ benefit.
The state’s vision extends beyond being a mere AI user to becoming a leader in responsible AI utilization, with a strong emphasis on reaching farmers across all regions. Maharashtra’s Agriculture Minister, Dattatray Bharne, stressed the importance of blending traditional farming knowledge with modern technologies like AI, drones, and IoT to elevate the state’s agriculture sector to a global standard. The government’s substantial allocation of nearly Rs 500 crore towards implementing the AI-based Agriculture Policy underscores its commitment to leveraging technology for food security, climate resilience, and sustainable farming practices.
In a bid to democratize access to AI-driven agricultural solutions, Maharashtra introduced various applications like Maha Agri-X, MahaVISTAAR Voice Telephony App, and an AI-Based Pest and Disease Detection System. Collaborative agreements with organizations like the World Bank and Wageningen University aim to document and promote effective AI usage in agriculture, fostering international cooperation and knowledge exchange.
