AI Boost For Farmers: Govt Set To Launch Bharat-VISTAAR To Transform Farm Support Tomorrow

Last Updated:February 16, 2026, 14:00 IST

Bharat-VISTAAR, an AI-driven multilingual platform, will be launched tomorrow to deliver farm-related info via mobile, integrating AgriStack and ICAR systems.

The Centre will roll out Bharat-VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources), an AI-driven multilingual platform aimed at delivering farm-related information directly to farmers through mobile phones or a simple voice call, on Tuesday. The initiative will be formally launched in Jaipur by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma.

Designed as a round-the-clock “digital agriculture expert," Bharat-VISTAAR can be accessed in two modes, including via a dedicated helpline number, 155261. Its conversational AI assistant, named Bharati, will guide farmers on crop planning, recommended agricultural practices, pest management, weather updates, market prices, and government schemes. It will also provide details on eligibility, application processes, and grievance redressal, according to a report in The Indian Express.

Farmers will be able to access information on 10 key Central schemes such as PM-KISAN, PM Fasal Bima Yojana, Soil Health Card, Kisan Credit Card, Agriculture Infrastructure Fund and PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, among others. Real-time alerts related to weather and pest outbreaks will also be available.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced the initiative in the Union Budget 2026-27, allocating Rs 150 crore for its implementation in the upcoming financial year. She said the platform would integrate AgriStack portals and ICAR’s agricultural practice packages with AI systems to improve productivity, support better decision-making and reduce risks through customised advisory services.

Initially available in Hindi and English, the platform will gradually expand to regional languages. Officials described Bharat-VISTAAR as more than just an application, calling it a “national digital backbone" linking Central and State systems while maintaining state autonomy. The system will collaborate with non-profits, AI startups and Centres of Excellence, leveraging the broader India AI Mission and BHASHINI ecosystem. Farmer feedback will also feed into policymaking and research planning, the report stated.

News india AI Boost For Farmers: Govt Set To Launch Bharat-VISTAAR To Transform Farm Support Tomorrow

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