The Maharashtra government has taken a significant step towards modernising agriculture with the approval of the Agriculture – Artificial Intelligence MahaAgri – AI Policy for 2025 to 2029. This decision, made during a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, aims to integrate cutting-edge technologies into the farming sector. The policy will use artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), drones, and other advanced technologies to improve agricultural practices across the state.
The initiative will begin by implementing AI technologies for all crops, moving beyond the current experimental use limited to cash crops like fruits and sugarcane. The government plans to invest ₹500 crores over the first three years to support this ambitious project. A robust three-tier administrative structure will be established to ensure effective implementation of the policy.
This policy aims to enhance various projects like Agristack, Maha-Agristack, MahaVedh, CropSap, AgMarkNet, Digital Farming School, and Maha-DBT. These initiatives are designed to create a sustainable and scalable agricultural system that can adapt to the needs of modern farmers.
To keep pace with the rapidly changing AI landscape, the policy will be reviewed and updated as necessary. A dedicated steering committee and technical committee will oversee the implementation. Additionally, new centres for AI and agritech innovation will be set up within agricultural universities to foster research and collaboration.
The focus of this policy is to create a farmer-centric approach to technology use in agriculture. By encouraging startups, private companies, and agricultural institutions to adopt AI and emerging technologies, the Maharashtra government aims to position the state as a leader in digital agricultural innovation.
Key features of the policy include:
1. **Institutional Support**: Establishment of an Artificial Intelligence and Agritech Innovation Centre to implement the policy efficiently.
2. **Digital Infrastructure**: A cloud-based Agriculture Data Exchange will be created to facilitate data sharing among various government agricultural databases, enhancing decision-making through data-driven insights.
3. **Capacity Building**: Training programs and workshops will be organized to educate farmers and stakeholders about AI applications in agriculture.
4. **Partnerships**: Collaborations with national and international institutions will be promoted to foster innovation and share best practices.
The government believes that by leveraging AI technology, it can significantly enhance productivity, reduce costs, and provide better market access for farmers. This initiative is expected to improve the overall agricultural ecosystem in Maharashtra, ensuring that farmers can compete effectively in the global market.
In summary, the Maharashtra Agriculture – Artificial Intelligence MahaAgri – AI Policy 2025-2029 marks a pivotal moment for the state’s agricultural sector. With a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability, Maharashtra is set to lead the way in integrating technology into farming, benefiting farmers and the economy alike. The focus on farmer-centric technology use, along with substantial financial backing, positions this policy as a groundbreaking approach to modern agriculture in India.
