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Government launches ‘Bharat VISTAAR’ AI scheme to empower Indian farmers
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Friday, 20 February, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, New Delhi
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In a major push toward digital agriculture, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, recently inaugurated ‘Bharat VISTAAR’ Phase 1 in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The Artificial Intelligence-based scheme is designed to provide farmers with a single-window platform for instant, tech-driven agricultural advisory services.
AI-Powered Support at the Fingertips
The 'Bharat VISTAAR' initiative allows farmers to dial a dedicated helpline (155261) to receive immediate solutions to their agricultural queries. A standout feature of the platform is its multilingual capability; while launched in Hindi and English, it will soon support 11 regional languages.
Farmers can use the system to access:
- Real-time Mandi Prices: Current market rates from across the country.
- Technical Advice: Information on soil testing, seeds, fertilizers, and water management.
- Scheme Integration: Updates on the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Soil Health Cards, and available loans.
During the event, the Minister also unveiled a Farmer Identity Card (ID), which will serve as a unified digital record for every farmer, streamlining access to government benefits.
Vision for 'Viksit Kisan'
Accompanied by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Minister Chouhan highlighted that the goal is to enhance the production capacity of farmers through AI. "This initiative is about building modern infrastructure that delivers measurable value to farmers," Chouhan stated.
The launch also included the unveiling of an AI Hackathon for farmers and the Agri Kosh AI Strategy Roadmap, emphasizing a long-term commitment to integrating India's digital public infrastructure—including AgriStack, ICAR, and IMD—into a cohesive digital ecosystem.
Political Discourse
The event was also marked by a sharp political critique of previous administrations. Minister Chouhan questioned the opposition regarding past agricultural policies, contrasting them with the current government's implementation of the Swaminathan Committee's MSP recommendations.
As India marches toward the goal of "Viksit Bharat" by 2047, the 'Bharat VISTAAR' scheme represents a critical step in ensuring that Indian farmers are self-reliant and technologically empowered.
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