Pioneering AI in Farming
Maharashtra is positioning itself as a leader in agricultural innovation by hosting the 'AI for Agri 2026' global conference and investment summit. Scheduled
for February 22nd and 23rd, this landmark event is designed to bridge the gap between farmers and advanced global technologies. The core objective is to foster the adoption of AI-driven solutions, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability across the state. Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane emphasized that the summit will be a crucial platform for farmers to gain access to the latest innovations. This initiative is a key component of the Maharashtra Agriculture - Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025-2029, underscoring a long-term commitment to a data-driven agricultural ecosystem. The government has allocated a substantial Rs 500 crore for the initial phase of this policy, highlighting the significant investment in transforming the state's farming landscape through technology.
Global Collaboration Hub
The Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai will be the venue for 'AI for Agri 2026', attracting a diverse range of stakeholders. Attendees will include leading agricultural experts from around the world, dynamic startups showcasing groundbreaking innovations, and crucial investors and financial institutions eager to support the agricultural technology sector. The event is backed by a prestigious list of global and national partners, including the World Economic Forum (WEF), FAO, UNDP, IFAD, World Bank Group, Asian Development Bank (ADB), ICRISAT, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF). This broad coalition signifies a concerted effort to leverage international expertise and resources to drive AI adoption in agriculture. The policy itself aims to build a robust, data-centric agricultural framework, with specific projects like MahaAgriX (Maharashtra Agriculture Data Exchange), advanced AI-enabled traceability systems, an AI-driven geospatial intelligence engine, and a farmer-focused advisory platform named 'MahaVistar' under development.
Empowering Women Farmers
Recognizing the vital role of women in agriculture, 'AI for Agri 2026' will dedicate special sessions to their empowerment and leadership. This focus aligns with the United Nations' declaration of 2026 as the International Year of Women Farmers. These sessions are intended to highlight the contributions of women in the agricultural sector and explore how AI technologies can specifically benefit them, potentially opening new avenues for growth and economic independence. The summit also promises a vibrant exhibition where approximately 30 startups will display their AI-powered innovations. These exhibits will cover various stages of the agricultural value chain, offering practical demonstrations of how AI is being applied to solve real-world farming challenges. Esteemed personalities like Nandan Nilekani, chairman and co-founder of Infosys, Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, chairperson of MSSRF, and J Satyanarayana, chief advisor for C4IR India at WEF, are expected to participate, adding significant weight and insight to the discussions.
