Synopsis
A new report reveals that India is emerging as a leader in AI adoption in South Asia, featuring a talent pool of 1.25 million professionals. AI is set to revolutionize healthcare and agriculture, enhancing efficiency and accessibility in these sectors.Key Takeaways
- India is leading AI adoption in South Asia.
- 1.25 million professionals are skilled in AI.
- AI can enhance healthcare access and affordability.
- AI is optimizing agricultural practices for farmers.
- Ethical AI governance is essential for data security.
Mumbai, April 3 (NationPress) India is positioning itself as a frontrunner in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption within South Asia, boasting a workforce of 1.25 million professionals in this burgeoning field, as reported on Thursday.
The analysis by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) indicates that AI has transitioned from a nascent trend to a transformative force for India’s agriculture and healthcare sectors.
In the healthcare domain, AI can help bridge the gaps in medical accessibility and affordability.
India grapples with a doctor shortage, with a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:900, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 66 percent of fatalities in the nation.
AI-enhanced diagnostics can significantly enhance healthcare efficiency, reducing diagnostic reporting times in radiology by 46 percent, as per the report.
Furthermore, AI-based solutions have reduced mammography costs by 66 percent and made tuberculosis diagnosis notably more economical.
With the growth of telemedicine and AI-supported screenings, millions in rural India can now access quality healthcare from afar.
“AI is reshaping India with its cutting-edge solutions revolutionising various industries, particularly healthcare and agriculture,” stated Sidharth Madaan, Managing Director and Partner at BCG.
For example, AI is enhancing India’s healthcare landscape by making diagnostics more intelligent, treatment quicker, and care more widely accessible.
Agriculture, another vital sector for India’s economy, is also experiencing a significant shift through AI integration.
With 85 percent of Indian farmers operating small landholdings reliant on rainfall, AI-driven solutions can optimise agricultural practices.
AI-based crop monitoring and disease detection have demonstrated the ability to boost farm productivity by up to 8 percent. The technology is also streamlining post-harvest logistics, minimizing food spoilage, and enhancing farmer profits by as much as 7 percent.
Moreover, AI-enabled precision farming methods are contributing to a 28 percent reduction in water and fertiliser usage, promoting more sustainable and cost-effective agricultural practices.
“Establishing ethical AI governance is vital for ensuring data security and equitable access to AI-driven solutions. Collaborations between public and private sectors will be instrumental in driving innovation, while scalable AI pilot programs will refine technology applications in real-world scenarios,” the report emphasized.
