Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday underlined the growing global challenges confronting the agriculture sector, stating that food systems across the world are under increasing strain due to climate volatility, declining water tables, deteriorating soil health, fragile supply chains, and unpredictable markets.
Addressing the India AI Summit 2026, Fadnavis said the world is at a defining moment, particularly for countries of the Global South where agriculture is not merely an economic activity but a foundation of livelihood, social stability, and national security.
He said India recognises this reality and, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has placed digital public infrastructure and responsible Artificial Intelligence at the centre of national development.
Highlighting the objectives of the India AI Mission, the Chief Minister said the initiative aims to use technology to deliver inclusion, transparency, and scale, with agriculture playing a central role. He noted that over half a billion Indians depend directly or indirectly on agriculture, yet small and marginal farmers continue to face fragmented information, rising input costs, climate uncertainty, and limited access to credit and markets.
Fadnavis observed that traditional agricultural extension systems, despite their commitment, are unable to match the scale and speed required to address present-day challenges.
He said Artificial Intelligence can help transform the sector by enabling hyper-local weather forecasting, early pest outbreak warnings, precision irrigation and fertiliser management, crop-based credit assessment, transparent and traceable supply chains, and real-time market advisories.
The Chief Minister asserted that technology-driven solutions can strengthen resilience in agriculture and support farmers in navigating emerging risks in an increasingly uncertain global environment. (ANI)
