Maharashtra to host India’s first AI conference dedicated to agriculture

Maharashtra is set to become the first state in India to organise a dedicated Artificial Intelligence conference focused exclusively on agriculture, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced, marking a strategic push toward technology-led farm modernisation.

The proposed conference aims to create a convergence platform for policymakers, agri-tech startups, scientists, researchers, and farmers to explore scalable AI solutions for the sector. The initiative underscores the state government’s recognition of Artificial Intelligence as a transformative force in agriculture.

The conference is expected to deliberate on key applications including precision farming, crop health monitoring, predictive analytics for pest and disease management, smart irrigation systems, soil intelligence, and supply chain optimisation.

Maharashtra, one of India’s leading agricultural states, faces recurring climate stress, water scarcity in certain regions, and income volatility among farmers. By positioning AI at the centre of agricultural policy discourse, the state aims to enhance productivity, reduce input costs, and improve resilience.

Officials indicated that the conference will also focus on integrating AI with existing digital agriculture platforms, encouraging public-private partnerships, and strengthening innovation ecosystems within the state.

The announcement places Maharashtra at the forefront of India’s agri-tech movement, aligning with the broader national emphasis on digital transformation and data-driven governance in agriculture.

As AI adoption accelerates globally in farming systems, Maharashtra’s initiative signals a proactive approach to harnessing emerging technologies for sustainable and profitable agriculture.