Agritech – ICAR Launches WhatsApp-Based AI Support for Oilseed Farmers
Agritech – India’s agricultural research system has introduced a new digital initiative aimed at helping oilseed growers receive timely and science-based farming guidance. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has launched an artificial intelligence-powered WhatsApp service that delivers crop-related information directly to farmers in multiple Indian languages.
New Digital Platform for Oilseed Growers
The newly introduced service, called Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra, has been developed by the ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (IIOR) based in Hyderabad. Through a multilingual chatbot integrated with WhatsApp, farmers can seek agricultural advice and receive instant responses on their mobile phones without requiring any additional software or applications.
The launch comes at an important time as farmers prepare for the kharif cultivation season. Weather forecasts indicating below-normal rainfall in some regions have increased the need for timely crop management guidance. At the same time, policymakers continue to focus on improving domestic oilseed production to reduce dependence on imported edible oils.
Addressing India’s Dependence on Edible Oil Imports
India remains one of the world’s largest importers of edible oils. Domestic production currently meets only a portion of the country’s overall demand. Official estimates indicate that the nation produces nearly 12.2 million tonnes of edible oils annually, while imports account for around 16 million tonnes.
The financial burden of these imports is significant, with expenditure estimated at nearly ₹1.32 lakh crore. Import spending on edible oils ranks among the country’s largest import costs, following major categories such as gold and energy products.
Officials believe that improving access to scientific farming practices can help increase productivity and support efforts to strengthen domestic oilseed output over time.
Instant Research-Based Guidance Through WhatsApp
The service has been designed to make agricultural information more accessible. Farmers can save the number +91 4024598180 on WhatsApp under the name “Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra” and submit questions related to various oilseed crops.
The platform covers major crops including soybean, mustard, groundnut, sunflower, sesame, niger, and several other oilseed varieties cultivated across different regions of the country.
Using artificial intelligence, the chatbot provides immediate responses based on research findings and recommendations developed by ICAR institutions. Farmers can receive information on seed selection, cultivation techniques, pest and disease management, irrigation practices, nutrient management, and post-harvest handling.
Free Service Available Around the Clock
One of the key features of the initiative is its round-the-clock availability. The advisory platform operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can be accessed free of charge.
Since WhatsApp is already widely used in rural communities, the service aims to remove common barriers that often limit access to agricultural expertise. Farmers can obtain guidance in their preferred language, making technical recommendations easier to understand and apply in the field.
Bringing Scientific Knowledge Closer to Farmers
Dr. R.K. Mathur, Director of the ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research, said the initiative marks an important step in making oilseed research more accessible to farmers across the country.
According to him, the platform combines scientific knowledge generated by various ICAR institutions with multilingual AI technology, helping bridge gaps related to distance, language, and information access. He noted that farmers can now obtain expert-backed recommendations through a familiar communication platform already available on their smartphones.
With kharif sowing activities underway in several regions, agricultural authorities have encouraged oilseed farmers and other stakeholders to make use of the service for crop-related queries and management support throughout the season.