AI Playbooks for Agriculture and SMEs Released
In a major push to integrate cutting-edge technology into India’s core economic sectors, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, officially released three key publications: the crucial AI Playbooks for Agriculture and SMEs. The release took place on October 22, 2025.
These documents fall under the comprehensive ‘AI for India 2030’ initiative. This national drive is spearheaded by the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) India, a collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF). The primary goal is to embed responsible, inclusive, and scale-driven Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the heart of India’s digital economy. Top officials, including Secretaries from MeitY and MSME, attended the launch.
Accelerating AI Adoption for Farmers and Entrepreneurs
PSA Prof. Sood stressed the transformative nature of AI for the nation. “India’s AI journey is defined by transformation at the grassroots,” Prof. Sood stated. He highlighted that these AI playbooks are timely resources. They provide clear, actionable strategies for making AI both inclusive and impactful. This ensures that technological advancements translate into real benefits for our citizens. These benefits are specifically intended for farmers, entrepreneurs, and communities nationwide.
The PSA urged all stakeholders to work together. This collective effort is crucial for implementing these roadmaps effectively. It will drive wider AI adoption across society. The reports reflect a strong convergence of multiple government departments and initiatives. Readers can find more information on the overarching strategy on our dedicated page: AI for India 2030 Strategic Overview.
Strategic Roadmaps: AI Playbooks for Agriculture and SMEs
The core of the release involved two crucial playbooks and a white paper. These are the main components of the new strategy.
1. Future Farming in India: AI Playbook for Agriculture
This first playbook presents a clear blueprint. It outlines how to scale AI solutions for millions of Indian farmers. The strategy aims to boost crop yields. It also helps manage climate-related risks. Furthermore, it works to enhance market access for agricultural products. Its core strategy is built on the IMPACT AI framework. This framework guides robust collaboration. The government enables through policy. Industry then creates solutions via sandboxes. Finally, front-line workers deliver the necessary tools to the farmers. Implementation relies heavily on trusted local networks and regional languages.
2. Transforming Small Businesses: An AI Playbook for India’s SMEs
The second document provides a strategic roadmap. It aims to help India’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This roadmap tackles major challenges like low productivity, limited credit access, and poor market reach. The playbook seeks to democratise AI across the entire SME ecosystem. This cluster-based approach aims to foster widespread and tangible AI adoption. Shri S.C.L. Das, Secretary, MSME, called the focus on SMEs “timely and strategic.” Learn more about the government’s support for Small Businesses and MSME Digitalization.
Securing Innovation with the AI Sandbox
The third publication, the ‘Shaping the AI Sandbox Ecosystem for the Intelligent Age: White Paper’, is equally important. It lays out the strategic and operational frameworks. These frameworks are for establishing controlled environments called ‘sandboxes’. These will be used to test and scale AI solutions safely. This ensures all solutions are secure, reliable, and aligned with India’s national priorities.
The roadmap ahead calls for coordinated action. Implementation coalitions will be formed by key players. This includes state governments, industry bodies, technology providers, and financiers. Their primary goal is to translate these AI Playbooks for Agriculture and SMEs insights into funded, measurable projects. These projects will span across agriculture and key SME clusters.
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