Agriculture – Bharat-VISTAAR AI Platform to Support Farmers Nationwide
Agriculture – India is preparing to roll out Bharat-VISTAAR, a technology-driven platform designed to strengthen agricultural support services across the country. The Centre will formally launch the AI-powered system on Tuesday, marking a significant step toward integrating digital tools into farming practices.
A Multilingual AI Tool for Farmers
Bharat-VISTAAR, which stands for Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources, has been developed as a multilingual platform to ensure that farmers can receive information in their preferred language. The system is designed for easy access through mobile phones and even basic phone calls, widening its reach to rural and remote communities.
Officials familiar with the initiative said the platform relies on advanced artificial intelligence to respond to queries and provide actionable guidance on day-to-day agricultural challenges. By using AI, the system aims to simplify complex information and deliver it in a clear, farmer-friendly manner.
What the Platform Will Offer
The new system will provide a wide range of services, including advisory support, best practice guidelines, and regular updates relevant to farming activities. These updates will cover weather forecasts, market prices of agricultural produce, and other time-sensitive information that influences crop planning and sales decisions.
An AI-based assistant named Bharati has been integrated into the platform to interact directly with users. Farmers will also be able to contact a dedicated helpline number for support. The system is designed to operate 24 hours a day, ensuring uninterrupted access to information regardless of location or time.
Official Launch and Policy Backing
The launch event will be attended by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma. The initiative was first outlined by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her Budget speech for 2026–27, where she highlighted the role of technology in strengthening rural economies.
The platform is positioned as part of a broader push to modernize agricultural services and improve last-mile delivery of government support.
Integration with Key Government Schemes
Bharat-VISTAAR has been equipped with detailed information on ten major Central government schemes that directly impact farmers. These include PM-KISAN, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, the Soil Health Card Scheme, and the Kisan Credit Card Scheme.
By consolidating scheme-related details within a single digital framework, the government aims to reduce confusion and help farmers better understand eligibility, benefits, and application procedures.
AI Innovation Spotlight at WAVES Corner
Alongside the launch, officials confirmed that 51 startups will present their artificial intelligence-based innovations at the WAVES corner. The showcase is expected to highlight emerging solutions in agriculture, climate resilience, and rural development, reflecting growing interest in AI-led transformation across sectors.
UK to Announce New Global AI Initiatives
In a related development, the United Kingdom is set to unveil three new international artificial intelligence initiatives during the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. The move is aimed at strengthening collaboration with developing nations and ensuring they can benefit from advancements in AI technologies.
The UK government has committed £58 million through its AI for Development programme, first introduced at the AI Safety Summit held at Bletchley Park in 2023. The upcoming projects will be implemented in partnership with Canada and are expected to focus on responsible AI deployment and capacity-building in emerging economies.
As countries intensify efforts to harness artificial intelligence for inclusive growth, initiatives such as Bharat-VISTAAR signal a growing emphasis on using technology to address practical challenges at the grassroots level.