Livestock Sector Can Flourish Through the Integration of Artificial Intelligence, Human Sensitivity and Traditional Knowledge: Minister Pankaja Munde

State Government Focused on Enhancing Farmers’ Income

Mumbai, June 2026 : Maharashtra Animal Husbandry Minister Pankaja Munde on Monday called for the integration of artificial intelligence, human sensitivity, and traditional knowledge to accelerate the growth of the livestock sector in the state.

She was speaking at the launch of the Integrated Dairy Development Initiative in Mumbai. The programme has been launched by Cargill in partnership with Syngenta Foundation India and Digital Green India in Maharashtra’s Ahilyanagar district.

The event, held at Mantralaya, was attended by Animal Husbandry Department Secretary N. Ramaswamy, Ravinder Balain, Chairman of Cargill India and Senior Managing Director of Cargill Animal Nutrition & Health, Nidhi Bhasin, CEO of Digital Green India, and Vikram Borade, CEO of Syngenta Foundation India. Livestock farmers and stakeholders from Ahilyanagar also joined the programme virtually.

Speaking on the occasion, Munde said the state government has consistently focused on strengthening the rural economy and increasing farmers’ incomes. She noted that animal husbandry and dairy farming form the backbone of rural livelihoods and play a crucial role in economic development.

“This collaborative initiative by Cargill, Syngenta Foundation, and Digital Green will contribute significantly to the vision of a ‘Viksit Maharashtra’ and a ‘Viksit Bharat’,” she said.

The minister highlighted that the project would directly benefit thousands of farmers in Ahilyanagar through technology-driven interventions, including AI-based digital advisory services such as FarmerChat and the Pashu Arogya Mitra mobile veterinary service that delivers animal healthcare at farmers’ doorsteps.

She also emphasized the growing role of women through the Pashu Sakhi programme, stating that increased participation of women in livestock management would provide a new impetus to rural women’s empowerment.

Expressing confidence in the initiative, Munde said it could emerge as a model project for the entire state.

Capacity Building and Veterinary Outreach

Under the programme, veterinary services are being provided through Pashu Arogya Mitra mobile veterinary vans to more than 3,000 farmers across 26 villages in the Rahuri, Rahata, and Shrirampur talukas of Ahilyanagar district.

In addition, around 5,000 farmers in 120 villages are receiving AI-enabled digital advisory services and capacity-building training.

As part of the initiative, two mobile veterinary clinics have been deployed. These vehicles are equipped with modern diagnostic tools, medicines, and cold-chain facilities for vaccines. The services are expected to ensure timely treatment at farmers’ doorsteps, reducing livestock mortality and improving animal health outcomes.

Officials associated with the project informed that Digital Green will train Pashu Sakhis and para-veterinary workers as master trainers. These trainers will visit villages to educate farmers on livestock nutrition, calf care, hygiene practices, and dairy management.

The newly launched FarmerChat platform is an AI-powered, voice-based solution that provides information in local languages regarding livestock diseases, animal care, and government welfare schemes.

Industry Leaders Welcome the Initiative

Ravinder Balain, Chairman of Cargill India and Senior Managing Director of Cargill Animal Nutrition & Health, said that animal husbandry remains closely linked to Maharashtra’s rural economy.

“Cargill has been working with farmers in the state for many years, and this new initiative will further strengthen the dairy ecosystem,” he said.

Digital Green India CEO Nidhi Bhasin and Syngenta Foundation India CEO Vikram Borade also welcomed the partnership, expressing confidence that the project would help enhance farmers’ incomes while promoting climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural practices.

The initiative is expected to create a stronger, technology-driven dairy ecosystem that combines innovation, skill development, and grassroots support to improve the livelihoods of rural farming communities across Maharashtra.