The Maharashtra government announced it will host a major Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Agriculture and Investment Summit on February 22, 2026 in Mumbai, bringing together policymakers, investors, agritech companies, and farmers to explore how AI can modernise farming and attract investment into the agri-ecosystem. The event aims to foster collaboration between the technology sector and agriculture — a critical part of the state’s economy — and demonstrate practical AI solutions that can boost productivity, reduce risks, and improve livelihoods.
The summit will highlight AI’s potential to transform key agricultural activities, including crop planning, yield forecasting, pest and disease detection, soil and water management, and market linkage enhancement. Officials say the goal is not only to showcase technology but to encourage adoption by small and marginal farmers — particularly those who have not yet benefited from digital tools — by making solutions affordable and accessible.
Investors and agritech startups are expected to participate, presenting AI-driven platforms and services designed to improve decision-making across the agricultural value chain — from seed selection to post-harvest logistics. The summit also aims to connect innovators with funding opportunities, potential partners, and government schemes that can scale these technologies in rural areas, thereby supporting sustainable and inclusive growth.
The Maharashtra Agriculture Minister emphasised that AI should be used not just for automation but for enhancing farmers’ income and resilience amid challenges like climate variability and shrinking margins. By bringing stakeholders together at the summit, the state hopes to catalyse both investment flows and practical deployments of AI that help farmers improve productivity, reduce input costs, and participate more effectively in modern agricultural markets.
