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Bengaluru: Last week, <keyword id="19902762" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Google" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Google" meta.hostid="265" meta.entityid="Google">Google</keyword> unveiled a series of new AI-powered partnerships aimed at advancing healthcare, <keyword id="19895783" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sustainability" source="keywords">sustainability</keyword>, and agriculture in India The tech giant is collaborating with both local and international organisations to implement AI-driven solutions in <keyword id="21690244" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="diabetic-retinopathy" source="keywords">diabetic retinopathy</keyword> screening, urban waste management, and agricultural development. According to Google, these announcements were made during a roundtable in Bengaluru, marking the fifth anniversary of Google's Research Lab in the city. This follows the 10th edition of the Google for India event, which showcased the potential of AI to benefit individuals, businesses, and society at large. Dr Manish Gupta, Research Director of Google DeepMind, stated, "Collaborating with key Indian organisations, our focused research in India across language understanding, healthcare, agriculture, and sustainability is helping tackle many of the country's unique challenges and creating AI-led solutions that will improve billions of lives." Google is working with <keyword id="23588208" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Forus-Health" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Forus Health" meta.hostid="265" meta.entityid="Forus Health">Forus Health</keyword> and AuroLab in India and Perceptra in Thailand to provide 6 million AI-assisted screenings for diabetic retinopathy over the next decade. These screenings aim to detect and prevent blindness in diabetic patients, particularly in resource-limited communities. The AI model has already supported over 600,000 screenings worldwide, with initial research and deployment carried out in India. Sunny Virmani, Group Product Manager, Health AI Research at Google, remarked, "From our initial research to the first patient screening in Madurai, India, we've been committed to translating AI's potential into meaningful change for people globally. And now the partnerships with Forus Health, AuroLab, and Perceptra are helping us expand on this commitment, as a global network of innovators comes together to eradicate preventable blindness due to diabetic retinopathy." Google's CircularNet, an AI-driven computer vision model for waste management, is being deployed in partnership with Bengaluru-based Saahas Zero Waste. CircularNet helps identify and sort plastic waste, facilitating recycling and reducing the strain on landfills. Powered by Google's TensorFlow, the model has shown approximately 85% accuracy in detecting plastic waste during a pilot programme, potentially boosting revenue for material recovery facilities by 10-12%. To support data-driven decision-making in agriculture, Google is also opening its Agricultural Landscape Understanding (ALU) Research API to developers. The API leverages satellite imagery and machine learning to provide farm-level insights, such as field boundaries, water bodies, and vegetation. The technology aims to optimise resource allocation and guide sustainable farming practices in India. (ANI)

Google announces AI-led collaborations for India's health, sustainability, and agriculture sectors

Google's new report on <keyword id="19904566" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="artificial-intelligence" source="keywords">artificial intelligence</keyword> (AI) emphasizes responsible AI development and suggests recommendations for policymakers, companies, and civil society. The report titled "An AI Opportunity Agenda for India" outlines how artificial intelligence can drive <keyword id="19900794" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="economic-growth" source="keywords">economic growth</keyword>, social progress and global leadership for the nation. The report says India with its rapidly growing economy, outstanding tech talent, young demography and vibrant start-up ecosystem, is poised to reap the immense benefits of artificial intelligence. A comprehensive and responsible approach to AI can unlock significant economic growth and societal progress in India. "The potential economic impact of AI in India is substantial - reports estimate that at least INR 33.8 lakh crore of economic value from <keyword id="20037918" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="AI-adoption" source="keywords">AI adoption</keyword> can be achieved in India in 2030. While these achievements signify a promising beginning, unlocking the full potential of AI hinges on the strategic decisions we make today," says a Google's press release. The report suggests that to maximize the AI opportunity for India collaborative efforts are needed across government, industry, and civil society. They need to prioritise three key areas which include investments in infrastructure and innovation, building human capital and an AI-powered workforce and promoting wide adoption and universal accessibility. AI is already addressing some of the most pressing challenges like revolutionizing farming practices and improving <keyword id="20646060" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="healthcare-access" source="keywords">healthcare access</keyword>. The <keyword id="20214323" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="agriculture-sector" source="keywords">agriculture sector</keyword> is getting the benefits of AI through minimizing climate risks, optimizing productivity and sustainability, and providing access to real-time crop pricing information and early warning of potential crop threats. Many <keyword id="23569666" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AI-powered-platforms" source="keywords">AI-powered platforms</keyword> are empowering farmers to boost crop yields and encourage sustainable practices. In the healthcare sector, AI is being used for better diagnosis, bigger access, and personalized care, especially for underserved communities. Google has partnered with <keyword id="23569667" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ARMMAN" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="ARMMAN" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="ARMMAN">ARMMAN</keyword> to use AI to identify women at risk of dropping out of their health information program, allowing for personalized interventions to improve maternal health outcomes. ARMAAN seeks to address the pervasive systemic problems underlying maternal and child mortality and morbidity in India.

AI adoption can unleash Rs 33.8 lakh crore of economic benefit to India in 2030: Google Report

Cricketer MS Dhoni-backed <keyword id="22760229" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="drone-technology-firm" source="keywords">drone technology firm</keyword> <keyword id="20401750" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Garuda-Aerospace" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Garuda Aerospace" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Garuda Aerospace">Garuda Aerospace</keyword> on Monday announced its entry in the <keyword id="22760228" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sri-Lankan-market" source="keywords">Sri Lankan market</keyword> where it will primarily target <keyword id="19915424" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="agricultural-sector" source="keywords">agricultural sector</keyword> to enhance farming practices, besides exploring opportunities in <keyword id="20695675" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="homeland-security" source="keywords">homeland security</keyword> and industrial applications. As part of the company's global expansion plans, the foray into Sri Lanka will also support Garuda in capitalising on the country's strategic location and drone-friendly regulatory environment, Garuda Aerospace said. The company said it is looking to spread its presence in at least 50 countries over the next few years, and has set aside USD 10 million, of the over Rs 100 crore revenue it delivered in FY24, to fuel the international growth. "This (expansion into Sri Lanka) isn't merely about growth, it's about unlocking the full potential of drone technology to create substantial impacts across various sectors. Sri Lanka's diverse landscape allows us to showcase how our innovative solutions can bring tangible benefits, from agriculture to infrastructure," said Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace. Garuda Aerospace, which produces small and medium category drones, had partnered with Greek manufacturer Spirit Aeronautical Systems early this year. It has also signed a pact with French aerospace giant Thales to promote growth and innovation in India's drone sector. Spirit Aeronautical specialises in rotary and fixed-wing weaponised drones. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/saraswati-saree-depot-ipo-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/112457330.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/saraswati-saree-depot-ipo-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/112457330.cms" target="_blank">Saraswati Saree Depot IPO – Price band to risk factors, all you need to know</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/indias-wearables-market-decline-for-the-first-time-as-smartwatch-shipments-fall/articleshow/112397246.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/indias-wearables-market-decline-for-the-first-time-as-smartwatch-shipments-fall/articleshow/112397246.cms" target="_blank">India’s wearables market decline for the first time as smartwatch shipments fall</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/tata-curvv-ev-with-up-to-585-km-range-launched-starting-at-17-49-lakh/slidelist/112342769.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/tata-curvv-ev-with-up-to-585-km-range-launched-starting-at-17-49-lakh/slidelist/112342769.cms" target="_blank">Tata Curvv EV with up to 585 km range launched starting at ₹17.49 lakh</a>

Garuda Aerospace enters Sri Lankan market

The pre-budget <keyword id="20613906" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Economic-Survey" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Economic Survey" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Economic Survey">Economic Survey</keyword> on Monday called for urgent reforms in India's <keyword id="19915424" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="agricultural-sector" source="keywords">agricultural sector</keyword>, warning that the structural issues could impede the country's overall <keyword id="19900794" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="economic-growth" source="keywords">economic growth</keyword> trajectory. The survey, tabled in Parliament by Finance Minister <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nirmala-sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword>, highlighted the untapped potential of the <keyword id="20682012" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-agriculture" source="keywords">Indian agriculture</keyword> sector compared to other economies. Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran called for a pan-India dialogue on the agriculture sector. The survey, presented ahead of the annual budget, emphasised that India has yet to fully leverage its agricultural sector for economic growth and job creation, unlike East Asian economies and Western developed nations. "Indian agriculture is not in a crisis now but requires a serious <keyword id="20544318" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="structural-transformation" source="keywords">structural transformation</keyword> because climate change and water criticality loom large in the times to come," the survey stated. The CEA advocated for a reassessment of existing policies, despite current government subsidies and support measures for farmers. "The payoff will be immense if we untie the knots that bedevil farm sector policies," Nageswaran said in the survey's preface. While the government provides substantial support to farmers through subsidies on water, electricity, and fertilizers, along with income tax exemptions and minimum support prices, there is room for improvement in policy implementation, he added. The survey identified several key challenges, including balancing growth with food inflation management, improving price discovery, and addressing land fragmentation. To address these challenges, the survey recommends multi-pronged reforms, which include: upgrading agricultural technology, enhancing marketing avenues, adopting farming innovations, reducing input wastage, and improving the agriculture-industry linkages. The document stressed the need to shift focus from basic <keyword id="19992806" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="food-security" source="keywords">food security</keyword> to nutritional security, aligning with a 'demand-driven food system' that is both nutritious and environmentally sustainable. The survey suggested that policymakers must strike a delicate balance between incentivizing farmers to increase production and keeping food prices within acceptable limits. "This dual objective requires careful policy interventions." The survey also emphasized the need for a farmer-friendly policy framework to ensure markets function in farmers' interests. It recommended avoiding bans on futures or options markets at the first sign of price spikes; invoking bans only under exceptional circumstances; re-examining the inflation-targeting framework; increasing the total net irrigated area, and aligning farming practices with <keyword id="22505922" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-considerations" source="keywords">climate considerations</keyword>. Looking ahead to 2047, the survey highlighted the potential of agriculture and allied sectors (horticulture, livestock, fisheries, dairy, and food processing) for sustained <keyword id="20268655" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="employment-generation" source="keywords">employment generation</keyword>. "To sustain growth for nearly a generation up to 2047 or more and to ensure that it makes people's lives better and fulfills their aspirations, bottom-up reforms are necessary," it noted. It suggested that India may need to reconsider the traditional development model of transitioning from agriculture to industry and services.

Economic Survey calls for urgent agricultural reforms; cites growth hurdles

New Delhi, <keyword id="3658" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> has been witnessing a 'V-shaped' recovery since June with the gradual easing of <keyword id="6413318" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Restrictions">restrictions</keyword> on economic activities, said a <keyword id="47209" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Finance-Ministry">Finance Ministry</keyword> report. "The sustained improvement in high frequency indicators ignite optimism of an improved performance in second half of the year," it said. The Monthly Economic Recovery for December by the <keyword id="144110" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Department-of-Economic-Affairs">Department of Economic Affairs</keyword> (DEA) also noted that the impending vaccination is set to spur the momentum in economic activity globally. "The effective management of Covid-19 spread despite the festive season and onset of winter season, combined with sustained improvement in high frequency indicators and V-shaped recovery along with easing of lockdown restrictions distinguish Indian economy as one riding against the Covid-wave," it said. The agricultural sector remains the bright spot of Indian economy, with healthy year-on-year growth of 2.9% in rabi sowing, accelerating <keyword id="138831" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="tractor-sales">tractor sales</keyword>, and reservoirs' live storage at 122% of decadal average. As per the DEA report, rise in minimum support prices accompanied by record procurement, and accelerated wage employment generation through MGNREGS, bodes well for rural incomes and bears testimony to PMGKY's success in alleviating rural distress. "This rise in rural incomes is mirrored in the healthy, though moderated, sales in passenger vehicles, two and three wheelers and tractor, and a rebound in vehicle registrations for the first time after March 2020," it added. Further, the industrial production growth ran parallel to the festive fervour of October and rose to an eight-month high, led by manufacturing and <keyword id="1207963" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="electricity-sector">electricity sector</keyword>. The core industries registered slight decline in November driven by natural gas and cement, while coal production, electricity and fertilizers' production registered growth. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/tatas-got-airasia-stake-at-a-20-discount-while-indigo-and-spicejets-value-has-doubled-since-pandemic-broke-out/articleshow/80101467.cms">Tatas got AirAsia stake at a 20% discount while IndiGo and SpiceJet’s value has doubled since pandemic broke out</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/bharat-biotech-sees-rivals-conspiracy-in-all-the-criticism-for-the-approval-for-covaxin/articleshow/80099818.cms">Bharat Biotech sees rivals’ conspiracy in all the criticism for the approval for Covaxin</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/xiaomi-mi-10i-mobile-with-108mp-primary-camera-snapdragon-750g-launched-in-india-starting-at-20999/articleshow/80111586.cms">Xiaomi Mi 10i with 108MP primary camera, Snapdragon 750G launched in India starting at ₹20,999</a>

India's V-shaped recovery since June has been led by the agricultural sector, claims government

The recent predictions of <keyword id="6366970" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="IMD">IMD</keyword> (<keyword id="55209" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Meteorological-Department">Indian Meteorological Department</keyword>) have had a ‘butterfly effect’ on India’s socio-economic policy landscape. The capital markets have tumbled primarily due to a cautioned 25 basis point reduction in the repo rate by the Reserve <keyword id="6355303" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bank-of-India">Bank of India</keyword> (RBI). The move by RBI considered many factors among which the announcement by the IMD that India is heading for the second consecutive year of deficient rainfall had an influence. The fear of <keyword id="67286" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Food-inflation">food inflation</keyword> lead the Finance Minister to comment on June 4, 2015 that the impact of deficient rains may not have a significant bearing on food grain production. He clarified this was due to the geographical distribution of the coming monsoon. The broader issue remains that <keyword id="235059" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Agriculture">Indian agriculture</keyword> is still dependent heavily on monsoons for agriculture. Three points merit attention with respect to the agriculture sector in India. 
 First, Indian agriculture remains labour intensive (thus providing employment to roughly half the population) and with a lack of appropriate infrastructure strategy. Often the interventions made in rivers/ for irrigation are knee jerk reactions to local developmental needs in contrast to a national strategy required for irrigational development across India. More often than not there are delays in infrastructure development, and it severely undermines the pace of not only agricultural growth but means of sustenance to farmers. It means that the farmers at most times are left to the mercy of rain gods rather than appropriate water harvesting and storage techniques for his/her agricultural produce. It drastically increases the risks of crop failure. Innovative schemes for canals/water harvesting like the solar farm mounted on the top of a canal in Gujarat could bring dual benefits of <keyword id="1710483" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="water-preservation">water preservation</keyword> as well as electricity critical for the agricultural sector. 
 Second, moving down in the agricultural value chain one observes there is a lack of formal market access, formal means of finance and inhibition to technology utilization that has driven farmers to suicides. Farmers are often left to borrow from informal sources like moneylenders who lend at exorbitant rates that often leads to a debt trap for farmers. Inhibition to technology usage (with respect to <keyword id="6386447" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Farming">farming</keyword> methods as well as seeds is prevalent in some parts. One observes it even in the government storage facilities under its <keyword id="107125" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Food-Corporation">Food Corporation</keyword> of India (FCI). An estimated 40% of the India’s agricultural output by value is left to rot due to lack of adequate storage facilities. On the one hand, India suffers from chronic malnutrition (roughly one out of every four children is undernourished) and fares poorly (55th in 2014) on Global Hunger Index. On the other hand it continues to let the foodgrains rot in the government-owned storage facilities. A solution to the problem could be more competition in the food storage sector leading to better outcomes for all the stakeholders. 
 Third, there is an imperative need for reallocation of human resources to higher productivity activities. It means that choice must be given to <keyword id="48857" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Farmer">farmer</keyword>s who want to move to other sectors of the economy for their livelihood. 50% of the population still in a relatively non-productive sector does merit serious scrutiny and action by policymakers. It also means that the government should look at a cluster-oriented approach to agro-industrial development. Corporations make huge profits out of agricultural value added products even when some of them are unhealthy for consumers. The government should foster newer business models (Like Amul, Lijjat Papad), which can provide employment as well as create value for farmer communities across India. It has tried to do it in this budget with the establishment of the MUDRA bank that aims to provide credit to small business units. However, credit is only a part of a much bigger malaise. The problem of farmer suicides and Indian agricultural output can be solved only when there is a multipronged structural approach to solving the issues. It includes reducing farmer's dependence on rain, providing better market access to agricultural produce, bettering infrastructure for storage, a greater choice to farmers for livelihood and value addition to agricultural produce by farmer communities. 
 (<keyword id="209438" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amit-Kapoor">Amit Kapoor</keyword> is Chair, Institute for Competitiveness &amp; Editor of Thinkers. The views expressed are personal. Amit can be reached at <a href="mailto:amit.kapoor@competitiveness.in">amit.kapoor@competitiveness.in</a> and tweets @kautiliya. The article is co-authored with Sankalp Sharma, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Competitiveness, India.) 
 
Image: thinkstock

Three points about the Indian Agricultural Sector

Farmers make up about 24.8 per cent of India’s total workforce, with over 118.9 million farmers spread across the length and breadth of the country. Agriculture is the largest livelihood provider in India contributing a significant percentage to its GDP. It has witnessed green, yellow and blue revolution and now it is a proud participant of the mobile revolution too. 
 
 

	Here are 3 companies and their services which are helping farmers communicate with the market directly, thus making the gap between buyer and farmer smaller by the day! 
	 
	

	 
	 RainbowAgri- On <keyword id="2917034" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rainbow-Agri">Rainbow Agri</keyword>, they have a host of services where farmers can talk to communities, users and farmers can buy and sell local products and buyers can even get live price updates. One can even connect with neighbourhood farmers directly and see real images of their crop. Rainbow Sell gets farmers, street vendors and even small stores to reach buyers in their local areas and even customize deliveries to suit the buyer’s needs, by holding provisions for discounts, enter details in local language and even track the status of the order. With Rainbow Live Price, all the crops in India are arranged by location, weather, market names and of course type and is pretty comprehensive. It is often called the internet of farmers. 
	 
	 

	 
	 
	 

	MandiTrades- One can get information about commodity prices directly provided by the Government of India, produce info and a map based view of available farm products with the ability of connecting to a required farmer via just a simple phone call through this app. A buy/sell platform aims to solve the problems of marketing and farmers can avoid the daily struggle to sell their produce. When they register with the site, it captures all of their produce and location details and updates its database. Farmers can know of average demand, peak/low demand season, in and off season needs, rare items and their prices and can plan their farms accordingly. 
	 
	 

	

	 
	 Mpower Social- Livestock farming is one of the most important forms of livelihood for many families. Unfortunately the ratio of registered veterinarians to cattle is very low and Mpower’s <keyword id="2917032" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="ICT-Livestock-Management-Systems">ICT Livestock Management Systems</keyword> (LMS) aims to decrease this gap by connecting livestock professionals to small holder farmers via Livestock intermediaries. These Livestock workers register the farmers, gather regular updates about their cattle and provide expert medical advice – all through their mobile application. This reduces the cost of consulting an expert or a doctor. (image credits: Facebook, <keyword id="2917033" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mandi-Trades">Mandi Trades</keyword>, historydiscussion.net)

You Searched For "Agriculture sector" and got 7 results

Google announces AI-led collaborations for India's health, sustainability, and agriculture sectors

ANI

AI adoption can unleash Rs 33.8 lakh crore of economic benefit to India in 2030: Google Report

ANI

Garuda Aerospace enters Sri Lankan market

PTI

Economic Survey calls for urgent agricultural reforms; cites growth hurdles

PTI

India's V-shaped recovery since June has been led by the agricultural sector, claims government

IANS

Three points about the Indian Agricultural Sector

Amit Kapoor

3 Apps that can revolutionize India’s Agriculture sector, very easily!

Usha Rani Das

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