Manikrao Kokate.
Credit: X/@_manikrao
Mumbai: Unmanned farming, use of drones and robots, artificial intelligence (AI), and analytics are being promoted in the farming sector of Maharashtra to enhance productivity and improve life of the farmers.
“The government is focusing on transforming agriculture through initiatives like unmanned farming, AI-based weather forecasting, climate-resilient cropping patterns, efficient irrigation systems, establishing agricultural labs at the district level, mobile vans for farm services, and improved crop storage facilities,” said Maharashtra's Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate.
“The aim is to enhance productivity using cost-effective and innovative technologies to improve the lives of farmers,” Kokate said at a workshop on MahaKrishi AI Policy, which was organised by the Agriculture Department on the occasion of Agriculture Day, commemorating the birth anniversary of the late Vasantrao Naik, the longest-serving chief minister of the state.
In fact, earlier this year, the Devendra Fadnavis-led MahaYuti government has cleared the MahaAgri-AI Policy 2025–2029—India’s first comprehensive AI strategy for agriculture.
Minister of State for Agriculture Ashish Jaiswal, Principal Secretary Vikas Chandra Rastogi, Agriculture Commissioner Suraj Mandhare, Nanaji Krishi Sanjivani Project Drifter Parimal Singh were also present.
Kokate stated that the government is implementing various schemes for farmers' welfare.
“The MahaKrishi AI Policy is being implemented to integrate modern technology into farming. With changing times, there is a need for transformation in agriculture. Although agricultural production has increased, maintaining the quality of produce remains a major challenge. Merely using excessive fertilizers is not the solution for higher yields. It's important to provide the crop with only the required amount of fertilizers and water,” said Kokate, a senior NCP leader.
He emphasised that agriculture is expected to undergo significant changes.
“The government is focusing on providing timely training to farmers, promoting natural farming, implementing farmer-centric and sustainable development schemes, and ensuring Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for farm produce,” he said.
“The government is taking several important decisions for the development of agriculture and farmers. Comprehensive compensation is being provided for crop losses. Capital investment in agriculture is being encouraged, and the MahaKrishi AI Policy is being effectively implemented across the state,” said Jaiswal.
Rastogi said the workshop provided an opportunity to interact with farmers and prioritize agricultural development.
“Emphasis is being placed on soil testing, judicious use of fertilizers, and accurate planning from weather forecasting to market access to boost productivity and ensure farmer prosperity,” he said.