Bharat-VISTAAR: If you are a farmer, the government is leveraging digital technology to provide you with benefits and agricultural guidance. Through the ‘Bharat-VISTAAR’ platform, an AI-based assistant is available to support farmers. Using this service, farmers can access information regarding weather, crops, pests, diseases, and government schemes—all via their phones.
A key advantage is that farmers do not need an expensive smartphone or an internet connection to benefit from this service; they can simply call the helpline number from a basic mobile phone to ask questions related to farming. Read on to learn about the helpline number and the process.
Which number should you call for advice?
Farmers can call the helpline number 155261 to obtain information related to agriculture. Through this number, an AI-based assistant helps answer specific questions and provides necessary information. The service is available 24/7, allowing farmers to call and seek information whenever they need it.
Communicate in your language.
A notable feature of this AI assistant is its ability to understand a wide range of Indian languages. Farmers can ask questions in their preferred language; the service supports 13 languages, including Hindi, Marathi, English, Tamil, Punjabi, and Telugu. This makes it easier for farmers across different states to access and understand agricultural information in their own language.
What kind of agricultural information is available?
Through this AI-based assistant, farmers can access a variety of agricultural information. This includes weather forecasts—such as updates on rainfall, temperature, and seasonal changes—as well as guidance on crop cultivation, including sowing, crop care, and production techniques. Farmers can also learn about preventive measures against pests and diseases and even check current market prices (mandi rates).
Asking Questions via Online Chat
Farmers who use the internet and Android devices can ask questions related to farming through an online chat. An official chat service, known as the ‘Bharat-VISTAAR AI Chat Portal,’ is available for this purpose. Farmers can visit this portal to get answers to their questions and access information related to agriculture.
Why is this facility significant for farmers?
Additionally, farmers can receive timely information regarding farming seasons, soil conditions, market prices, pests, and more. Often, farmers suffer losses due to a lack of accurate information; the AI assistant helps address this by providing farmers with precise answers to their agriculture-related queries.