Why is it in the news?
→ Ministry of Agriculture launched Phase-1 of the AI-based Bharat VISTAAR scheme in Jaipur to digitally empower farmers.
→ The initiative provides AI-driven advisory services and integrates agricultural data platforms.
Category: S&T
Important Points
- Bharat VISTAAR is a multilingual AI-based conversational advisory system for farmers.
- Allows farmers to ask agriculture-related questions through mobile or smartphone.
- The objective is to make agriculture accessible, affordable and technology-driven.
- Provides AI-based personalised advisory and strengthens farmer self-reliance.
- Farmers can dial helpline number 155261 for instant answers in local languages.
- Currently available in Hindi and English with expansion planned to 11 languages.
- Provides real-time mandi prices across India.
- Integrates AgriStack, ICAR knowledge systems, IMD weather inputs, market prices and government schemes.
- Digital Farmer Identity Card stores farmer data.
- Integrated schemes like PM Fasal Bima Yojana and Soil Health Card.
- Offers guidance on soil testing, seeds, fertilisers, irrigation, loans and insurance.
- AI Hackathon and Agri Kosh AI Strategy Roadmap launched alongside initiative.