Shivraj Singh Chouhan launches AI-based Bharat-VISTAAR Phase 1 for farmers in Jaipur
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched Phase 1 of the AI-based 'Bharat-VISTAAR' scheme for farmers in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on 17 February 2026.
Summary
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched Phase 1 of the AI-based 'Bharat-VISTAAR' scheme for farmers in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on 17 February 2026, in the presence of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma. Farmers can dial 155261 to ask questions and get answers, including mandi prices, in their language; the service starts in Hindi and English and will expand to 11 languages. The platform integrates AgriStack, ICAR, IMD, mandi prices and state systems into a multilingual AI advisory, and links schemes such as PM Fasal Bima Yojana and Soil Health Card through a Farmer ID. Static link: Bharat-VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources) was announced in the Union Budget 2026-27 as a multilingual AI tool integrating the AgriStack portals and the ICAR package of agricultural practices.
Key facts
- Date and place
- 17 February 2026, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Launched by
- Shivraj Singh Chouhan
- Helpline
- 155261
- Languages
- Hindi and English first; 11 languages planned
- Integrates
- AgriStack, ICAR, IMD, mandi prices, state systems
- Full form
- Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources
- Announced in
- Union Budget 2026-27
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Which helpline number can farmers dial to use the Bharat-VISTAAR service launched on 17 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 155261
Farmers can dial 155261 to ask questions and get answers, including mandi prices.
Bharat-VISTAAR Phase 1 was launched on 17 February 2026 in which city?
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Correct answer: A — Jaipur
Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched Bharat-VISTAAR Phase 1 in Jaipur, Rajasthan, in the presence of CM Bhajanlal Sharma.
Consider the following statements about Bharat-VISTAAR: 1. Its full form is Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources, and it was announced in the Union Budget 2026-27. 2. It is envisaged as a multilingual AI tool that integrates the AgriStack portals and the ICAR package on agricultural practices. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Budget 2026-27 summary and the Ministry of Agriculture's launch release.