Mumbai, Feb 28 (NationPress) Jayant Patil, a legislator from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has voiced strong criticism of the newly introduced Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy for agriculture by the MahaYuti government.

In a recent debate, he acknowledged the transformative potential of this technology but accused the government of focusing on high-profile events rather than actual implementation. He characterized this approach as "erecting a pinnacle before laying the foundation."

The state's AI policy encompasses various elements, including institutional restructuring, digital public infrastructure, financial support for AI-driven agricultural projects, capacity development, and international summits.

Patil criticized the Agriculture Department for organizing the "AI for Agri 2026" conference just a day prior to the assembly session, indicating it was a rushed initiative that failed to engage with grassroots farmers. He emphasized the considerable disconnect between policy formulation and practical application.

He pointed out that although the late former Finance Minister Ajit Pawar allocated Rs 500 crore for AI in the last budget, not a single penny has been utilized yet. He demanded a comprehensive report on the expenditures.

Patil also raised concerns about the AI and Agritech Innovation Centre. He noted that, despite interviews for the position of Managing Director, the chosen candidate has yet to assume the role. He questioned why no candidates from the waiting list have been appointed and remarked on the lack of progress in establishing innovation and incubation centers in agricultural universities over the past year.

The NCP leader stressed that AI in farming necessitates reliable internet, electricity, and smartphones—resources that are still lacking in areas like Gadchiroli, Bhamragad, and tribal communities near Mumbai in Palghar.

He asserted, "AI can potentially double farmers' incomes, but we must address the digital divide and provide training for agricultural workers who fear job displacement due to automation, drones, and robotic weeders."

Patil contended that while technology is important, it cannot rescue farmers if market conditions remain unfavorable.

He highlighted numerous "man-made" economic crises, such as import pressures, illegal raisin trading, and policy unpredictability.

He pointed out, "Chinese 'Muscat' grapes are flooding Indian markets, leading to a dramatic drop in local prices. Adulterated raisins entering through Afghanistan and China are detrimental to genuine Maharashtra producers. Abrupt alterations in central export policies for onions, maize, and soybeans are plunging farmers into debt."

Patil described data as the "new wealth" and called for stringent regulations to safeguard farmers' land and financial information from exploitation by corporate entities.

He proposed a practical use for AI in addressing the rising human-wildlife conflict, urging the government to employ drones and AI tracking systems to monitor leopards and tigers that are increasingly threatening livestock and children in rural communities, rather than merely debating legal reclassifications of these animals.

In the midst of his critiques, Patil offered a glimmer of hope by referencing the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Baramati. With the guidance of Sharad Pawar and Pratap Pawar, AI pilot projects have enabled farmers to achieve yields of 100 tons of sugarcane per acre.

He also mentioned that the Vasantdada Sugar Institute is effectively using AI for micro-level crop management.

Patil concluded by advocating for the establishment of a specialized committee to devise a strategy ensuring that AI serves as a blessing for the average farmer, rather than presenting new challenges.