The government is set to launch Bharat-VISTAAR, an AI-powered multilingual platform aimed at supporting farmers with real-time information on crop planning, weather updates, market prices, and Central schemes. The 24×7 digital assistant will be accessible via smartphone or helpline number 155261.
Farmers to Access Central Schemes Through AI Tool Bharat-VISTAAR (Image : Internet)
New Delhi: Indian farmers are set to be integrated with technology through access to an AI multilingual tool, Bharat-VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources), designed to provide information in their own language via a smartphone or even through a simple phone call.
Bharat-VISTAAR will be available to farmers 24 hours a day in the form of a “digital agriculture expert,” helping farmers through its AI assistant named Bharti. Farmers can access it by dialing 155261.
The Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma will launch Bharat-VISTAAR in Jaipur, as per sources.
Information on 10 major Central schemes, including PM-KISAN, PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), Soil Health Card (SHC), Modified Interest Subvention Scheme, Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation, Per Drop More Crop, PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, PM Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan, Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, and Kisan Credit Card, will be available to farmers after the successful launch of Bharat-VISTAAR.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced Bharat-VISTAAR in the Union Budget 2026–27 and allocated 150 ccrore for the initiative. The Bharat-VISTAAR system can be used in two ways, including through a helpline number, which is 155261. The system’s AI-based chatbot, named “Bharati,” will assist farmers in planning, agricultural practices, pest control, weather information, market prices, and government schemes.
It will also give information about eligibility, application procedures, and grievance redressal. Initially, the platform will be available only in Hindi and English, but it will soon be expanded to regional languages. Farmer feedback will also feed into policymaking and research planning.
