ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN INDIAN AGRICULTURE FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Indian agriculture remains a cornerstone of the national economy, contributing nearly 16 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product and providing livelihood support to about half of the country’s workforce. However, the sector continues to face persistent structural challenges such as declining soil fertility, land degradation, groundwater depletion, low crop productivity, and increasing vulnerability to climate change. In this context, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative technology capable of addressing these challenges through precision agriculture, real-time soil and crop health monitoring, accurate weather forecasting, pest and disease detection, and efficient supply chain management. This study examines the role and impact of AI-driven technologies in promoting sustainable agriculture in India using secondary data from government reports, institutional studies, and published research. The findings reveal that AI-based interventions have resulted in yield improvements of 10–30 per cent, reductions in water and fertilizer use by 25–30 per cent, a decline in pest-related crop losses by 30–40 per cent, and significant improvements in market efficiency and post-harvest management. Case evidence from initiatives led by NITI Aayog, IBM, and ICRISAT highlights the potential of AI to enhance farmers’ decision-making, climate resilience, and income levels. Despite these benefits, challenges such as high technology costs, limited digital literacy, inadequate rural connectivity, and data privacy concerns continue to restrict widespread adoption, particularly among small and marginal farmers. The study concludes that with appropriate policy support, digital infrastructure, and capacity-building initiatives, Artificial Intelligence can play a crucial role in achieving sustainable agricultural development, improving farmers’ incomes, and ensuring long-term food security in India.