Maharashtra Becomes First State in India to Approve AI Policy for Agriculture

Maharashtra Becomes First State in India to Approve AI Policy for Agriculture

by | Jun 25, 2025 | Agri News, Editors Pick, Farming, Policies

Maharashtra Becomes First State in India to Approve AI Policy for Agriculture

₹500 Crore Plan to Use AI, Drones & Digital Tools to Help Farmers

In a major step to modernise farming, the Maharashtra Cabinet has approved India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy for Agriculture—called the MahaAgri-AI Policy 2025–2029. The state has set aside ₹500 crore to use AI, drones, robotics, and data tools to help solve big problems like climate change, water shortage, low productivity, and poor market access.

This new policy aims to build a tech-enabled and farmer-first agriculture system. Some of the key things included in this plan are:

  • Real-time help for farmers using AI: Advisory platforms will guide farmers on when to sow, irrigate, or harvest.

  • Precision farming tools: Using data to apply just the right amount of water, seeds, or fertilizer.

  • Blockchain tracking: So that fruits like grapes, bananas, and pomegranates can be traced from farms to international markets.

A special platform called VISTAAR will give advice in multiple languages using AI. It will also connect with national platforms like Agristack and Bhashini.

To make this possible, the state will create digital public infrastructure like:

  • ADeX (Agricultural Data Exchange) – a secure place to share farm data.

  • AI Sandbox – a space where startups can test new tools.

  • Geospatial Engine – to track crop health, waterbodies, and weather patterns.

The policy will be managed by a State-Level Steering Committee (SLSC) and a Technical Committee (SLTC). It will also set up:

  • An AI & Agritech Innovation Centre

  • Four research hubs at agriculture universities

Special focus will be on helping startups and building public-private partnerships. Innovators can get grants, run pilot projects, and access the AI sandbox to solve problems specific to each region.

A Digital Literacy Programme will train farmers and extension workers on how to use AI tools effectively through modules, fellowships, and live demos.

To attract more investment and international collaboration, Maharashtra will host an Annual Global AI in Agriculture Conference and Investor Summit.

With this move, Maharashtra has taken the lead in showing how technology and farming can go hand in hand for a better future.

Amit Shah Calls for Introspection as India’s Economy Transforms, Urges Chambers to Evolve

Amit Shah Calls for Introspection as India’s Economy Transforms, Urges Chambers to Evolve

by | Jun 25, 2025 | Agri News, Editors Pick, Policies

Amit Shah Calls for Introspection as India’s Economy Transforms, Urges Chambers to Evolve

Introduction:
While inaugurating the new headquarters of MACCIA in Mumbai, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah said India is witnessing transformative changes in industry, commerce, and agriculture, and urged trade chambers to modernise and align with the nation’s evolving economic landscape.

Details: 
In a powerful address at the inauguration of the new headquarters of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA) in Mumbai, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah reflected on the sweeping changes India has undergone across key sectors—industry, commerce, and agriculture.

Speaking at a state-level cooperative industrial conference, Shah was joined by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister of State for Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol, and other senior dignitaries.

Shah highlighted that MACCIA’s centenary year is not just a milestone but an opportunity for reflection and reinvention. “When an institution completes 100 years, its rules and traditions often become outdated. This is a time for introspection,” he stated, urging India’s Chambers of Commerce and Agriculture to revisit their working models to better match today’s dynamic economy.

He emphasised that the globalisation of India’s economy, new policy-making frameworks, and stronger execution have significantly raised the country’s global standing—including the value of the Indian passport. “Today, we are the fourth-largest economy in the world, having surpassed those who once ruled us,” he noted with pride.

Shah called on all chambers across the country to engage professional institutions to audit and upgrade their operations to align with modern-day challenges and global economic standards. He pointed out that India’s economic journey—from dependency on colonial laws to becoming a global economic powerhouse—shows what determination, reform, and vision can achieve.

As MACCIA embarks on its next century, the Union Minister’s message was clear: the time for transformation is now. Institutions must adapt not only to support business but to lead innovation in India’s rapidly evolving agriculture, trade, and industrial ecosystem.