Bharat-VISTAAR

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare launched Bharat-VISTAAR, announced in the Union Budget 2026-27.

• Bharat-VISTAAR – A 24×7 AI-powered, multilingual advisory platform for farmers.
• It is a digital agriculture tool and a core component of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for the agriculture sector.
• VISTAAR – Stands for Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources.
• Nodal Ministry – Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
• Objective – To deliver integrated information on weather, market prices, pests, soil, and crop management.
• To disseminate government scheme details, eligibility, and benefits in one platform.
• To enhance farmer decision-making and reduce dependence on multiple sources and intermediaries.
• Key features – Access – Available through text-based chatbot and voice-based AI assistant.
  • Talking AI Assistant – Named Bharati.
  • Helpline Number – Farmers can access the service by dialling 155261.
• Agricultural Advisory Services – Provides crop and livestock advice, pest and disease alerts, weather forecasts, and market price information.
• Scheme Integration & Farmer Services – Information on at least 10 major central government schemes, including eligibility, benefit tracking, and grievance redressal. The Schemes include,
  • PM-KISAN.
  • PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
  • Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme.
  • Modified Interest Subvention Scheme.
  • Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation.
  • Per Drop More Crop (Micro-Irrigation).
  • PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana.
  • PM Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (Price Support Scheme).
  • Agriculture Infrastructure Fund.
  • Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme.
• Language Coverage – Phase-1 launched in Hindi and English, with planned expansion to regional languages.
• Digital Public Infrastructure – Integrates systems like AgriStack, ICAR agricultural packages, India Meteorological Department (IMD), AgMarkNet, and National Pest Surveillance System.
• National Digital Backbone – Integrates Central and State systems while preserving state autonomy.
• National AI Ecosystem Integration – Leverages India AI Mission and BHASHINI.
• Significance – Acts as a single digital gateway for farmers, reducing dependence on multiple portals and intermediaries.
• Enables personalised advisory and supports evidence-based agricultural decision-making.

References

1. IE | Bharat-VISTAAR
2. PIB | Bharat-VISTAAR