Maharashtra embraces AI in agriculture, establishes India’s first AI university

State government explores AI integration in farming

The Maharashtra government is considering the experimental integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the agricultural sector to enhance productivity and reduce costs for farmers, according to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

During a review meeting at the Deputy Chief Minister’s office, Pawar directed the Agriculture Department to collaborate with the Cooperation Department to assess the technical and financial feasibility of AI adoption in agriculture.

The meeting included key stakeholders such as Agriculture Minister Adv. Manikrao Kokate, Minister of State for Agriculture Adv. Ashish Jaiswal (via video conferencing), Minister of State for Cooperation Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar, and senior officials from the Agriculture, Finance, and Planning Departments. Representatives from the All India Grape Vinegar Plantation Association and agricultural research experts also participated.

AI’s role in transforming agriculture

Highlighting AI’s transformative potential, Ajit Pawar emphasized that as technology reshapes industries globally, agriculture should not be left behind. He pointed out that AI could address challenges such as:

• Unpredictable weather patterns
• Untimely rains and frequent crop diseases
• Labour shortages and rising farming costs

According to Pawar, AI-powered applications can revolutionize farm management through:

• Crop health analysis and soil health assessment
• Weed identification and yield comparison
• Monitoring soil temperature and atmospheric humidity
• Detecting pests, diseases, and environmental stress on crops

“The integration of AI will enable real-time analysis of crop conditions, soil carbon content, and environmental factors. AI-powered tools will also help minimize the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, improve harvesting efficiency, and optimize the supply chain,” Pawar stated.

The government aims to boost crop production, reduce labour costs, and make farming more sustainable. To advance the initiative, the Agriculture Department will work closely with the Cooperation Department to ensure AI adoption is practical and beneficial for farmers.

Maharashtra to establish India’s first AI university

In another groundbreaking move, Maharashtra is set to become the first Indian state to establish an AI university. The state government has formed a dedicated task force to lead the project, as announced by Maharashtra IT Minister Ashish Shelar.

The task force consists of experts from academia, industry, and government, including representatives from:

• IIT Mumbai and IIM Mumbai
• Google India, Mahindra Group, and L&T
• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
• Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission
• Data Security Council of India

While addressing the press, Ashish Shelar stated:

“The AI University will be a center of excellence, fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and government. This initiative will position Maharashtra as a global leader in AI and contribute to India’s technological advancement.”

The task force has already conducted two meetings and is finalizing the roadmap for the university’s establishment. The government’s initiative reflects its commitment to making Maharashtra a hub for AI research, innovation, and industry partnerships.

Maharashtra at the forefront of AI innovation

With the rapid rise of AI, the establishment of an AI university will place Maharashtra at the forefront of technological progress. Similar institutions have already been developed in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, France, and China.

By integrating AI in agriculture and establishing an AI university, Maharashtra is setting a new benchmark for AI-driven innovation and technological growth in India.

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