Mumbai, March 13 (NationPress) The Maharashtra agriculture minister, Dattatray Bharne, expressed in the Assembly on Friday that the government is undertaking significant initiatives through numerous schemes to enhance the capability, modernization, and sustainability of agriculture in the state.

Responding to a discussion under Rule 293 of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, he noted that the government is aiming to facilitate a substantial transformation in the agriculture sector of Maharashtra by leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital tools, farmer welfare programs, and infrastructure investments.

According to Minister Bharne, the risks in agriculture have escalated due to factors like climate variability, pest and disease outbreaks, increased production costs, and fluctuating market prices. To combat these issues, the Maharashtra government has devised the Maha-Agri 'AI' Policy covering the years 2025 to 2029, establishing Maharashtra as the pioneering state in the country to adopt such a policy.

The goal is to integrate modern technology into farming practices through AI, Generative AI, drones, and robotics. This innovative approach is projected to boost farmers' yields by around 40%, decrease fertilizer usage by 30%, and conserve between 40% to 50% of water resources.

Minister Bharne also mentioned that dedicated training will be offered to farmers to help them utilize these modern technologies, alongside training for Agriculture Department officials and staff. A state-level AI and Agritech Innovation Centre has been established, with 'AI' research and incubation centers approved at all four agricultural universities in the state.

The recent 'AI for Agri' international conference held in Mumbai brought together experts from India and across the globe to discuss new agricultural technologies. The 'Mahavistar' mobile application, developed by the Agriculture Department, is currently assisting approximately 30 lakh farmers with guidance on crop cultivation, disease management, optimal water and fertilizer usage, and market pricing.

For farmers lacking smartphones, the 'Vasudha' AI-based telephone service has been launched, allowing them to receive advice in Marathi by calling 155313, as noted by the Minister. To enhance capital investment in agriculture, the Krishi Samruddhi Yojana is being implemented with an allocation of Rs 2,000 crore for the fiscal year 2026-27, promoting the establishment of farm ponds, plastic lining, and agricultural drone usage.

Bharne highlighted that the execution of various Agriculture Department schemes is being managed through the MahaDBT system, with over Rs 7,500 crore in subsidies allocated to farmers since 2020.

This year, more than 50 lakh applications have been approved via the MahaDBT portal, with beneficiaries selected on a 'first-come, first-served' basis.

He mentioned that the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (Crop Insurance) is effectively operational in the state, with over Rs 37,500 crore in compensation disbursed to farmers in the past nine years. Furthermore, the state government has provided around Rs 15,661 crore in assistance to more than 1 crore farmers affected by heavy rainfall.

To support farmers, the 'Mukhyamantri Baliraja Free Electricity Scheme' is being implemented, offering free electricity to agricultural pumps up to 7.5 HP. Subsidies amounting to Rs 32,765 crore have been distributed up until February 2026. Additionally, under the 'Magel Tyala Saur Krishi Pump' (Solar Pump on Demand) initiative, over 6.63 lakh solar pumps have been distributed, positioning Maharashtra as a leader in this initiative nationwide.

Minister Bharne noted that various schemes, including the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Farmer Loan Waiver Scheme, Gopinath Munde Farmer Ex-gratia Scheme, PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, and Namo Shetkari Maha Sanman Nidhi, are providing financial support to farmers.

“Under the PM Kisan and Namo Shetkari schemes, a total of Rs 52,316 crore has been directly credited into farmers' accounts to date. The central government's AgriStack project is also progressing swiftly, with more than 1.31 crore farmers in the state receiving 'Farmer IDs', simplifying their access to various schemes,” he concluded.