Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic vision—it is a transformative force shaping industries, economies, and societies. While AI adoption has gained significant traction globally, India stands at a pivotal moment to harness AI’s potential in sectors critical to its growth—agriculture and healthcare.
India’s healthcare sector faces challenges such as a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:900, limited access to diagnostics, and high out-of-pocket expenses, making quality healthcare inaccessible for many. Meanwhile, the agriculture sector, which supports 42% of India’s workforce, grapples with low productivity, unpredictable climate patterns, and significant post-harvest losses. AI can be a game-changer—enabling precision farming, improving diagnostic accuracy, optimizing resource allocation, and enhancing accessibility for underserved communities.
With this context, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), supported by Google, has examined AI’s potential to transform India’s agriculture and healthcare landscapes. This report delves into the opportunities, challenges, and pathways for AI-driven innovation, drawing insights from global best practices, emerging AI applications, and India-specific case studies. It highlights how AI-powered solutions—ranging from telemedicine and AI-driven diagnostics to smart farming and predictive analytics—are already making an impact.
The report further outlines key enablers that will determine AI’s success in these sectors, including robust AI infrastructure, ethical AI governance, workforce upskilling, public-private collaborations, and scalable AI pilots. As India continues its digital transformation journey, this report serves as a blueprint for businesses, policymakers, and innovators seeking to unlock AI’s potential and drive inclusive, sustainable growth.