The Green Revolution helped Indian farms become more productive. Now, we face a new challenge: making farming smarter. With changing weather, smaller farms, and unpredictable markets, Artificial Intelligence (AI) can guide Indian farmers through these uncertainties.
Farmers in India often work on very small plots, averaging only 1.08 hectares. This means localized solutions—tailored to each farm’s soil, climate, and nearby market—are essential. Fortunately, India is starting to build a digital infrastructure to support this idea through AgriStack. This system focuses on farmer identity, location-based maps, and crop data sharing, creating a clear picture of what and where farmers are planting.
In the 2026 Union Budget, the government introduced Bharat VISTAAR. This initiative combines AgriStack data with agricultural advice from experts at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Farmers can access this guidance through simple voice calls, ensuring that AI assistance is available to everyone, not just those with advanced technology.
Real-life examples show that this approach can make a difference. For instance, Odisha’s Krushi Samruddhi program helped farmers adopt better practices, leading to significant gains. Farmers saw benefits ranging from $12 to $19 for every dollar spent on the program. Additionally, losses from pests and adverse weather fell by about 25%.
Some Indian states are exploring innovative ways to gather and share knowledge among farmers. Tamil Nadu, for example, partnered with Apurva.ai to create a platform using web and WhatsApp where farmers can exchange information. Other states, like Madhya Pradesh, are using AI to predict crop yields, providing timely advice to farmers.
Leveraging technology is key. Madhya Pradesh’s UNNATI initiative uses satellite images and drone data to accurately map crops. This helps farmers and authorities plan better and enhances transparency in insurance and relief efforts.
However, this digital shift comes with challenges. The diverse languages and local terms used in Indian agriculture can confuse AI systems if not considered properly. For example, “pearl millet” is called “bajra” in Hindi but has different names across various languages. To address these issues, AgriStack must ensure that its data is comprehensive and accessible.
Another concern is equity. If tools are designed only for smartphone users, they could exclude those in rural areas with limited technology. Bharat VISTAAR aims to bridge this gap by offering voice access, which can empower farmers who may be less tech-savvy.
There’s also a risk of becoming overly reliant on a few companies for advice and inputs. A handful of dominant players in the agricultural technology sector could steer decisions away from farmers. To counter this, an open system where innovators compete on quality while adhering to common guidelines is necessary.
AI governance is crucial as well. Regular updates to AI systems must be accompanied by clear communication about changes, ensuring that farmers understand and can trust the recommendations they receive.
In recent years, India’s spending on agricultural research and development has been low—around 0.03% of GDP. Without increased investment, the country may struggle to develop effective AI models tailored for its diverse agricultural landscape.
To make the best use of technology, a comprehensive approach is needed. By connecting data from various public systems—like farmer identities, crop details, and weather updates—into a unified advisory platform, farmers can receive advice that evolves with their needs.
Finally, incorporating insights from environmental scientists and farmers themselves can improve the practical value of AI recommendations. Agriculture should aim not only for increased yields but also for resilience through learning.
The next agricultural revolution will not just be about using advanced tools; it will about empowering every farmer with personalized, accountable advice. If we can make AI accessible and effective for all, India can lead the way in farming’s future.
(Amit Kapoor is chair, and Ananya Khurana is a senior researcher at the Institute for Competitiveness.)
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