Maharashtra Cabinet Approves Rs 500 Crore AI Initiative to Transform Agriculture

Maharashtra's MahaAgri-AI Policy 2025–2029, with a budget of Rs 500 crore, aims to transform agriculture using advanced technologies like AI, drones, and blockchain. This groundbreaking strategy addresses long-standing challenges in the agricultural value chain, such as climate change, declining productivity, water stress, and market inefficiencies, positioning Maharashtra as a leader in AI-driven agriculture.

MahaAgri-AI Policy: Key Features

AI-Powered Platforms

The policy deploys real-time advisory systems, predictive tools for yield forecasting, and precision farming technologies. These platforms will provide farmers with data-driven insights to optimize their operations and increase yields.

Digital Public Infrastructure

An Agricultural Data Exchange (ADeX) will be introduced for secure, consent-based data sharing. An AI Sandbox for startups and a geospatial intelligence engine for crop and waterbody monitoring will also be established, enhancing the digital infrastructure in the sector.

Blockchain Traceability

QR code-based blockchain systems will ensure food safety and export compliance, starting with key crops like grapes, bananas, and pomegranates. This will improve traceability and transparency in the supply chain, boosting consumer confidence and market access.

Farmer-Centric Initiatives

The VISTAAR initiative will offer AI-based multilingual advisories integrated with national platforms such as Agristack and Bhashini. This will help farmers make informed decisions and improve their farming practices.

Institutional Support

A State-Level Steering Committee (SLSC) and Technical Committee (SLTC) will oversee the policy's implementation. An AI and Agritech Innovation Centre and four research hubs in State Agricultural Universities will be created to support innovation and research.

Startup and PPP Focus

Targeted grants, sandbox access, and data support will be provided to agritech startups, along with public-private partnerships and region-specific innovation challenges. This will foster a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and collaboration.

Digital Literacy Programs

Specialized training modules, fellowships, and hands-on demos will be offered to farmers and agricultural extension workers. This will enhance their digital literacy and enable them to effectively use the new technologies.

Phase-Wise Implementation

Phase I: Institutional Setup and Platform Design

The first phase will focus on setting up the necessary institutions and designing the platforms.

Phase II: Pilot Programs in Select Districts

Pilot programs will be launched in select districts to test and refine the technologies.

Phase III: Full-Scale Rollout Across Maharashtra

The third phase will involve a full-scale rollout of the policy across the state.

Phase IV: Policy Refinement and Expansion

The final phase will include policy refinement, third-party evaluation, and potential expansion to other rural sectors.

To strengthen weather advisory services, the Cabinet has extended the Mahavedh project under the WINDS (Weather Information Network Data System) initiative. Plans are in place to set up automated weather stations in every gram panchayat for hyperlocal data access.

Other Cabinet Decisions

Pension Revision under Gaurav Yojana

A two-fold hike in pensions for individuals imprisoned during the Emergency, now extended to surviving spouses.

New Tribal Industrial Cluster

Over 29 hectares of land in Nashik district have been allocated to the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) for setting up a Tribal Industrial Cluster, aimed at boosting local employment and enterprise.

The government has also announced an Annual Global AI in Agriculture Conference & Investor Summit, designed to attract international collaboration, showcase innovations, and scale up investment in agri-tech. With its far-reaching vision and emphasis on inclusivity, innovation, and institutional rigor, the MahaAgri-AI Policy 2025–2029 is set to usher in a new era of smart, data-driven agriculture in India.

[Related: Future of AI in Healthcare]