What's Happening?
At Agrovision 2025, Maharashtra showcased its commitment to integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into agriculture as part of a tech-forward farm agenda. Ajay Prasad Shrivastava, Director of STPI, highlighted Maharashtra's role as a proving ground
for ambitious agri-tech interventions. The state has launched a strategic AI policy, aiming to enhance productivity, advisory precision, and risk prediction in agriculture. Initiatives like FASAL are designed to address agriculture-specific challenges, with a focus on AI-supported crop planning, resource optimization, and IoT-based monitoring. The government has allocated Rs 500 crore for agricultural AI, emphasizing precision-driven interventions to tackle issues like soil fertility decline and labor shortages.
Why It's Important?
Maharashtra's strategic AI policy in agriculture is significant as it positions the state as a leader in tech-driven farming solutions. By integrating AI, Maharashtra aims to improve crop profitability and address challenges such as climate volatility and labor shortages. The policy aligns with global sustainable development goals and India's Viksit Bharat agenda, emphasizing equity and community engagement. The use of AI in agriculture has the potential to create more jobs, enhance productivity, and provide farmers with precise advisories, ultimately transforming the agricultural landscape in Maharashtra and setting a precedent for other states.
What's Next?
The AI Impact Summit scheduled for February next year will further advance Maharashtra's agricultural AI agenda, with participation from thirteen countries and over 300 exhibitors. STPI plans to establish a new institute with VNIT Nagpur to support deep-tech startups in developing farm-tech solutions. The government will continue to push for state-wide remote sensing applications and AI-enabled fruit traceability systems. As Maharashtra expands its AI initiatives, it is expected to drive innovation in agriculture, improve farmer remuneration, and enhance the state's agricultural output.
