Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Apr 3: India is emerging as a frontrunner in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption across South Asia, backed by a formidable talent pool of 1.25 million AI professionals, according to a report released by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) on Thursday.
The report underscores that AI is no longer just an emerging trend but a transformative force, particularly in critical sectors like healthcare and agriculture.
India’s healthcare sector stands to benefit significantly from AI integration. With a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:900 and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) contributing to 66% of total deaths, AI has the potential to bridge accessibility gaps and enhance affordability.
AI-powered diagnostics are making healthcare more efficient, cutting radiology diagnostic reporting time by 46%. Additionally, AI-driven innovations have reduced mammography costs by 66% and made tuberculosis diagnosis more affordable. The expansion of telemedicine and AI-assisted screenings is further enabling millions in rural India to access quality healthcare remotely.
“AI is revolutionizing India with cutting-edge solutions that are reshaping industries, especially in healthcare and agriculture,” said Sidharth Madaan, Managing Director and Partner at BCG.
Agriculture, the backbone of India’s economy, is also undergoing a major transformation with AI-driven solutions. Given that 85% of Indian farmers operate small landholdings and rely on unpredictable rainfall, AI is proving to be a game-changer in optimizing farming practices.
AI-powered crop monitoring and disease detection technologies have increased farm productivity by up to 8%. Moreover, AI-driven logistics solutions are reducing post-harvest losses, minimizing food spoilage, and boosting farmer profits by up to 7%.
Precision farming techniques, enabled by AI, have also led to a 28% reduction in water and fertilizer usage, making agriculture more sustainable and cost-effective.
While AI presents immense opportunities, ethical AI governance is essential to ensure data security and equitable access to AI-driven advancements. The report emphasizes that public-private partnerships will be instrumental in driving AI innovation, while scalable AI pilot programs will help refine the technology’s real-world applications.
As India continues to lead AI adoption in the region, these advancements are set to create lasting impacts across multiple industries, positioning the country as a global AI powerhouse.