Farmers to get AI push, Maha to allot Rs500cr for 1st 3 years
The policy was approved in a cabinet meeting chaired by CM Devendra Fadnavis.
Over the next five years, AI will be used for tasks like crop monitoring, weather updates, farm advice, market trends, and pest control. The goal is to make farming more accurate, efficient, and profitable for farmers. Technologies like drones, smart sensors, and mobile apps will help collect and share information with farmers in real time.
The policy will begin with Rs500 crore funding for the first three years. A special team, technical experts, and a new Centre for AgriTech and AI Innovation will help run the programme. This centre will also support startups and train people in using new tools.
Many existing digital platforms like MahaVedh, AgriStack, CropSAP, and Mahadbt will be integrated together into a single system called agricultural data exchange (A-DeX).
It will help farmers get data about land, soil, weather, and markets through easy-to-use mobile and online services.
A smart system using satellite images, drones, and internet-connected devices will help government departments make better decisions. It will work along with national platforms like ISRO's Bhuvan and the central government's Fasal project.
The state will also start an AI-powered service called Vistaar, which will advise farmers in Marathi using chatbots and voice assistants on topics like crops, prices, pests, and government schemes.
To help farmers sell their crops in global markets, a blockchain system will track every step from the farm to the market. It will record the use of fertilizers, farming methods, and quality checks with QR codes, starting with export-quality crops.
Four AI training centres will be set up in state agricultural universities. Scientists, officials, and farmer producer groups will be trained in using AI. A helpdesk will also be created for technical support.
The government will also host a yearly "AI in Agriculture" event to bring together farmers, experts, companies, and investors. This event will be held in different districts each year.
The government in a statement said the entire programme is designed to directly benefit farmers and make farming more modern, secure, and successful in Maharashtra.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Expedite power projects in Nagpur, Amravati: CM
Nagpur: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday directed energy department officials to accelerate execution of approved electricity infrastructure projects in Nagpur and Amravati to meet the rise in power demand from expanding industrial, commercial, and residential sectors. He also called for a long-term energy roadmap up to 2035 to accommodate future population growth. "The demand for electricity is increasing rapidly in Nagpur and Amravati due to the surge in investments in infrastructure and industry," Fadnavis said while chairing a high-level review meeting at Vidhan Bhavan. "All works approved under the current allocation must be completed without delay. We must proactively plan for emerging needs." The CM emphasised the importance of protecting underground power cables from damage during other infrastructure works and recommended the use of secure cable ducts in all upcoming projects. "Safety and longevity of our distribution systems must be a top priority," he added. Officials said that an additional Rs713 crore was required for electricity projects in Nagpur district and Rs242 crore for Amravati. The CM stated that this requirement must be incorporated into financial planning. Fadnavis also directed the speedy implementation of projects under the revamped power sector reforms, including the Kusum-B scheme, the 'Solar Pump for All' initiative, capacity upgrades for transformers, and the establishment of new substations in both districts. The meeting was attended by revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, energy minister Atul Save, minister of state for finance Ashish Jaiswal, minister of state for energy Meghana Bordikar, and local MLAs Ashish Deshmukh, Mohan Mate, Pravin Datke and Charan Singh Thakur. Key bureaucrats including principal secretary to CM Ashwini Bhide, ACS (energy) Abha Shukla, secretary Srikar Pardeshi, environment secretary Jayshree Bhoj, and top officials from Mahavitaran, Mahatransco, MahaGenco, and MahaUrja were also present. Nagpur collector Dr Bipin Itankar joined via video link.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Min: 85% of MOUs inked at Davos being implemented
Mumbai: Industries minister Uday Samant on Monday said implementation is underway of 85-87% of the Rs 15.7-lakh crore MOUs signed by the state govt at the World Economic Forum in Davos in Jan, making Maharashtra among the most favoured investment destinations. "We have allotted land in 15 MoUs. Land will be allotted to seven companies in the next few days. Twenty companies didn't like the land we offered them. So, we are offering them other parcels of land as 'pass through'. Of the total MoUs, only four are not in the initial stage," he said in the assembly. He said the projects are expected to generate 16 lakh jobs. Officials said 85% of the MoUs have been converted into actual investments; India's average stands at 40%. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai CM Devendra Fadnavis, who had led the state's delegation to Davos, said 61 MoUs—54 investment proposals and seven strategic cooperation agreements—were signed. The sectors include AI, data, green energy, and water conservation.
Hans India
10 hours ago
- Hans India
Power infrastructure works in Nagpur and Amravati must be accelerated: Maha CM
Amid demand for electricity in Nagpur and Amravati districts rising rapidly due to increasing industrial, residential, and commercial projects, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday directed officials to expedite the approved power infrastructure works in these districts. He also instructed immediate planning for the future power demand by considering the projected population growth in 2035, and to prepare a comprehensive power infrastructure development plan for both districts. He was speaking at a review meeting held at Vidhan Bhavan regarding power distribution and transmission projects in Nagpur district, including the Koradi and Khaparkheda power plants. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Minister for Renewable Energy Atul Save, Minister of State for Finance Adv. Ashish Jaiswal, Minister of State for Energy, Meghna Bordikar, MLAs Ashish Deshmukh, Mohan Mate, Pravin Datke, and Charansingh Thakur were present at the meeting. He said that the power demand in the Nagpur district is increasing due to rising investments in various infrastructure projects. The works approved under the current funding for the power sector development in Nagpur and Amravati districts should be completed promptly. He emphasised that many new projects are expected shortly, for which the energy department must take concrete steps. He mentioned that Rs 713 crore will be required for the Nagpur district and Rs 242 crore for the Amravati district to fulfil power sector needs, and budgetary provisions should be made accordingly. He also stressed the need for strong measures to prevent damage to underground cables caused by various agencies. He suggested the use of secure cable ducts to avoid wiring damage in power distribution due to new projects in the districts, ensuring safety in power distribution. 'Priority should be given to Revised Power Sector Scheme, Kusum-B Scheme, Solar Agricultural Pump Scheme (on-demand basis), Transformer capacity enhancement, Setting up of new power plants and Establishment of new sub-stations,' said the Chief Minister.
