New Delhi: Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra, a WhatsApp-based AI advisory service developed by ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (ICAR-IIOR), is helping farmers access free, research-based guidance on oilseed cultivation in their preferred Indian languages.
The service was launched by the Secretary of DARE and Director General of ICAR during the National Oilseeds Conference in New Delhi on February 6, 2026. It aims to use digital technology to deliver scientific knowledge directly to farmers across the country.
Farmers can use the service through WhatsApp without downloading any additional application. They can ask questions on groundnut, mustard, sesame, sunflower, soybean, niger and other oilseed crops.
Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra provides round-the-clock crop guidance
The AI-powered chatbot offers instant advice on crop varieties, cultivation practices, pest and disease management, irrigation and post-harvest techniques. Moreover, it remains available 24 hours a day and seven days a week without any charge.
ICAR-IIOR Director Dr. R.K. Mathur said the initiative connects farmers with the collective scientific knowledge of ICAR oilseed institutions in their own language. He said the platform removes barriers related to distance, language and cost.
The service uses a knowledge base developed with contributions from ICAR-National Soybean Research Institute, ICAR-Indian Institute of Groundnut Research, ICAR-Indian Institute of Rapeseed and Mustard Research and the PC-Unit (Sesame & Niger).
Farmers need to save the number +91 4024598180 as Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra and send their queries through WhatsApp in any Indian language. Subsequently, the chatbot provides crop-specific recommendations based on scientific research.
The platform covers the complete crop cycle, including seed selection, agronomic practices, irrigation scheduling and seed availability.
