CM Fadnavis Flags Off ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ in Parbhani, Pushes AI, Innovation for Agricultural Transformation

Parbhani: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today inaugurated the 53rd Joint Agricultural Research and Development Committee Meeting and launched the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ in Parbhani, setting in motion a comprehensive campaign to integrate innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), and investment into the state’s agricultural practices.

Speaking at the event, CM Fadnavis lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership, under which the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has initiated a unique farmer-outreach programme. Researchers and officials will engage directly with farmers across their fields during a 15–20 day campaign, beginning from Maharashtra, as part of a ‘Whole-of-Government’ approach to strengthen the bond between science and agriculture.

Highlighting the challenges faced by the nearly 79% of small and marginal farmers in Maharashtra, the Chief Minister stressed the need for transitioning to climate-resilient and technology-driven agriculture. He noted that the government is actively supporting innovative farming through tailored schemes and the development of new, region-specific seed varieties.

Maharashtra, he said, has become the first state to list ‘truthful’ seeds on the SATHI portal, and is promoting modern planting methods across districts. Emphasising the role of farmers as grassroots innovators, CM Fadnavis proposed that such contributors be honoured annually as “Honorary Agro Scientists.”

In a major digital push, CM Fadnavis announced that 1 crore farmers’ data has been digitised under the Agri Stack programme, enabling precision farming. He also pointed to a ₹500 crore allocation in the Union Budget for AI in agriculture and urged universities to launch dedicated AI missions.

Additionally, a Marathi-language mobile app with an integrated chatbot is being developed to serve as a ‘Digital Friend’ for farmers, providing them with timely, localised advice.

Under the second phase of the Nanaji Deshmukh Krishi Sanjeevani Yojana, an investment of ₹4,000 crore will support 7,000 villages. Other major initiatives such as MAGNET and Agri-Business programmes, along with increased Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) and strategic investments, are expected to further transform the sector.

“Together, with innovation, collaboration, and commitment, we are scripting a new chapter in Indian agriculture—one that ensures prosperity for every farmer,” CM Fadnavis asserted.

The event was attended by Minister Manikrao Kokate, Minister Meghna Bordikar, MoS Adv. Ashish Jaiswal, and Vice-Chancellor of Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agricultural University, along with other dignitaries.