India is taking a big step toward AI-powered farming.
At the AI Impact Summit 2026, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will launch Bharat-VISTAAR — a new digital platform designed to give farmers instant, personalised advice through a simple phone call.
The initiative was earlier announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget 2026-27.
The goal is clear: make expert agricultural guidance available to every farmer, even without a smartphone.
What Is Bharat-VISTAAR?
Bharat-VISTAAR stands for Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources.
It is a multilingual, AI-powered platform that combines key agricultural data into one easy system.
It brings together:
AgriStack portals
Research inputs from Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
Weather updates from the India Meteorological Department (IMD)
Mandi prices
Government schemes
Soil health data
Pest and disease alerts
Instead of searching multiple sources, farmers can now get everything in one place.
Just Dial 155261 — No Smartphone Needed
The most powerful feature of Bharat-VISTAAR is its voice-first access.
Farmers can simply dial 155261 from any mobile or landline — even basic feature phones.
They can speak in their local language and get instant answers on:
Crop planning
Weather forecasts
Market prices
Pest and disease control
Government schemes and eligibility
Loans and insurance
The AI assistant, called Bharati, responds naturally in over 22 Indian languages.
For those who prefer digital access, the platform is also available via website, chatbot, and an upcoming Android app.
Smart Alerts and 24/7 Guidance
The platform uses machine learning to send customised alerts about crop health and weather risks.
This means farmers can get timely warnings and suggestions to reduce losses and improve productivity.
Officials describe it as a round-the-clock “digital agriculture expert” — available anytime, anywhere.
How Will Farmers Benefit?
The government says Bharat-VISTAAR aims to support over 140 million farmers across the country.
It is especially focused on rural and low-literacy areas, where access to expert advice is limited.
By providing real-time guidance, the platform is expected to:
Improve decision-making
Reduce farming risks
Increase profitability
Encourage sustainable practices
The government has allocated Rs 150 crore for the project in the coming financial year.
In Phase 1, the service will start in Hindi and English, covering states like Maharashtra, Bihar, and Gujarat, with expansion planned soon.
A Major Step Toward AI in Agriculture
Bharat-VISTAAR reflects India’s push toward “AI for All.”
By making expert agricultural knowledge accessible through a simple phone call, the government hopes to bridge the digital gap and modernise farming at scale.
Farmers can start using the service immediately by calling 155261 or visiting the official website.
