Rural foray

AI holds great potential to bridge the urban-rural divide in India.

- SACHIDANAND UPADHYAY

Over the last few years, digitisation has become an integral part of our lives and permeated every aspect of it. Technological advancements driven by digital tools and solutions have been pivotal to boosting economic growth and enabling employment generation across the globe. The integration of disruptive technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) into core processes has enabled global businesses to increase operational efficiencies and improve productivity. The Indian government is also leveraging AI-led interventions to expedite the upliftment of rural regions. Bolstering the functional competencies of social sector areas like agriculture, education, and healthcare is the key to fostering sustainable development in villages and building resilience in rural communities.

Agriculture is the mainstay of India’s economy comprising around 18 per cent of its GDP. Farming and allied activities are the chief source of livelihood for more than 65 to 70 per cent of India’s population who live in the country’s villages and hinterlands. There is a greater pressure on the farmer today to maximise food production by increasing the average crop yield per acre to feed a growing population.