Maharashtra Cabinet, in a transformative step towards revolutionizing Indian agriculture, has approved the MahaAgri-AI Policy 2025–2029- a groundbreaking strategy to harness artificial intelligence (AI), generative AI, drones, robotics, computer vision, and predictive analytics in the state’s farming sector. With a budget outlay of Rs 500 crore, the policy marks India’s first comprehensive AI strategy dedicated to agriculture.
The policy aims to address long-standing challenges in the agricultural value chain, such as climate change, declining productivity, water stress, and market inefficiencies. It seeks to position Maharashtra as a national and global leader in AI-powered, sustainable farming.
MahaAgri-AI Policy: Key Features
-
AI-Powered Platforms: Deployment of real-time advisory systems, predictive tools for yield forecasting, and precision farming technologies.
-
Digital Public Infrastructure: Introduction of an Agricultural Data Exchange (ADeX) for secure, consent-based data sharing; an AI Sandbox for startups; and a geospatial intelligence engine for crop and waterbody monitoring.
-
Blockchain Traceability: QR code-based blockchain systems to ensure food safety and export compliance, starting with key crops like grapes, bananas, and pomegranates.
-
Farmer-Centric Initiatives: Launch of the VISTAAR initiative, offering AI-based multilingual advisories integrated with national platforms such as Agristack and Bhashini.
-
Institutional Support: Establishment of a State-Level Steering Committee (SLSC) and Technical Committee (SLTC) for oversight, alongside the creation of an AI and Agritech Innovation Centre and four research hubs in State Agricultural Universities.
-
Startup and PPP Focus: Targeted grants, sandbox access, and data support for agritech startups, along with public-private partnerships and region-specific innovation challenges.
-
Digital Literacy Programs: Specialized training modules, fellowships, and hands-on demos for farmers and agricultural extension workers.
Phase-Wise Implementation:
-
Phase I: Institutional setup and platform design.
-
Phase II: Pilot programs in select districts.
-
Phase III: Full-scale rollout across Maharashtra.
-
Phase IV: Policy refinement, third-party evaluation, and potential expansion to other rural sectors.
To strengthen weather advisory services, the Cabinet also extended the Mahavedh project under the WINDS (Weather Information Network Data System) initiative, with plans to set up automated weather stations in every gram panchayat for hyperlocal data access.
Other Cabinet Decisions:
-
Pension Revision under Gaurav Yojana: A two-fold hike in pensions for individuals imprisoned during the Emergency, now extended to surviving spouses.
-
New Tribal Industrial Cluster: Over 29 hectares of land in Nashik district allocated to the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) for setting up a Tribal Industrial Cluster, aimed at boosting local employment and enterprise.
The government also announced an Annual Global AI in Agriculture Conference & Investor Summit, designed to attract international collaboration, showcase innovations, and scale up investment in agri-tech. With its far-reaching vision and emphasis on inclusivity, innovation, and institutional rigor, the MahaAgri-AI Policy 2025–29 is set to usher in a new era of smart, data-driven agriculture in India.
