AI Multilingual Mobile Tool Set to Aid Farmers with Real-Time Guidance
AI-based multilingual tool for farmers coming to mobile phones, aiming to improve access to guidance and resources
The Government of India on Tuesday launched Bharat‑VISTAAR, a new AI‑enabled multilingual agricultural advisory platform designed to provide farmers with real‑time support and information directly through mobile phones—even simple feature phones. The platform, formally unveiled in Jaipur by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and attended by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, is part of the Centre’s broader effort to integrate artificial intelligence into public services for the farming community.
Bharat‑VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources) aims to be a comprehensive digital agriculture companion, offering guidelines and advisory tips on crop planning, pests and diseases, soil health, market prices, weather updates and key government schemes. It is being positioned as a “digital agriculture expert” that farmers can access at any time via an AI assistant named Bharati, either through a chatbot on mobile devices or by placing a voice call—making the service usable even for individuals without smartphones or internet access.
A central focus of the Bharat‑VISTAAR platform is inclusivity: it will initially operate in Hindi and English, with plans to expand to multiple regional languages over time to reach a broader segment of India’s farming population. Officials say the system is designed to integrate data from scientific and government sources, including the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and AgriStack portals, to provide reliable, region‑specific advice.
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Farmers using the tool can receive tailored information about pest management strategies, mandi price trends, soil fertility recommendations, weather forecasts from the India Meteorological Department, and detailed information on schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Kisan Credit Card benefits. By consolidating this information in one interactive system, the government hopes to reduce farmers’ dependence on disparate sources and improve decision‑making in the field.
The launch also marked the introduction of an AI for Agriculture Roadmap and announcements related to hackathons and other digital agriculture initiatives aimed at fostering innovation in the sector. Virtual participation by farmers and agriculture officials from across the country underlined the national scale of the rollout.
The initiative was first announced in the Union Budget for 2026–27, with an allocated budget to support its development and expansion. Officials emphasize that Bharat‑VISTAAR’s voice‑first design could significantly enhance access to digital advisory services for millions of farmers, including those in remote rural areas with limited literacy and connectivity.
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