Maharashtra Govt Approves ₹2 Crore for AI Innovation Centres in Agricultural Universities The Maharashtra government has approved ₹2 crore for the establishment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation centres at four agricultural universities, including the Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV) in Akola. The decision, announced through a resolution issued on Wednesday, is part of the MahaAgri-AI Policy 2025-2029, which aims to integrate AI technologies into agricultural research and development. Each of the four institutions—PDKV, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth in Parbhani, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth in Rahuri, and Dr Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth in Dapoli—will receive ₹50 lakh to set up AI³ centres, which are designed for AI research, technological innovation, and incubation. The AI³ centres are expected to support researchers, students, and innovators working on AI-driven agricultural solutions. The initiative highlights the state’s focus on leveraging technology to address challenges in farming, such as erratic rainfall, crop diseases, and fluctuating productivity in Vidarbha, a region where the PDKV centre will play a key role. The government had previously granted administrative approval for ₹50 lakh to each university for renovation work linked to the centres, and the latest order provides financial sanction for releasing these funds. The expenditure will be funded from allocations under the Maharashtra Agricultural Artificial Intelligence Policy for 2026-27. The state has directed that the funds be used strictly in accordance with applicable financial and university regulations.#dr_panjabrao_deshmukh_krishi_vidyapeeth #maharashtra_govt #vasantrao_nai_krishi_vidyapeeth #mahatma_phule_krishi_vidyapeeth #dr_balasaheb_sawant_konkan_krishi_vidyapeeth
