Wadhwani AI receives $3.3M grant from Google.org; Know what it does

In a significant move to empower Indian farmers, Wadhwani AI, a nonprofit institution, has secured a $3.3 million grant from Google.org. 

According to media reports, the grant, which is part of the "AI for the Global Goals" challenge, will help the the organization to upscale its AI-driven solutions, currently aiding cotton farmers, to protect India's staple food crops.

How Wadhwani AI's Cotton Ace app is beneficial for agricultural sector?

Wadhwani AI said that its flagship product, the Cotton Ace app, has been a game-changer in the agricultural sector. Through this app, the organization enables farmers to upload images of their crops, which are then analyzed by AI to identify pests and suggest data-driven remedies.

Additionally, the app provides real-time updates on weather, farming methodologies, and crop prices. The organization claims that its technology has already led to a 20% increase in farmers' profits and a 25% reduction in pesticide costs.

How $3.3 million grant will help Wadhwani AI?

With the new grant, Wadhwani AI aims to expand its technological reach beyond cotton. According to reports, The organization aims to safeguard staple crops like rice, wheat, and corn, aligning with the UN's objective of achieving zero hunger.

Shekar Sivasubramanian, CEO of Wadhwani AI, emphasized the organization's commitment to boosting 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 per cent and reduced pesticide expenses by 25 per cent. 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," Shekar said.

Focusing on language model-based apps

In addition to enhancing the Cotton Ace app, Wadhwani AI plans to introduce two language model-based apps.

The apps will be integrated with platforms like the PM Kisan chatbot and Kisan Call Centers. Equipped with features such as text-to-speech and translation capabilities for various Indian languages, these tools aim to revolutionize how critical agricultural information reaches farmers.

The partnership between Wadhwani AI and Google.org aims to rejuvenate India's agricultural data frameworks, champion sustainable farming practices, and improve the livelihoods of farmers across the nation.

Wadhwani AI is one of 15 organisations worldwide to receive support through the $25 million philanthropy challenge by Google.org for projects that use artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals.