India is set to see wider use of artificial intelligence across key sectors, as Google announces new partnerships focused on crop science, farming, education and economic inclusion.
In a blog post, Preeti Lobana, Google’s VP and country manager for India, and Lila Ibrahim, Chief AI Readiness Officer at Google DeepMind, said AI is most impactful when developed with the people who need it most. They described India as “the epicenter of applied innovation.”
AI-powered crop science for food security
Google DeepMind and Google.org are partnering with ICRISAT, the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and the University of Washington’s Department of Genome Sciences to create an open-access genetic atlas of sorghum, also known as jowar.
The project will use samples from ICRISAT’s genebank, which holds over 44,000 seed varieties from more than 90 countries. Genetic analysis and machine learning will help identify promising plant combinations, enabling breeders to develop more productive and resilient crops faster. Google DeepMind will also fund a 3-year postdoctoral fellowship at ICRISAT, its first such fellowship in India and outside the UK. The researcher will develop tools for crops including chickpea, groundnut and pigeon peas.
Agricultural AI models reach more users
Google is making its Agricultural Understanding models available to developers through an API in public preview. The models now provide insights across 11 countries.
Amnex has integrated them into Gujarat’s Krushi Pragati platform. Over the past year, the platform has supported more than 900 million SMS-based advisories for over 600,000 farmers across 14 million hectares. OpenAgriNet, led by the EkStep Foundation, is also using the APIs to explore wider agricultural applications.
AI training expands for educators
Since launching its AI Educator Series in May, Google has trained over 80,000 educators through 5 state and regional partners. The programme is expanding to Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Sikkim and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
A free, self-paced course aligned with NEP 2020 is now available in English. Hindi, Marathi, Telugu, Assamese, Odia and Punjabi versions are expected later this month. Google is also supporting 100 Atal Tinkering Labs through ATL Saathi, a Gemini-powered desktop application for STEM curricula, and working with IIT Bombay and the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser on educational AI research.
$15 million support for small businesses
Google.org is providing $15 million to The/Nudge to support India’s more than 90 million MSMEs, which employ over 345 million people. The funding will support AI tools for access to formal credit, market discovery and compliance. It will also fund an open call for proposals and a multilingual, voice-led platform to train local talent in Tier 3 and Tier 4 towns.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.