What is Bharat-VISTAAR?

The Union Budget 2026–27 places a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies as key enablers of inclusive growth, capacity building and job creation, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said while presenting the Budget in Parliament on February 1.

AI Push in Agriculture

A major announcement in the agriculture sector is the proposed launch of ‘Bharat-VISTAAR’ (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources), a multilingual, AI-powered platform aimed at enhancing farm productivity and reducing risks faced by farmers.

• The platform will integrate AgriStack portals with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) package of agricultural practices.
• AI systems will provide customised, real-time advisory services, tailored to local agro-climatic conditions, helping farmers make better-informed decisions.

Focus on Creative and Digital Industries

Recognising the growing importance of the creative economy, the Budget highlights the potential of India’s Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) sector.

• The sector is projected to require nearly two million professionals by 2030, offering significant employment and skilling opportunities for youth.