Farmers stand to benefit significantly from this innovation.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has officially unveiled ‘Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra,’ an AI-powered WhatsApp advisory service. This digital initiative was launched by the Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and the Director General of ICAR during the National Oilseeds Conference in New Delhi, marking a major leap in agricultural technology.

The project is a collaborative effort between several premier research bodies, including the ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (IIOR), Hyderabad, and specialized institutes for soybean, groundnut, and rapeseed-mustard. The core purpose is to bridge the long-standing gap between laboratory-based scientific research and the practical needs of farmers, ensuring that high-level expertise is decentralized and readily available.

Farmers stand to benefit significantly from this innovation. The platform provides 24/7 scientific guidance on crucial aspects of cultivation, including optimal variety selection, crop management, irrigation scheduling, and effective pest control. By leveraging a comprehensive knowledge base, the service aims to boost productivity across diverse agro-climatic regions and decrease reliance on edible oil imports.

Availing the service is remarkably simple and inclusive. Farmers do not need to download additional apps; they only need to save the WhatsApp number +91 4024598180 as ‘Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra.’ The AI chatbot supports multiple Indian languages, allowing users to interact naturally and receive instant, region-specific advice tailored to their oilseed crops.

Crucially, this system also provides real-time information on post-harvest management and local seed availability. As the kharif sowing season begins, this tool offers a sustainable, cost-effective, and highly accessible solution for growers nationwide to modernize their farming operations.