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Maharashtra Launches MahaAgri‑AI Policy 2025–2029 to Embed Geospatial Intelligence in Precision Farming

June 24, 2025 (Tuesday), New Delhi: The Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by CM Devendra Fadnavis, approved the MahaAgri‑AI Policy 2025–2029, earmarking ₹500 crore for the first three years of implementation. This ambitious program is designed to integrate geospatial intelligence, AI, IoT, drones, computer vision, robotics, and predictive analytics into agriculture, ushering in a new era of real‑time, data‑driven, and climate‑resilient farming.

Objectives of the MahaAgri‑AI Policy

AI + Geospatial-Driven Farming

Utilize satellite imagery, drones, IoT sensors, and remote sensing AI to monitor crop health, forecast yields, map soils, and optimize input use.

Agricultural Data Exchange (A‑DeX)

A federated data platform integrating systems like Mahavedh, CropSAP, AgriStack, Bhuvan, FASAL, AgmarkNet, and private datasets to provide actionable spatial intelligence.

Vistaar – Regional AI Advisory Platform

Launching Vistaar, an AI-powered chatbot/IVRS/web portal delivering real-time agronomic advice, weather alerts, market info, and pest alerts in Marathi (and other regional languages).

Blockchain-Enabled Traceability

Implementing QR-code and geotagged blockchain systems to track export-quality produce – starting with grapes, bananas, pomegranates – from farm to consumer.

Innovation & Research Ecosystem

Establishing an AI & AgriTech Innovation Centre, with R&D hubs at four State Agricultural Universities in collaboration with IITs/IISc, to incubate technologies in robotics, precision irrigation, and spatial AI.

Institutional Framework & Funding

• Three-tier governance: State-Level Steering Committee (SLSC), State-Level Technical Committee (SLTC), and an AI & AgriTech Innovation Centre.
• Centre setups with dedicated funding lines:
  • ₹30 crore for the Innovation Centre
  • ₹5 crore for the Geospatial Engine
  • ₹10 crore each for A‑DeX and Vistaar
  • ₹20 crore earmarked for statewide events, including an Annual Global AI in Agriculture Summit, district-level hackathons, and capacity building.

Phased Rollout Plan

The implementation will occur in four phases:

1. Phase I (first 3 months): Institutional setup and platform design
2. Phase II (within the next year): Pilot projects in select districts for tools like drones, chatbots, and geospatial systems
3. Phase III (2026 onwards): Statewide scaling and integration with national frameworks such as AgriStack and Bhashini
4. Phase IV (by 2029+): Independent evaluation, refinements, and sectoral expansion.

Conclusion

With the MahaAgri‑AI Policy 2025–2029, Maharashtra becomes the first Indian state to institutionalize state-level precision agriculture powered by geospatial intelligence and AI. By combining advanced spatial analytics, farmer-centric advisory services, transparent tracing mechanisms, and public-private innovation channels, the policy sets a national benchmark for climate-resilient, data-driven, and inclusive agriculture.

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