India's AI transformation: From farming to factories and beyond

AI can empower people to be their creative best by working as a companion that frees up bandwidth for human ingenuity

- IRINA GHOSE

In recent years, India has taken a lead with digital adoption and innovation, be it in the field of governance with digital public goods, or as seen in the enactment of legislation that’s in line with a progressive policy. This has helped foster entrepreneurship and grow the country’s startup ecosystem to become the third largest globally. As India looks to become the third largest economy in the world, artificial intelligence (AI) will play an important role in unlocking the productivity of its people and industries, and achieving its ambitions.

The government has outlined its vision for ‘Make AI in India’ and ‘Make AI Work for India’ and set up centres of excellence for AI in top educational institutions to facilitate scalable solutions in areas such as agriculture, health and sustainable cities. The adoption of AI holds the potential to revolutionize various sectors of the Indian economy, from farming to manufacturing, to further India’s commitment to sustainability. AI is fast emerging as a co-pilot, working alongside humans to assist in tasks that are complex or routine and freeing them from drudgery for more creative problem solving.