Mumbai to host ‘AI for Agri 2026’ global summit on Feb 22 and 23

The state government has approved Rs 500 crore in the first phase to implement the AI-focused agriculture policy, which seeks to create a robust digital ecosystem in farming and allied sectors. Representational Pic

Maharashtra will host a major global summit on Artificial Intelligence in agriculture later this month, as part of its ambitious plan to build a data-driven, technology-enabled farming ecosystem.

The "Global Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture and Investment Summit (AI for Agri 2026)" will be held on February 22 and 23 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane announced on Wednesday.

Addressing a press conference at Mantralaya, Bharane said the summit aims to ensure that farmers in Maharashtra gain access to global AI-driven technologies and innovative agricultural practices under the Maharashtra Agriculture-Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025-2029.

Additional Chief Secretary (Agriculture) Vikas Chandra Rastogi and Agriculture Commissioner Suraj Mandhare were also present.

Rs 500 crore approved for AI Agriculture Policy

The state government has approved Rs 500 crore in the first phase to implement the AI-focused agriculture policy, which seeks to create a robust digital ecosystem in farming and allied sectors.

Key digital platforms under development include:

MahaAgriX (Maharashtra Agriculture Data Exchange)

AI-enabled traceability systems

AI-based geospatial intelligence engine

Farmer-centric advisory platform MahaVistar

An institutional centre for Artificial Intelligence and Agritech Innovation has also been established to drive implementation.

Bharane described AI for Agri 2026 as a "significant milestone" in Maharashtra's agricultural development journey. The policy, he said, was shaped under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, drawing inspiration from the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's emphasis on modernising agriculture.

Global Participation and Investment Focus

The two-day summit will bring together policymakers, scientists, startups, investors, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), financial institutions, and representatives from farming communities.

Global and national partners include the World Economic Forum (WEF), FAO, UNDP, IFAD, World Bank Group, Asian Development Bank (ADB), ICRISAT, IISc, and M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF).

Prominent speakers are expected to include:

Nandan Nilekani, Co-founder of Infosys and Founding Chairman of UIDAI

Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson of MSSRF

J. Satyanarayana, Chief Advisor, C4IR India, World Economic Forum

Focus on Women Farmers and Inclusive AI

With the United Nations declaring 2026 as the International Year of Women Farmers, special sessions will focus on empowering women farmers through inclusive AI systems, leadership, and equitable access to technology.

Panel discussions will cover themes such as:

Advanced AI and emerging technologies in agriculture

Digital public infrastructure for Agri-AI

Responsible AI and global governance

Investment and scalable innovation in agritech

Global research collaboration

Exhibition, MoUs and CEO Roundtable

The summit will feature a two-day innovation exhibition with 30 leading agritech startups.