Maharashtra cabinet approves MSRTC land redevelopment via PPP model
BMC seeks nod for wall to save Charkop pond, HC says remove encroachments first
Fadnavis inaugurates Kala Ghoda project
FDA cracks down on Mumbai eateries; suspends licences of 3 over hygiene violations
Maharashtra FDA suspended three Mumbai eateries' food licences due to serious hygiene lapses. Inspections revealed significant deficiencies in food safety standards and sanitation practices. One eatery's licence was suspended after failing to address previous improvement notice violations. Another restaurant faced suspension for thick oil deposits and insect entry risks. The FDA will continue strict action against non-compliant food businesses.
Leopard Spotted on CCTV at Matheran Honeymoon Point, Panic Among Locals
UBTs Nagpur temple protest on, Fadnavis says Uddhav cant even read Ram Raksha
Mayor & BJP MLC slam BMC probe report into Chembur tree fall death, say no accountability fixed
Grave injustice, says 11-year-old victims grandfather, family considering legal action
Mumbai Police bust three fake call centres, arrest 12 in Rs 17 lakh insurance fraud case
Mumbai police arrest Punjab man for posing as Maharashtra MLA's PA, duping people of money
Mumbai police arrested a Punjab resident for impersonating a Maharashtra MLA's personal assistant. The accused allegedly sought money from individuals by claiming it was for student fees. He also posed as the MLA himself to gain victims' trust. Following a complaint, a technical investigation led to his arrest in Uttar Pradesh. Police suspect the accused may have defrauded several other people using a similar method.
Conman who posed as BJP MLA from Borivli, his PA, held from Lucknow
Patel, Tatkare say legal notice against Sunetra has no basis, but new dissent emerges in NCP
5-year-old tribal girl raped, murdered in Raigad; youth held
Maharashtra: Fadnavis Mocks Uddhav, Challenges Him To Recite Ram Raksha Stotra
The protests were being led by a person who neither knew the meaning of the Ram Raksha verses nor could recite them: Fadnavis
Maharashtra: Cabinet Approves PPP Redevelopment Of 3,500 Acres Of MSRTC Land
We have prepared a long-term development plan for the MSRTC: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis
Thane Mayor, Commissioner Urge Residents To Adopt Rainwater Harvesting Amid Water Crisis
Fake cop held for cheating real estate businessman and his two debtors of Rs 4.75 lakh
Maharashtra ATS questions 66 youth to uncover Pakistani gangsters alleged network in India
Sleeper cells being formed by luring economically weaker youth via social media, says anti-terror agency
Donald Trump says, 'Strait of Hormuz now open'; declares blockade on Iran ships
US President Donald Trump said the Strait of Hormuz has reopened for global shipping under US military protection while announcing a full blockade on vessels sailing to Iranian ports or carrying Iranian cargo. He also proposed replacing a reimbursement fee with new Gulf trade and investment deals
Adani Properties surges 73%, becomes Indias top unlisted developer
El Nio effect: Telangana asks farmers to go for alternative crops
Telangana Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao said that the neighbouring States of Maharashtra and Karnataka, the two upper riparian States, also reported a fall in rain fall
Maharashtra government duped women under Ladki Bahin scheme: Congress
Congress cites the CAG report, alleging the scheme was rolled out despite warnings from the State finance department about its sustainability
Nashik Police bust interstate gang, arrest four for Rs 70-lakh robbery
Nashik Police arrested four people, including a woman, for allegedly robbing a man of Rs 70 lakh by posing as police officers in the Panchavati area. During the operation, police seized Rs 82 lakh worth of cash, fake government IDs, a beacon-fitted car and suspected firearms
Nine held after woman tourist allegedly molested at Bhavali Dam in Igatpuri
Nine people have been arrested after a 44-year-old woman tourist was allegedly molested and her family assaulted near Bhavali Dam in Nashik's Igatpuri. Police have registered offences of molestation, attempt to murder and dacoity, while more suspects have been identified through video footage
Maharashtra ATS questions 66 people in Pune over suspected links with Bhatti
According to the ATS, the operation began at 7 am and was carried out with the assistance of Pune City Police, Pune Rural Police and Pimpri Chinchwad Police
FIFA World Cup: Karnataka allows Bengaluru restaurants to open till 3:30 am
The relaxation will apply on July 14, July 15 and July 19, when key FIFA World Cup fixtures are scheduled to be played late at night in India because of the time difference with the host country
Low rainfall pushes up water tanker demand across Marathwada
Marathwada, which comprises the districts of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Beed, Nanded, Hingoli, Dharashiv, Latur and Parbhani, has received 163.7 mm of rainfall against the seasonal average of 218.1 mm up to July 14
Jalaj Saxena returns to Kerala
The BCCI clearance for his shift from Maharashtra came on the eve of the Kerala Cricket League player auction
Fuelled by Dharavi Redevelopment, Adani Realty Became Last Years Biggest Gainer
In Mumbai, it is redeveloping the Dharavi slum sprawl in a platform where the Maharashtra government is a minor partner, and executing other large projects like Motilal Nagar
WHO warns DRC Ebola outbreak is far bigger than official count
According to the DR Congo's latest official figures, the haemorrhagic fever has infected more than 1,960 people and killed over 700 since it was detected two months ago
Satellite phone facility for deep-sea fishermen? Maharashtra govt holds discussions with BSNL
Maharashtra government is exploring satellite phone connectivity for deep-sea fishermen. This initiative aims to provide uninterrupted communication with the shore, enhancing safety. The Fisheries Department is discussing this proposed facility with BSNL. Satellite phones will enable fishermen to seek immediate assistance during emergencies at sea. This modern technology will strengthen maritime safety and rescue operations.
Bengaluru eateries get extended timings for FIFA World Cup match screenings
The Karnataka government has allowed hotels and restaurants in Bengaluru to serve food until 3:30 am on July 14, 15 and 19 to facilitate late-night FIFA World Cup match screenings. The move, announced by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, follows a request from the NRAI
SC says Samay Raina took it 'for a ride' in disability case
The Supreme Court Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana made the observations while hearing a petition related to remarks allegedly made about persons with disabilities and rare genetic disorders
Akhilesh Yadav alleges BJP misuses religion and donations to fuel corruption
In a post on X, Yadav attacked the BJP on the Ram temple donation-theft issue, saying people should understand the criminology of the saffron party rather than what he termed the chronology of offerings, donations and contributions
Kerala: PNG gas leak in Thiruvananthapuram after road work damages pipeline
An officer from Chackai fire station said that information of the gas leak was received around 12.50 pm and a team was immediately dispatched to the area
Congress to finalise Monsoon Session strategy at Sonia Gandhi's July 16 meeting
The meeting, scheduled for 11 am, will focus on the issues the Congress plans to raise during the session and its broader parliamentary approach
India summons Iranian envoy, lodges strong protest over Strait of Hormuz attacks
The Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Iran in New Delhi was summoned by the MEA, which lodged a strong protest over the attacks. The MEA said India was deeply concerned as the two vessels involved were carrying 30 Indian seafarers, one of whom was killed while several others were injured
Nine detained after tourists assaulted, robbed near Nashik's Bhavali waterfall
Nine people have been detained in connection with the alleged assault, molestation and robbery of a tourist family at Bhavali Dam waterfall in Nashik's Igatpuri taluka. Police have registered a case under multiple provisions of the BNS, including dacoity and attempt to murder
Ajit Pawar entered the Maharashtra Assembly in 1991, went on to become the Baramati MLA for multiple terms, and served as the States Deputy Chief Minister on several occasions
SC to hear Meghalaya's plea against Sonam Raghuvanshi's bail
The Supreme Court on Tuesday scheduled for July 21 the hearing of the Meghalaya government's plea challenging the bail granted to Sonam Raghuvanshi, who is accused of conspiring to kill her husband Raja Raghuvanshi during their honeymoon in Meghalaya. The case centres on whether a typographical error in the arrest memo justified the grant of bail.
Arvind Kejriwal backs CJP protest, to meet Sonam Wangchuk on July 16
In a press conference, Kejriwal said he will visit Jantar Mantar at 5 pm on Thursday to extend his support to Wangchuk and the CJP protest
'Spontaneous genetic mutation': 20-year-old childhood leukemia survivor faces new risk of cancers
A young student battles a new genetic disorder after overcoming childhood leukemia. This condition carries a lifetime risk of developing multiple gastrointestinal malignancies. Doctors performed a preventive surgery to remove his entire large intestine and rectum. He will require extensive recovery and continuous medical follow-up for his health. His family faces financial strain after their insurance claim was denied.
CBSE issues detailed guidelines on three-language policy under NEP 2020
The CBSE has issued detailed guidelines for implementing the three-language scheme under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 from the 2026-27 academic session. The board has clarified that the third language (R3) will be assessed only through school-based internal assessments, with no Board exam
Maharashtra TET paper leak: Rahul demands fresh exam date, action against culprits
Rahul Gandhi has called for a new date for the Maharashtra TET exam. He also demanded action against those responsible for the paper leak. Six lakh candidates are currently left in limbo after the exam's postponement. The Special Investigation Team is tracking financial and digital trails of masterminds. This leak follows the national scandal caused by the NEET-UG paper leak.
SC refuses to cancel Lalu Yadav's bail in fodder scam, seeks speedy HC hearing
A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale refused to cancel Yadav's bail; however, it asked the High Court to expedite the hearing of the pending appeals, preferably within six months
Rahul Gandhi seeks fresh Maharashtra TET date after paper leak
Gandhi said nearly six lakh candidates continue to face uncertainty as the government has yet to announce a revised examination schedule or clarify the next course of action
Madhya Pradesh: Congress launches Gen-Z Cyclothon over alleged exam paper leaks
Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari flagged off the party's two-day Gen-Z Cyclothon Yatra from Indore to Bhopal, alleging widespread examination irregularities, paper leaks and recruitment scams. The Congress is also demanding free quality education from KG to PG and plans to protest outside Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's residence
Jammu and Kashmir: Drone recovered in Samba, sent for forensic analysis
The drone has been sent for forensic examination to determine its origin, technical specifications, and whether it was used for any cross-border activity, the officials said
Pune Moshi waste unit collapse: FIR against two company officials
The case pertains to the July 8 incident at the waste-to-energy facility in Moshi, operated by Antony Lara Renewable Energy Pvt Ltd for the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC)
Sonam Wangchuk loses 8.5 kg during Day 17 hunger strike
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founding president Abhijeet Dipke, in a post on X, expressed concern over Wangchuks deteriorating health, stating that the activist has started losing muscle mass and is experiencing severe pain during the ongoing fast
2.3 Crore Litres Of Synthetic Milk Made With Detergent Powder: Shocking Scam Exposed In Maharashtra
Officials suspect over 2.3 crore litres of toxic adulterated milk may have entered Maharashtra's market, raising serious health concerns.
Maharashtra rainfall deficit continues; El Nio impact cited
Forecasts for the coming week indicate that only light to moderate rain may occur in isolated pockets, with no weather warnings issued for July 13 or July 14
Arundhati Roy, Naseeruddin Shah urge CJP protesters to end hunger strike
In a joint statement issued on Monday, the signatories expressed solidarity with the ongoing agitation and praised the protesters for leading the campaign against the government
Vietnam speedboat survivor recalls moments before boat capsized
A survivor of the Vietnam speedboat tragedy has recounted the terrifying moments when a massive wave capsized a boat carrying 32 Indian tourists near Phu Quoc Island, killing 15 people. The survivor said several passengers were trapped inside the overturned vessel, while rescue teams rushed to the scene within minutes.
Sergio Gor calls India-US trade talks report 'fake', says talks continue
The remarks came after a Reuters report suggested that India had declined to move forward with a fast-tracked trade deal during recent discussions with the US. Both Indian and US officials have rejected the claim, saying negotiations are continuing
US targets Iranian coastal defence sites in five-hour military operation
According to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation lasted around five hours and was carried out earlier on Monday at the direction of President Donald Trump.
Watch: Thief Walks Away With 40-Kg Water Cooler On His Shoulder In Amravati
A daring theft has been caught on camera in Maharashtra's Amravati, where a man disconnected and walked away with a 40kg public water cooler outside a gym.
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Business Wire India
Trump formally notifies Congress of renewed US military action against Iran
US President Donald Trump has formally informed Congress that American military operations against Iran resumed on July 7 after the collapse of a months-long ceasefire. The renewed action follows Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, with Washington citing the need to protect US forces and international shipping.
IMD warns of heavy rain in East as heatwave grips South India
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a sharp weather divide this week, with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall expected across eastern and northeastern states, while hot, humid conditions and heatwave warnings continue for parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and eastern coastal regions over the next few days.
One Indian killed, six injured as Iranian missiles target two UAE tankers
In a statement, the UAE MoD said that the attack killed one Indian crew member aboard the Mombasa and injured eight others, including six Indian nationals and two Ukrainians, four of whom sustained serious injuries
Irans Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility remains on US strike list: Trump
The remarks, made during an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, came as the Trump administration intensified military pressure on Tehran while insisting it would not allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon
Mid-Day Opinion: The only job of teachers should be to teach
Do they seriously think that teachers are doing no work and so must carry this burden too?
Mid-Day Opinion: Bun maska-chai, with some stardust
The recent visit by Hollywood superstars to an Irani caf in Colaba lends itself to a conversation on the need to give legacy F&B establishments their due beyond celebrity visits
Vietnam speedboat tragedy: Mortal remains of 15 Indian tourists flown to home states today
Fifteen Indian nationals killed in a Vietnam speedboat tragedy were flown home on Tuesday. Their remains were transported from Mumbai to various Indian states via domestic flights. The victims were part of a group of 32 Indian tourists on a capsized speedboat. Sixteen other passengers were rescued and have since returned to India. One survivor remains in critical condition at a hospital in Phu Quoc.
Trump says wealthy Gulf nations should reimburse US for regional security costs
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said countries benefiting from US military operations should help finance those efforts. I want to be reimbursed because we're protecting a very rich portion of the world
Archaeologists discover 3,000-year-old Ramesside-era tomb in Egypts Luxor
Specialists believe the tomb dates to the Ramesside period, Egypts 19th and 20th dynasties, based on artistic style of its inscriptions and typical New Kingdom architecture
Astronomers detect key star formation process inside Taurus molecular cloud
Researchers detected evidence of ambipolar diffusion, a process that may help gravity overcome magnetic resistance and begin forming a new star
Oxford launches first human trial of vaccine against Bundibugyo ebolavirus
Recruitment has begun, with vaccinations expected to start in the coming weeks pending regulatory approval
Search on for four minors feared drowned in Yamuna in Delhi
Four minors are feared drowned after they were swept away by the strong current of the Yamuna River while bathing near Hiranki village in Delhi's Alipur area. Rescue teams, including multiple emergency agencies, have continued an intensive search operation for the second consecutive day after the incident on Sunday evening.
Bacteria may offer breakthrough solution for uranium pollution, researchers say
Researchers found that microbes living in water from a flooded uranium mine removed nearly all of the dissolved uranium and converted much of it into an unexpectedly stable compound after receiving glycerol as a food source
The Maharashtra State Board will declare the SSC and HSC Supplementary Result 2026 today at 1 PM on its official website. Students who appeared for the Class 10 and 12 supplementary examinations can access and download their provisional marksheets online using their login credentials. The supplementary exams were conducted between June 16 and July 8, 2026.
10-year-old boy drowns in excavated pit in Mumbai
From Soil to Sensors: How Artificial Intelligence Is Revolutionising Indian Agriculture
Imagine walking through a coconut orchard in Tamil Nadu where every tree is monitored by solar-powered sensors, irrigation happens automatically when the soil dries out, and a farmer can track water usage, fertiliser needs and crop healthall from a mobile phone. This isn't science fiction. This is the new reality of Indian agriculture, and it's happening right now. Meet Rajaratnam Kanakarajan, a coconut farmer from Pollachi, Tamil Nadu. Two years ago, he was struggling with unpredictable yields and rising input costs. Today, after adopting an AI-powered precision farming system developed by the agritech startup Farm Again, his coconut yield has doubledfrom 80 to 160 nuts per tree per year. His annual income jumped from 12.16 lakh to 33.82 lakh. And he's not alone. According to a report by NITI Aayog (2025), over 3,500 farmers across 4,000 acres in Tamil Nadu are now benefiting from this technology, collectively saving more than 400,000 cubic metres of water and 175,000 kWh of energy annually, while avoiding approximately 20,000 tonnes of CO emissions. The locally developed technology also reduced the implementation cost from 25 lakh per acre for imported systems to just 2.5 lakh per acre, making precision agriculture more affordable for Indian farmers (NITI Aayog, 2025). This is the story of how Artificial Intelligence is transforming traditional agriculture into something smarter, more sustainable and far more profitable. The Perfect Storm: Why Agriculture Needs AI Now Here's the challenge we're facing: the global population is expected to reach approximately 9.7 billion by 2050, and according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO, 2023), agriculture will need to produce nearly 50 percent more food than current levels. At the same time, India's agricultural land has been shrinkingfrom a peak of 184.8 million hectares in 1975 to approximately 179.9 million hectares today (Land Use Statistics at a Glance, 2023)while the country's population has ballooned to 1.45 billion (Worldometer, 2025). Nearly 735 million people worldwide currently suffer from undernourishment, highlighting the persistent challenge of food insecurity (FAO, 2023). Meanwhile, farmers are disappearing from fields. According to the World Bank Employment in Agriculture Database and Periodic Labour Force Survey reports, the share of India's workforce engaged in agriculture has dropped from 59.1% in 1991 to 40.6% in 2020, and it's projected to fall to about 32% by 2030 (World Bank, 2024). Labour shortages during critical operations like sowing, harvesting and weeding are becoming a crisis. Traditional farmingrelying on guesswork, uniform application of water and chemicals and labour-intensive methodssimply cannot meet these challenges. As Wolfert and colleagues (2017) observed in their comprehensive review published in Agricultural Systems, the integration of Big Data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence enhances farm decision-making, improves operational efficiency and promotes sustainable agricultural production. The scope of Big Data applications in smart farming, they noted, goes beyond primary productionit is influencing the entire food supply chain (Wolfert et al., 2017). What Exactly Is AI Doing in Agriculture? Think of AI as a super-smart farming assistant that never sleeps. It analyses data from sensors in the soil, cameras on drones, satellites in space and weather stations in the field. Then it tells farmers exactly what to do: when to water, how much fertiliser to apply, where pests are hiding and even when to harvest. Liakos and colleagues (2018) conducted a comprehensive review of machine learning applications in agricultural production systems and categorised them into four major areas: crop management, livestock management, water management and soil management. Their findings, published in the journal Sensors, demonstrated that by applying machine learning to sensor data, farm management systems are evolving into real-time AI-enabled programs that provide rich recommendations and insights for farmer decision support and action (Liakos et al., 2018). The numbers speak for themselves. Subeesh and Mehta (2021), writing in Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, documented that AI-driven precision agriculture can increase crop yields from 3.8 to 5.5 tonnes per hectare while reducing water consumption from 6,650 to 4,000 cubic metres per hectare, fertiliser use from 305 to 180 kg per hectare and pesticide use from 18.5 to 7 litres per hectare. Net returns nearly doublefrom 940 to 1,860 per hectarewhile carbon emissions decrease from 3,650 to 2,100 kg COe per hectare (Subeesh & Mehta, 2021). These findings highlight that AI-based precision agriculture enables higher yields with fewer inputs, greater profitability and improved sustainability compared to conventional farming. Real Farmers, Real Results Across India, agritech startups are proving that AI isn't just for Silicon Valleyit's for the villages of Maharashtra, the paddy fields of Punjab and the coconut groves of Tamil Nadu. Take Fasal, a Bengaluru-based startup founded in 2017. Their device, Fasal Kranti, equipped with over 12 sensors, monitors climatic and soil parameters and provides farmers with precise recommendations on irrigation, pest management and crop planning. Deployed across 10,000 acres in states like Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, the results have been remarkable: farmers have reported up to a 60% reduction in pesticide costs and a 40% increase in yield. The technology has saved over 52 billion litres of water. Then there's Cultyvate, another Bengaluru-based startup that tackles one of Indian agriculture's most urgent problems: inefficient water use in paddy cultivation. Paddy fields consume over 50% of India's irrigation water. Cultyvate's remote-sensing irrigation system combines soil moisture sensors, flow meters, weather data and AI algorithms to monitor real-time field conditions. Farmers receive mobile alertsvia voice calls in regional languages, so even those who can't read can understandtelling them exactly when and how much to irrigate. The result? Water use reduced by up to 50%, yields improved by 2030% and over 3,080 crore litres of water saved. In Andhra Pradesh, a pioneering collaboration between Microsoft and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) demonstrated the transformative potential of AI in agriculture. The Sowing App, developed using Microsoft's Cortana Intelligence Suite including Machine Learning and Power BI, sent sowing advisories to farmers on the optimal date to sow based on weather conditions, soil and other indicators (Microsoft & ICRISAT, 2017). The results, announced in January 2017, showed a remarkable 30% higher average yield per hectare for groundnut crops. Farmers who followed the advisories and sowed in the recommended period achieved significantly better yields, while those who sowed earlier suffered losses due to a long dry spell (Microsoft & ICRISAT, 2017). The Robots Are ComingAnd That's a Good Thing Remember when the idea of robots on farms sounded like something from a sci-fi movie? That future is already here. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR, 2024), the global agricultural robot market has grown exponentially, from approximately US$956 million in 2013 to nearly US$19.1 billion in 2020, reflecting the increasing demand for intelligent robotic systems in modern agriculture. Drones, autonomous tractors, robotic harvesters and AI-powered weeders are becoming increasingly common. The most rapid expansion occurred after 2016, when advancements in Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, sensors and autonomous navigation systems accelerated the commercialisation of agricultural robots (IFR, 2024). In India, engineering student Rahul Arepaka has developed 'Rakshak,' an AI-powered laser-weeding robot that removes the need for chemical herbicides and manual labour. The tractor-mounted device autonomously targets weeds using deep learning algorithms and blue laser technology. These technologies aren't replacing farmersthey're empowering them. By automating labour-intensive tasks, AI frees up farmers to focus on higher-value activities like crop planning and marketing. Samuel and Irtwange (2025), writing in the Journal of Agricultural Informatics, concluded that machine learning applications contribute substantially to yield improvement, resource optimisation, and cost reduction in agricultural systems, emphasising the growing importance of predictive analytics in agricultural decision-making (Samuel & Irtwange, 2025). From Water to Wealth: The Economics of AI Farming Let's talk money. Because ultimately, farmers adopt new technologies when they make economic sense. The economic benefits of precision agriculture are well-documented. According to a joint study by Microsoft and ICRISAT (2017), precision agriculture improves farm profitability by 1525% while reducing production costs by 1030% through efficient use of inputs. It promotes resource conservation, achieving 2050% water savings and 1530% fertilizer savings, while reducing pesticide application by 2080% and nutrient losses by 1540% (Microsoft & ICRISAT, 2017). Environmental sustainability is further enhanced through a 1020% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Technologically, precision agriculture enables real-time crop monitoring with 9097% disease detection accuracy, reduces labour requirements by 2040% through automation and supports predictive farm management with 8595% yield prediction accuracy (Microsoft & ICRISAT, 2017). In Andhra Pradesh, according to a report by IndiaAI (2019), machine learning-based farming increased gross revenue from 1,25,000 per hectare to 2,87,500 per hectare. Net income rose from 70,000 to 2,00,000 per hectare (IndiaAI, 2019). The report further noted that the adoption of machine learning technologies in agriculture is creating new skilled and semi-skilled employment opportunities, including positions for data collection technicians, precision irrigation specialists, digital extension workers, sensor installation workers, drone operators, software support staff and AI data analysts (IndiaAI, 2019). These aren't marginal improvements. They're transformative. The Government Steps In Recognising the potential of AI, the Government of India has launched several initiatives to accelerate its adoption. The Digital Agriculture Mission, approved in September 2024 with an outlay of 2,817 crore, aims to create a Digital Public Infrastructure for agriculture. Under AgriStack, over 70 million Farmer IDs have already been generated across 17 states (Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2026). The Krishi Decision Support System integrates satellite, weather and soil data to map crops and cultivated areas (Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2026). In February 2026, the government launched Bharat-VISTAAR, a multilingual AI-based agricultural advisory platform that provides farmers with personalised recommendations on crop planning, input management and risk mitigation. Farmers can access the platform by dialling 155261 from any phone and interacting with an AI assistant named 'Bharati' (Ministry of Finance, 2026). Kisan e-Mitra, an AI-powered voice-enabled chatbot launched in 2023, provides farmers with information on government schemes like PM-KISAN, Kisan Credit Card and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Available in 11 regional languages, the platform handles over 8,000 farmer queries daily and had responded to more than 93 lakh farmer queries by December 2025 (Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2026). The World Economic Forum (2025) highlighted the role of AI in strengthening climate resilience, improving resource efficiency and enhancing market access for smallholder farmers, suggesting that AI-driven agricultural solutions can support sustainable rural development and improve farmers' livelihoods (World Economic Forum, 2025). The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities Of course, the transition to AI-powered agriculture isn't without challenges. High initial investment costs, limited digital infrastructure in rural areas, data privacy concerns and digital literacy gaps remain significant barriers (Subeesh & Mehta, 2021; Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2026). But the momentum is undeniable. Precision agriculture adoption in India is projected to increase from just 1% in 2008 to approximately 95% by 2036. The agricultural sector is expected to reach $300 billion by 2030. The vision is ambitious but achievable: AI-enabled agriculture that ensures every acre becomes more productive, every drop of water more valuable and every farmer more prosperous. As the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (2026) documented, AI-enabled advisory services, pest surveillance systems and digital agriculture initiatives across India have demonstrated the potential of AI and IoT technologies in improving agricultural productivity and farm management (Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2026). The Bottom Line Artificial Intelligence is not just another tech buzzword. It's a practical, proven solution to some of agriculture's most pressing challenges. From the coconut groves of Tamil Nadu to the paddy fields of Punjab, AI is helping farmers produce more with lessless water, less fertilizer, fewer pesticides and less labour. The farmer of tomorrow won't just be someone with a plough and a pair of hands. They'll be someone with a smartphone, a network of sensors and an AI assistant that helps them make smarter decisions every single day. And that's not just good for farmers. It's good for all of us who depend on the food they grow. (The authors are associated with Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, SKUAST-Jammu)
Draft report flags contradictions in BMC officers statements in Mumbai manhole death probe
Devendra Fadnavis overtakes Sharad Pawar as Maharashtras third longest-serving CM
Devendra Fadnavis has now served as Maharashtra's chief minister for 2,430 days. This duration surpasses Sharad Pawar's previous record of 2,412 days in the post. Fadnavis completed a full five-year term from 2014 to 2019. He became the state's second youngest chief minister at age 44. Vasantrao Naik remains the longest-serving chief minister in Maharashtra's history.
Illegal banner falls on biker, pillion on EEH in Thane
Maharashtra withdraws 2023 circular on minor mineral levy during land development
Maharashtra government withdrew a May 2023 circular on minor mineral royalty. This move provides relief to developers facing legal disputes over the framework. The earlier policy faced challenges for inconsistency with court judgments. A fresh, transparent framework will be framed after considering judicial directions. Until then, a new procedure for excavation permissions will be issued.
Man dies as BJP neta-builders son hits scooter; FIR filed
Drunk woman causes traffic chaos in Navi Mumbai's Ghansoli, detained
On Monday, a woman under the influence of alcohol created a significant disruption on a road in Navi Mumbai. She persistently positioned herself in front of vehicles, including a bus and an auto-rickshaw. Despite attempts from bystanders and police officers to persuade her to move, she remained uncooperative. Eventually, women police officers intervened and successfully detained her, allowing for traffic to resume on the busy street.
Maharashtra: Fadnavis Rolls Out Urban Challenge Fund For 22 Urban Development Components
The fund will support 22 urban development components aimed at modernising municipal service delivery: Reports
Mumbai dy mayor wants Byculla blow allotted to him as commuting from Dahisar takes too much time
Uddhav extends support to CJP, Sonam Wangchuk, says Cong must back them too
Nagaland blast: Suspected IED blast targets Assam Rifles vehicle; one dead
An Assam Rifles jawan was killed and four others were injured in a suspected IED blast targeting an operational vehicle in Nagaland's Chumoukedima district. Security forces have launched a search operation, while the injured personnel are undergoing treatment
