Maharashtra Launches India's First AI Agriculture Policy with ₹500 Cr Outlay
Maharashtra's MahaAgri-AI Policy 2025–2029 integrates AI, drones, and advanced analytics to tackle climate change, boost productivity, and improve market access in agriculture.
In a groundbreaking move, the Maharashtra Cabinet has approved the MahaAgri-AI Policy 2025–2029, India’s first comprehensive artificial intelligence strategy for agriculture. With an initial allocation of ₹500 crore, the policy aims to integrate AI, GenAI, drones, robotics, and advanced analytics to address critical challenges such as climate change, falling productivity, water scarcity, and inefficient market access.
The initiative seeks to build a tech-driven, farmer-centric agricultural ecosystem, positioning Maharashtra as a leader in AI-enabled and sustainable farming. Key interventions include the rollout of real-time advisory platforms, precision farming tools, and blockchain-enabled traceability systems for major export crops like grapes, bananas, and pomegranates. The VISTAAR platform will offer AI-powered, multilingual advisories aligned with national platforms like Agristack and Bhashini.
To support innovation and implementation, the government will establish a strong digital public infrastructure. This includes an Agricultural Data Exchange (ADeX) for secure data sharing, an AI Sandbox for startups to test solutions, and a Geospatial Intelligence Engine for monitoring crops, waterbodies, and climate events.
An institutional framework featuring a State-Level Steering Committee (SLSC) and a Technical Committee (SLTC) will guide the policy rollout. A dedicated AI & Agritech Innovation Centre and four research hubs within State Agricultural Universities will anchor research, incubation, and deployment efforts.
The policy places special emphasis on supporting startups and promoting public-private partnerships. Targeted grants, innovation challenges, and sandbox access will be extended to agritech innovators to drive region-specific solutions. Additionally, a robust digital literacy programme—comprising training modules, fellowships, and demonstrations—will empower farmers and extension workers to adapt to AI tools with confidence.
To project global leadership, Maharashtra will host an Annual Global AI in Agriculture Conference & Investor Summit, bringing together stakeholders to foster collaboration and investment.
The rollout will unfold in four stages—starting with institutional setup and platform design, followed by district-level pilots, full-scale deployment across the state, and final policy refinement based on third-party reviews and field feedback.
With this policy, Maharashtra sets a bold benchmark for the country’s agricultural transformation—powered by data, driven by innovation, and focused on farmer prosperity.
Key highlights of the MahaAgri-AI Policy include:
AI-Powered Platforms
Rollout of real-time advisory systems, yield prediction tools, and precision farming technologies to enhance productivity and resilience.
Digital Public Infrastructure
Launch of an Agricultural Data Exchange (ADeX) for secure, consent-based data sharing; an AI Sandbox for startups; and a geospatial intelligence engine for monitoring crops and waterbodies.
Blockchain Traceability
Implementation of QR code-based blockchain systems to improve food safety and ensure export compliance, starting with crops like grapes, bananas, and pomegranates.
Farmer-Centric Initiatives
Introduction of the VISTAAR platform, delivering multilingual AI advisories integrated with national digital assets like Agristack and Bhashini.
Institutional Backbone
Creation of a State-Level Steering Committee (SLSC), a Technical Committee (SLTC), and an AI & Agritech Innovation Centre, along with four research hubs across State Agricultural Universities.
Startup and PPP Ecosystem
Provision of targeted grants, sandbox access, and data resources for agritech startups, along with dedicated PPP models and localized innovation challenges.
Digital Literacy & Capacity Building
Deployment of training modules, fellowships, and demonstration programs for farmers and agricultural extension personnel to accelerate adoption.
This policy marks a paradigm shift in how agriculture will be planned, practiced, and managed—ushering in a new era of data-driven, tech-enabled farming in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MahaAgri-AI Policy 2025–2029?
The MahaAgri-AI Policy 2025–2029 is Maharashtra's first comprehensive artificial intelligence strategy for agriculture, aimed at integrating AI, drones, and advanced analytics to address critical challenges in farming.
What are the key interventions of the policy?
Key interventions include real-time advisory platforms, precision farming tools, blockchain traceability systems, and the VISTAAR platform for multilingual AI advisories.
How does the policy support startups and innovation?
The policy provides targeted grants, innovation challenges, and sandbox access to agritech startups, along with dedicated public-private partnership models and localized innovation challenges.
What is the role of digital public infrastructure in the policy?
The policy establishes an Agricultural Data Exchange (ADeX), an AI Sandbox, and a Geospatial Intelligence Engine to support secure data sharing, innovation, and monitoring of crops and waterbodies.
How does the policy ensure farmer prosperity?
The policy focuses on building a tech-driven, farmer-centric ecosystem, providing multilingual AI advisories, and deploying training modules and fellowships to empower farmers and extension workers.
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