A major AI gift for farmers: The government will launch Bharat-VISTAAR tomorrow. Learn how to get help.
A major AI gift for farmers: The government will launch Bharat-VISTAAR tomorrow. Learn how to get help.
The central government is launching a new AI-based platform called Bharat-VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources) on Tuesday. Its purpose is to provide farmers with all the necessary information related to farming directly on their mobile phones or through a simple voice call. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma will formally launch this scheme in Jaipur. Let's learn more about this new AI platform.
What is Bharat-VISTAAR?
Bharat-VISTAAR has been designed to act as a 24-hour "digital agriculture expert." Farmers can access it in two ways, including by calling a dedicated helpline number, 155261. This platform will feature a conversational AI assistant named "Bharati." It will educate farmers on crop planning, proper farming practices, pest and disease prevention, weather information, market prices, and government schemes. It will also explain eligibility criteria, application requirements, and where and how to file complaints.
Government Scheme Information Available in One Place
Farmers will now be able to access information on approximately 10 important central government schemes in one place, namely Bharat-Vistara. These include PM-KISAN, PM Crop Insurance Scheme, Soil Health Card, Kisan Credit Card, Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, and PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana. Farmers will receive not only information on the schemes, but also the latest weather updates and real-time alerts on pest infestations.
Support for Various Regional Languages
Initially, the platform will be available in Hindi and English, but will gradually be rolled out in various regional languages. Officials say Bharat-VISTAAR is not just an app, but a kind of "national digital backbone" that will connect central and state systems.
The system will work in collaboration with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), AI startups, and centers of excellence. It will also leverage larger digital ecosystems like the India AI Mission and BHASHINI.
