Digital Farming Revolution: How Bharat-VISTAAR Empowers Farmers

In the Union Budget 2026–27 , Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced Bharat-VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources), an AI-powered digital platform designed to transform farm decision-making across India. The initiative connects advanced technology with grassroots agriculture, making expert guidance accessible to every farmer.

How it works: Farmers can call a dedicated helpline 155261 and interact with an AI assistant named “ Bharti .” They can ask questions in their local language and receive instant, customized advice on crop selection, soil health, pest and disease control, irrigation planning, and weather forecasts. The platform integrates agricultural databases, scientific research, and real-time data to deliver accurate recommendations.

Bharat-VISTAAR acts as a 24/7 virtual farm advisor, reducing dependence on fragmented information sources. By offering timely guidance, it helps farmers optimise inputs, reduce risks, and improve productivity. The initiative represents a major step toward digital agriculture, empowering rural communities with technology-driven solutions and strengthening India’s journey toward smarter, more sustainable farming.