Wadhwani AI, an organization dedicated to leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for the betterment of society, has been awarded a substantial grant of $3.3 million as part of the “AI for the Global Goals” challenge by Google.org. This philanthropic initiative by Google aims to scale AI technology and harness its capabilities to address significant global challenges. Wadhwani AI is set to expand its AI-driven solutions, currently assisting farmers in managing pest infestations in cotton crops, to now encompass the protection of India’s staple food crops. This expansion will involve integrating AI solutions into the digital systems of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to ensure nationwide reach and impact.
Wadhwani AI’s existing solution, the Cotton Ace app, has already made a significant impact on crop productivity and farmer incomes throughout India. The app allows farmers to upload pictures of their crops, which are then analyzed to identify potential pest issues. The app offers data-driven solutions to address these issues, reducing crop damage and providing farmers with valuable information on weather, farming methods, and crop prices.
Receiving the grant from Google.org is a testament to the success and potential of Wadhwani AI’s efforts. As stated by Shekar Sivasubramanian, CEO of Wadhwani AI, “We aim to boost efficiency and production in the Indian agricultural sector using AI. Our Cotton Ace app, supported by Google.org, has already increased farmers’ profits by 20% and reduced pesticide expenses by 25%. This recent grant will help us expand our technology to safeguard staple crops like rice, wheat, and corn, supporting the UN’s goal of zero hunger.”
Wadhwani AI is among the 15 organizations worldwide chosen to receive support through Google.org’s $25 million philanthropic challenge. These organizations are working on projects that utilize artificial intelligence to accelerate progress towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Google.org’s commitment to supporting innovative initiatives that leverage technology to address humanity’s most significant challenges is at the heart of this endeavor.
Annie Lewin, Senior Director of Global Advocacy and Head of Asia Pacific at Google.org, highlighted the importance of this initiative by saying, “The AI for the Global Goals Impact Challenge is an important part of our commitment to supporting progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals, but also to our longstanding mission to support brilliant changemakers using technology to solve humanity’s biggest challenges. This new grant to Wadhwani AI speaks directly to Google’s DNA, supporting the real-world application of the latest advancements in AI and technology to safeguard the sustenance of a whole nation.”
Through this project, Wadhwani AI is set to significantly expand its role in India’s agricultural knowledge systems. The organization will support sustainable farming practices and enhance the livelihoods of farmers across the country. To facilitate easier access to agricultural knowledge, Wadhwani AI will develop two language model-based apps. These apps will incorporate data from reliable sources such as agricultural research and government schemes. Moreover, they will be integrated into the PM Kisan chatbot and Kisan Call Centers, ensuring widespread accessibility. Features like text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and translation for various Indian languages will make it simpler for people to access vital information using voice commands.
In conclusion, Wadhwani AI’s remarkable work in deploying AI solutions to benefit Indian farmers is receiving well-deserved recognition and support from Google.org. With this grant, the organization is poised to extend its positive impact from cotton farming to safeguarding essential food crops, contributing to the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and enhancing livelihoods across India. Google’s commitment to using technology for the greater good aligns perfectly with the mission and accomplishments of Wadhwani AI.