India is witnessing a major digital transformation in agriculture, with states like Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh launching pioneering initiatives to digitize farming services, introduce AI-driven advisory tools, and tighten regulations on inputs such as seeds and pesticides.
In Maharashtra, the newly unveiled MahaAgri AI Policy is setting the pace for integrating artificial intelligence into farming practices. At the heart of the plan is the Centre for AgriTech and AI Innovation, a hub that will coordinate research, startup incubation, and extension activities. Supported by four training and incubation centres established in collaboration with IITs, IISc, and state agricultural universities, the initiative aims to nurture grassroots innovation with a structured, three-tier administrative model.
Two key digital platforms Vistaar and A DeX (Agricultural Data Exchange)—form the backbone of this strategy. Vistaar provides voice and chatbot-based AI agronomic advice in Marathi, enabling even illiterate farmers to access real-time guidance. Meanwhile, A DeX merges legacy platforms like MahaVedh, AgriStack, and CropSAP into a unified service portal for crop planning, input tracking, and market intelligence.
The initial focus will be on six key crops sugarcane, cotton, soybean, onion, rice, and maize. In Phase I, 50,000 farmers across 100,000 acres are expected to benefit from soil health testing, yield forecasting, and pest detection services. Annual “AI in Agriculture” summits are also planned to promote collaboration among farmers, tech companies, and investors.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh is preparing to go fully digital from Kharif 2025, phasing out all manual agricultural services. The state’s revamped APAIMS 2.0 platform (Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Information Management System), developed by Vassar Labs, is currently in pilot testing and will handle every service digitally from seed distribution and pest alerts to subsidy disbursal and crop insurance.
APAIMS 2.0 leverages AI and ML to deliver field-specific advisories and automate key workflows. The system is designed to enhance transparency and reduce paperwork, allowing farmers to access services without visiting government offices or submitting physical forms. A recent visit by Ethiopia’s Agriculture Transformation Institute highlights the international interest in replicating this model elsewhere.
On the national front, the Centre has also taken a tough stand on the rising problem of low-quality seeds and counterfeit pesticides, a concern frequently raised by farmers during the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced plans to amend the Seeds Act and Insecticides Act, introducing stricter penalties, improved traceability, and enhanced surveillance.
In Telangana alone, authorities recently seized fake agri-inputs worth over ₹1.6 crore, exposing deep-rooted networks of illegal distribution. The new policy measures will empower state agencies to conduct more frequent testing, revoke licenses, and prosecute those involved in the supply of substandard inputs.
These converging reforms signal a clear intent: to modernize Indian agriculture through technology, transparency, and trust. Whether it’s Maharashtra’s AI push, Andhra’s full digital pivot, or the Centre’s crackdown on counterfeit inputs, the goal remains the same empowering farmers with better tools, real-time insights, and a reliable agri-ecosystem.
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