Union Budget 2026 Launches Bharat-VISTAAR, AI Platform for Smarter Farming

Budget 2026 Unveils Bharat-VISTAAR for Technology-Driven Agriculture

The Union Budget 2026–27 has introduced Bharat-VISTAAR , a multilingual, artificial intelligence–based agricultural advisory platform designed to improve farm productivity, lower risks and strengthen decision-making at the field level. Presenting the Budget in Parliament, Nirmala Sitharaman said the initiative would deepen the use of digital tools in agriculture by integrating farmer data, scientific research and location-specific guidance.

AI-Based Integration of Data and Scientific Research

Bharat-VISTAAR will integrate AgriStack farmer databases with the agricultural practices package of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research . Using artificial intelligence, the platform will analyse crop details, land records, historical yields and scientific advisories to generate customised, crop- and region-specific recommendations. The objective is to help farmers optimise inputs, plan sowing and harvesting more accurately, and manage climate and market risks.

Multilingual Design for Inclusive Access

A defining feature of Bharat-VISTAAR is its multilingual advisory system. Guidance will be delivered in local languages, ensuring that small and marginal farmers can easily understand and apply scientific recommendations. By localising advisories according to agro-climatic conditions, the platform seeks to narrow the long-standing gap between agricultural research and on-ground practices.

Support for Precision Agriculture

Agriculture experts view Bharat-VISTAAR as a key step towards precision farming. By combining validated ICAR practices with real-time data on soil health, weather patterns and crop requirements, the platform can promote efficient use of fertilisers, water and other inputs. Industry representatives have stressed that effective extension mechanisms will be essential to ensure that digital advisories translate into measurable productivity gains.

Important Facts for Exams

• Bharat-VISTAAR is a multilingual AI-based advisory platform for farmers

• It integrates AgriStack data with ICAR’s package of agricultural practices

• Focus on customised, data-driven and region-specific advisories

• Objective is to improve productivity, reduce risk and support precision agriculture

Broader Digital Push in Agriculture

The launch of Bharat-VISTAAR aligns with the government’s broader strategy of embedding digital public infrastructure into agriculture. By federating access to soil, weather, crop advisory and scheme-related data, the platform is expected to strengthen climate-resilient farming and enhance farm incomes through informed, technology-led decision-making.