What is Bharat-VISTAAR? AI farm advisory platform to be launched tomorrow

The platform aims to consolidate multiple agricultural databases and advisory frameworks into a single, interactive system. (Representative image)

• Centre to launch AI-driven agri advisory system Bharat-VISTAAR
• Farmers can access real-time info via app or phone call
• Platform offers scheme details, weather, and pest advisories

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The Centre will launch Bharat-VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources) on Tuesday, positioning it as a multilingual, AI-driven system aimed at supporting farmers with real-time information and advisory services, according to The Indian Express.

The rollout is scheduled to take place in Jaipur, where Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma are expected to formally introduce the platform, the report said.

Announced in the Union Budget for 2026-27, Bharat-VISTAAR is being described by officials as a round-the-clock “digital agriculture expert” that farmers can access either through a mobile interface or by placing a simple phone call. The AI voice assistant embedded within the system is named Bharati, and farmers will be able to connect to it by dialling 155261.

What is Bharat-VISTAAR?

Bharat-VISTAAR stands for Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources. According to sources cited by The Indian Express, it is designed to provide farmers with information in their own language, covering everything from crop planning and recommended practices to pest advisories, weather updates, market trends, and details of government schemes.

“Bharat VISTAAR will provide information to the farmers in their own language on crop planning, package of practices and pests, weather forecast, markets, and scheme information, eligibility, application and grievance redressal. The first version of Bharat VISTAAR will be launched in Hindi and English and gradually become capable of responding in regional languages,” a source has been quoted to say.

The platform aims to consolidate multiple agricultural databases and advisory frameworks into a single, interactive system.

Announced during Budget 2026 presentation

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the initiative while presenting the Union Budget 2026-27 on February 1, marking her ninth consecutive Budget speech.

“I propose to launch Bharat-VISTAAR -- a multilingual AI tool that shall integrate the AgriStack portals and the ndian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) package on agricultural practices with AI systems. This will enhance farm productivity, enable better decisions for farmers, and reduce risk by providing customised advisory support,” Sitharaman announced.

The government has set aside Rs 150 crore for the initiative in the upcoming financial year.

What services will it provide?

Officials say that after its launch, farmers will be able to obtain information on ten major Central government schemes. These include PM-KISAN, PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), Soil Health Card (SHC), the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme, Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation, Per Drop More Crop, PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, PM Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan, the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, and the Kisan Credit Card.

In addition to scheme-related guidance, the system will offer updates on weather conditions and pest outbreaks. Farmers can also seek assistance regarding eligibility norms, application procedures, and grievance redress mechanisms linked to these programmes.

According to sources cited in the report, the tool is intended to operate continuously, ensuring that farmers can access assistance at any hour without needing to visit physical offices or rely solely on extension workers.

How will it function?

Officials describe Bharat-VISTAAR as more than a standalone application. “Bharat VISTAAR is not only an app, but a National Digital Backbone uniting Central and State systems, while preserving state autonomy. It will evolve through collaboration with not-for-profit organisations, AI startups, technology firms, and AI Centres of Excellence. It leverages the national AI ecosystem, including the India AI Mission and BHASHINI,” a source has been quoted to say.

By integrating agricultural databases such as AgriStack and ICAR’s practice advisories with artificial intelligence systems, the platform is expected to generate customised guidance based on user inputs. The voice-enabled assistant, Bharati, is central to this interaction model.

Officials also emphasised the feedback loop embedded within the system. “Bharat VISTAAR is interactive. Farmer feedback flows back into government systems. This will help in evidence-based policy making and research prioritisation,” the report, citing the source, said.

Where does it fit in the larger digital push?

The initiative draws upon the broader national AI ecosystem, including the India AI Mission and BHASHINI, to expand language accessibility and digital infrastructure in agriculture. The intent, as outlined during the Budget announcement, is to strengthen productivity and reduce uncertainty by providing targeted advisories.