In News:

Phase–I of ‘Bharat VISTAAR’ was launched in Jaipur, Rajasthan by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare during the AI Summit. The initiative aims to digitally empower farmers through Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based advisory services.

About Bharat VISTAAR

• Full Form: AI-powered, multilingual conversational advisory system for farmers.
• Nature: AI-based digital public infrastructure for agriculture.
• Objective:
  • Provide instant, technology-driven agricultural guidance.
  • Improve productivity and reduce risks.
  • Strengthen farmer self-reliance through personalised advisory.

It integrates multiple agricultural databases into a single AI-enabled platform accessible via helpline number 155261.

Key Features

1. Helpline-Based AI Advisory

• Farmers can dial 155261 from mobile or smartphone.
• Provides instant responses in local language.
• Currently available in Hindi and English; planned expansion to 11 languages.
• Real-time mandi prices accessible through the same helpline.

2. Integrated Digital Platform

Bharat VISTAAR consolidates multiple agricultural systems into one interface:

• AgriStack (farmer database architecture)
• Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) knowledge systems
• India Meteorological Department (IMD) weather inputs
• Market price databases
• Central and State Government agricultural schemes

3. Farmer Identity (Farmer ID)

• Creation of a digital Farmer Identity Card.
• Stores comprehensive farmer data.
• Integrates schemes such as:
  • Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
  • Soil Health Card Scheme
• Future integration of all agricultural schemes under one system.

4. Advisory Services Provided

• Soil testing guidance
• Seed and fertiliser recommendations
• Irrigation management
• Weather-based advisories
• Loans and insurance information
• Government scheme benefits

5. Associated Initiatives

• Farmer-centric AI Hackathon to promote agri-tech innovation.
• Agri Kosh AI Strategy Roadmap unveiled for long-term AI integration in agriculture.

Significance

Technological Significance

• Promotes AI-driven personalised agricultural advisory.
• Strengthens Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in agriculture.

Economic Significance

• Helps farmers access real-time market and insurance information.
• Aims to enhance productivity and reduce crop-related risks.

Governance Significance

• Brings multiple agricultural databases under a single unified digital platform.
• Supports goal of Viksit Kisan for achieving Viksit Bharat 2047.