New Delhi: Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday launched the Bharat VISTAAR scheme in Jaipur, introducing a 155261 helpline to provide AI-based advisory services to farmers.
The launch took place in the presence of Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma. During the event, the Minister also unveiled a farmer-centric AI Hackathon and the Agri Kosh AI Strategy Roadmap. The initiative coincided with the AI Summit in Delhi.
Under the Bharat VISTAAR scheme, farmers can dial 155261, state their problems and receive instant solutions. The service also provides real-time mandi prices from markets across the country. Initially, the platform operates in Hindi and English. However, it will soon expand to 11 languages.
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare developed the Bharat VISTAAR scheme to deliver agriculture-related information through artificial intelligence. Farmers can use smartphones or basic mobile phones to access scheme details, insurance information and government benefits.
The Minister said a Farmer Identity Card is being created under the Bharat VISTAAR scheme. This digital ID will store comprehensive farmer data. Currently, schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Soil Health Card are integrated. Authorities plan to connect the entire agricultural ecosystem in phases.
Opposition targeted during Bharat VISTAAR scheme launch
During his address, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan criticised Leader of Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi over alleged irregularities during previous UPA governments. He questioned why the Swaminathan Committee’s recommendation to fix MSP at 50 per cent above cost was rejected through a court affidavit.
He stated that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi implemented the cost-plus-50 per cent MSP formula. Referring to 2009–10, he alleged that flour was exported at ₹12.51 per kg while domestic consumers paid ₹20 per kg amid shortages.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma said developed farmers are essential for achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047. He noted that AI-driven guidance on soil testing, seeds, fertilisers and water would boost self-reliance.
Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Agriculture Department, said the scheme offers a unified digital platform in local languages. Dr. M. L. Jat, Director General, ICAR, described it as a historic and farmer-centric integration of Indian agriculture.
The programme also saw participation from Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Smt. Manju Sharma, Shri V. Srinivas and Smt. Manju Rajpal. State agriculture ministers joined via video conferencing.
Officials said the Bharat VISTAAR scheme integrates AgriStack, ICAR resources, IMD data, mandi prices and state systems. The platform aims to increase productivity and reduce risks through timely advisory, loans and insurance information.
