In a significant development for the agricultural sector, the Ministry of Agriculture has unveiled Bharat-VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources), an AI-enabled platform designed to assist farmers in making informed decisions at the farm level. The launch took place shortly after the announcement of the initiative during the recent Budget, coinciding with India’s AI Impact Summit.

Features of Bharat-VISTAAR

Bharat-VISTAAR is a multilingual AI tool that aims to streamline access to vital agricultural resources by integrating various AgriStack portals and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) guidelines on farm practices with advanced AI systems. This innovative tool is intended to boost agricultural productivity and empower farmers by delivering tailored advisory services. It encompasses crucial information on weather, market prices, pest control, soil health, crop management, and details about major central government schemes relevant to agriculture.

Direct Access for Farmers

During the launch event, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the user-friendly nature of Bharat-VISTAAR. He described it as a platform where farmers can directly ask questions and receive answers without needing to navigate complex digital applications or visit government offices. “Farmers can simply dial 155261 from their mobile phones to inquire about essential farming issues and receive immediate responses in their local languages about necessary pesticides, optimal sowing times, and market prices in cities such as Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Delhi, and Mumbai,” Chouhan stated, highlighting the convenience it offers.

Language and Citizen Identity Features

Initially, the platform will provide services in Hindi and English, with plans to extend support to 11 languages in the future to accommodate a diverse range of users. Moreover, as part of the scheme, a farmer identity card is being introduced, which will centralize various details about individual farmers. Chouhan mentioned that efforts are underway to integrate the entire agricultural framework with the Bharat-VISTAAR system.

Inclusion of Central Government Schemes

At present, the scheme includes several central initiatives, such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and the Soil Health Card, ensuring that farmers receive comprehensive information. The Ministry has plans to expand this database further, making details about all key central schemes accessible through the Bharat-VISTAAR platform in the near future.

Focus on Innovation in Agriculture

In addition to launching Bharat-VISTAAR, Minister Chouhan introduced an AI Hackathon dedicated to tackle challenges faced by farmers. He also presented the ‘Agri Kosh AI Strategy Roadmap’, which aims to promote innovative agricultural solutions. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to addressing various agricultural challenges through technological advancements and enhancing the productivity and sustainability of the farming sector.

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