MUMBAI, 24 June 2025: In a landmark decision set to redefine the future of Indian agriculture, the Maharashtra Cabinet has greenlit the MahaAgri-AI Policy 2025–29, a INR 500 crore initiative to integrate artificial intelligence and digital technologies into the state’s farming ecosystem.
The policy, India’s first dedicated AI strategy for agriculture, aims to tackle persistent challenges such as climate change, low productivity, and market inefficiencies through next-generation tools like generative AI, drones, robotics, computer vision, and predictive analytics.
The policy envisions Maharashtra as a national and global leader in AI-powered sustainable agriculture. At its core is the creation of AI-powered platforms that provide real-time, multilingual advisories to farmers, yield prediction, and precision farming solutions. These tools are expected to empower farmers with data-backed decisions, improving both income and resilience.
A key component is the Digital Public Infrastructure, which includes the creation of an Agricultural Data Exchange (ADeX) for secure, consent-based data sharing; an AI Sandbox to support experimentation by startups; and a Geospatial Intelligence Engine for real-time monitoring of crops, weather, and water bodies.
The policy also introduces blockchain-based traceability, starting with QR code tagging of crops like grapes, bananas, and pomegranates to enhance export compliance and food safety. These innovations are backed by the VISTAAR initiative, which connects farmers to national platforms like Agristack and Bhashini for inclusive, multilingual, AI-generated advisories.
To ensure governance and implementation, the Cabinet has approved the formation of a State-Level Steering Committee (SLSC) and a State-Level Technical Committee (SLTC). The state will also establish a Centre for AI and Agritech Innovation, along with four dedicated research hubs across its agricultural universities.
Support for agritech startups is central to the strategy, with targeted funding, sandbox access, and collaborative public-private partnerships. The policy includes district-specific innovation challenges, particularly in climate-vulnerable and tribal regions.
Recognizing the importance of capacity building, the initiative includes digital literacy programs for farmers and extension workers through fellowships, training modules, and hands-on demonstrations. A phased implementation will begin with institutional setup and pilot districts, followed by statewide rollout and eventual expansion into other rural sectors.
To enhance weather forecasting, the government has also extended the Mahavedh project under the WINDS initiative. Automated weather stations will be installed in every gram panchayat to provide hyperlocal data, improving forecasting accuracy and decision-making on the ground.
In addition to agricultural reforms, the Cabinet approved a pension revision under the Gaurav Yojana, doubling benefits for those imprisoned during the Emergency, now extended to surviving spouses. Furthermore, a Tribal Industrial Cluster has been approved on 29 hectares in Nashik district under MIDC, aiming to boost local employment and tribal enterprise.
Looking ahead, the state announced plans to host an Annual Global AI in Agriculture Conference & Investor Summit, with the aim of attracting global collaborations and investment in agri-tech innovation.
With its ambitious scope, focus on inclusivity, and commitment to cutting-edge innovation, the MahaAgri-AI Policy marks a defining moment in India's digital agricultural revolution. As farmers across Maharashtra begin to benefit from AI-driven insights, the policy could serve as a national model for the future of sustainable, data-driven farming.
