Builds on India’s vision of Viksit Bharat by integrating cutting-edge technology with agricultural development and women-led entrepreneurship

Through the Bharat Vistaar initiative, AI-driven systems will be coupled with the ICAR package to enhance farm productivity, optimise input use, and deliver better incomes for cultivators.

AI Integration and Agricultural Productivity

Budget 2026 proposes the integration of AI-powered solutions with the ICAR package to create a data-driven, predictive agriculture ecosystem. These systems will provide real-time advisory services, crop monitoring, and yield forecasting, enabling farmers to make informed decisions that reduce risks, optimise input use, and increase farm returns. By linking technology with research-backed ICAR practices, the initiative aims to boost productivity and promote sustainable agriculture.

SHE-MART: Women Entrepreneurs at the Core

Building on the success of Lakhpati Didi, the Budget launches SHE-MART, a platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs in agriculture, allied sectors, and rural enterprises. Through innovative financing instruments, access to working capital, and capacity-building support, SHE-MART seeks to unlock economic opportunities for women while expanding rural value chains.

Financial Innovation and Rural Empowerment

The Budget emphasises innovative financing instruments to complement SHE-MART, targeting risk mitigation, liquidity support, and credit accessibility for smallholder farmers and women entrepreneurs. These measures are expected to enhance participation in high-value agricultural activities, improve household incomes, and reduce rural income inequality.

Strategic Agricultural Payoff

By combining AI-driven farm solutions with women-led entrepreneurial platforms, Budget 2026 signals a modern, inclusive approach to rural transformation. Bharat Vistaar and SHE-MART together aim to create a self-reinforcing ecosystem of technology adoption, income growth, and empowerment, ensuring that productivity gains translate into sustainable livelihoods.

— Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com)