Jaipur, Feb 17 (NationPress) Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan unveiled the Bharat-Vistaar app on Tuesday, heralding a new era of digital transformation in agriculture.

Utilizing advanced AI technology, this platform will enable farmers to access a plethora of farming-related information in a timely and precise manner, according to Chouhan, the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

Launched from the Pink City of Jaipur, Bharat-Vistaar is set to provide a unified digital platform that delivers extensive agricultural services, aiming to boost transparency, empower farmers, and foster self-sufficiency.

During the launch event held at the State Institute of Agricultural Management, Durgapura, he emphasized that the platform offers easy access to real-time market prices, agricultural methodologies developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), details on central agricultural welfare schemes, tailored scientific advisories for different crops, weather updates, agricultural credit options, eligibility criteria for government schemes, and application processes, all consolidated into one platform.

Currently available in Hindi and English, the app will soon support an additional 11 Indian languages and will be integrated with AgriStack, allowing farmers to find instant solutions to agricultural issues using their Farmer ID.

Chouhan pointed out that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance, there are ongoing efforts to enhance the welfare of farmers nationwide.

He noted significant achievements in the procurement of crops at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Key programs like the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, crop diversification, promotion of organic farming, integrated farming techniques, and incentives for supplementary activities such as animal husbandry and agroforestry are considerably benefiting farmers, Chouhan highlighted.

Commending Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Chouhan remarked that under his leadership, Rajasthan is experiencing innovative advancements in agriculture and is setting a national benchmark in the adoption of agricultural technology.

He mentioned that Rajasthan consists of 10 agro-climatic zones, a significant portion of which is desert land.

"Through continuous innovation and supportive policies, Rajasthan has become a pioneer in micro-irrigation and has successfully converted desert areas into productive agricultural zones," Chouhan stated.

He reiterated that the welfare of farmers is the Prime Minister's top priority, ensuring that their interests are safeguarded.

Chouhan questioned previous government policies, asking why buffer stocks were not established when sugar production peaked in 2006-07 and why India transitioned from being self-sufficient in edible oils to becoming import-dependent due to policy failures.

He reassured livestock farmers that imports of milk and dairy products, including yogurt, ghee, and cheese, will not occur, thereby protecting the interests of domestic producers.

He reaffirmed the government's dedication to safeguarding both farmers and livestock rearers.

Expressing appreciation to the Union Agriculture Minister, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma described the Bharat-Vistaar app as a monumental step towards modernizing agriculture through AI-driven systems, significantly enhancing farmers’ prosperity.

"Inspired by successful digital public infrastructure platforms like Aadhaar and UPI, Bharat-Vistaar establishes a national AI-based digital framework for agriculture, marking a technological evolution where technology, knowledge, and farmers advance in unison. Through Bharat Vistaar, farmers will receive guidance on crop planning, improved agricultural practices, pest management strategies, weather updates, market pricing, fisheries and animal husbandry support, and government scheme information directly on their mobile devices," he remarked.

The Chief Minister also mentioned that Bharat-Vistaar will empower farmers to obtain instant agricultural information and services in their preferred language through direct engagement.