Nagpur: Artificial intelligence is set to play a larger role in Maharashtra’s agricultural universities, with the state govt approving Rs 2 crore for AI innovation centres at four institutions, including Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV) in Akola.The other beneficiaries are Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, and Dr Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli. The govt resolution was issued on Wednesday. Each university will receive Rs 50 lakh under the MahaAgri-AI Policy 2025-2029.The proposed facilities, called AI³ — Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Incubation Centres — will create infrastructure for AI research, technological innovation and incubation within the state’s agricultural university system.While the resolution does not specify crop specific projects or technologies to be taken up at the centres, they are expected to support researchers, students and innovators working on AI-driven agricultural solutions.The centre at PDKV, Akola assumes significance for Vidarbha, which is a major cotton and soybean-growing region often affected by erratic rainfall, crop diseases and fluctuating productivity. AI-based research and field applications developed at the university could eventually support quicker, location-specific and data-backed advisories for farmers.The govt had earlier granted administrative approval of Rs 50 lakh to each university for renovation work linked to the centres. The latest order provides financial sanction for release of the funds.The expenditure will be met from allocations made under the Maharashtra Agricultural Artificial Intelligence Policy for 2026-27. The govt has directed that the funds be used strictly in accordance with applicable financial and university regulations.
