Archive · 13 Dec 2025
OpenAgriNet Aims to Transform Agriculture with Digital Grid
OpenAgriNet is a global network that wants to make farming better using technology.
It was started by Jagadish Babu and includes many organizations like the Gates Foundation and the World Bank.
They want to create a big digital system that connects farmers, governments, and technology experts.
This system, called VISTAAR, helps farmers get information and services easily, even if they don't have smartphones or know how to use apps.
Farmers can call a number and get advice, weather updates, and information about government schemes.
The goal is to make farming more efficient and help farmers get the support they need.
Several states in India are already using this system, and other countries like Ethiopia and Brazil are interested too.
The idea is to make farming smarter and more connected, so farmers can do their jobs better and easier.
OpenAgriNet (OAN) is a global network co-founded by Jagadish Babu, aiming to transform agriculture through Digital Public Infrastructure and AI-powered solutions.
OAN collaborates with governments, innovators, corporates, and nonprofits to enhance agricultural practices and enable sustainable digitalization.
The network provides open toolkits, unified protocols, and data standards to create a global digital agriculture grid, with a focus on farmer-centric services.
Key technologies include VISTAAR, an open, interoperable, and federated public network for agricultural information and advisory services, which is part of India's Digital Agriculture Mission.
Several Indian states, including Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Bihar, are adopting the VISTAAR approach, with international interest from Ethiopia and Brazil.
- Who
- Jagadish Babu, co-founder of OpenAgriNet, and various governments, innovators, corporates, and nonprofits
- What
- OpenAgriNet is a global network aiming to transform agriculture through Digital Public Infrastructure and AI-powered solutions
- When
- OpenAgriNet formally began operations last year, with the coalition in motion for about three years
- Where
- Global, with specific implementations in India (Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Bihar) and interest from Ethiopia and Brazil
- Why
- To enhance agricultural practices, enable sustainable digitalization, and provide a unified, farmer-centric digital agriculture grid
- Organization
- OpenAgriNet (OAN)
- Co-founder
- Jagadish Babu
- Key Partners
- Gates Foundation, Ekstep Foundation, World Bank, Centre for Open Societal Systems
- Primary Goal
- Create a global digital agriculture grid
- Key Technology
- VISTAAR (open, interoperable, federated public network)
- Target Beneficiaries
- Farmers, governments, technologists
- Current Implementations
- Maharashtra (MahaVISTAAR), Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Bihar
- International Interest
- Ethiopia, Brazil, multiple African and South American countries