Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra is a WhatsApp-based AI advisory service developed by ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (ICAR-IIOR), Hyderabad. Through the service farmers can have access to trusted, research-based knowledge about oilseed cultivation directly to their mobile phones, anytime and in their own language. The service was launched on 6th February, 2026. How does it work Using advanced AI and a robust knowledge base developed from the collective scientific expertise of multiple ICAR institutes, ‘Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra’ understands questions typed or sent in regional languages and provides precise, crop-specific answers. Farmers need no special app or internet browser; the familiar WhatsApp interface is all that is needed. The chatbot covers the entire crop cycle including variety selection, agronomic practices, pest and disease management, irrigation scheduling, and post-harvest guidance and seed availability. The knowledge base has been built collaboratively with ICAR-National Soybean Research Institute, Indore (ICAR-NSRI), ICAR-Indian Institute of Groundnut Research, Junagadh (ICAR-IIGR), ICAR-Indian Institute of Rapeseed and Mustard Research, Bharatpur (ICAR-IIRMR) and PC-Unit (Sesame & Niger), ensuring comprehensive coverage of all major oilseed crops across different agro-climatic zones of India. How to Access Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra Farmers can send Whatsapp their queries to the number +91 4024598180 in any Indian language about groundnut, mustard, sesame, sunflower, soybean, niger, and other oilseed crops. The AI-powered chatbot responds instantly with research-based guidance on variety selection, crop management, pest and disease control, irrigation, and post-harvest practices, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, free of cost. Step 1: Save +91 4024598180 in your phone as ‘Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra’ Step 2: Open WhatsApp and send a message in your preferred Indian language Step 3: Receive instant, research-based advisory on your oilseed crop, free of cost, available 24x7 Source : PIB