IANSRepresentative image India's traditional industries, once reliant on manual labor and outdated systems, are beginning to see the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to modernise operations, enhance safety, and create new economic value. Agriculture, mining, and manufacturing are at the forefront of this shift, with AI-powered tools and platforms enabling better decisions, greater efficiency, and more inclusive growth.As India embraces digital transformation, AI is not just a technology layer, it is becoming an engine of industrial change. Sectors that once ran on legacy systems are integrating machine learning, automation, and predictive analytics to stay competitive and future-ready. The transition is not only technical, but also social and economic, influencing how people work, how decisions are made, and how communities benefit.AI takes root in Indian agricultureIndia's farm sector, which supports more than half the population, faces persistent challenges, climate variability, fragmented land holdings, and limited access to expert advice. AI is beginning to address these pain points through tools that combine data with local knowledge.Startups and agri-tech platforms are using AI-driven chatbots that speak in local languages to advise farmers on crop choices, weather risks, pest management, and best practices. These platforms are helping improve both the consistency and the quality of farm output, particularly in underserved rural areas.Live Events“AI is infusing intelligence into agriculture, optimising yields and enabling predictive operations,” said Venkatasatyaravikiran Bikkavolu, an AI engineer at a leading IT company. According to him, this shift is not just about boosting productivity but also about enabling farmers to make better decisions with fewer resources. This democratisation of knowledge through AI-powered tools is helping farmers reduce guesswork and gain more control over their livelihoods.The accessibility of these tools on mobile phones has further accelerated adoption, even among smallholder farmers. AI applications can now analyze satellite imagery and soil data to give hyperlocal crop recommendations, enabling farmers to plan better and reduce input costs.Mining adopts a data-first approachMining in India has historically been a hazardous and high-risk sector, often criticized for inefficient processes and safety lapses. However, new AI-powered monitoring systems are helping shift that narrative. Companies are integrating real-time data analytics to monitor operations, predict equipment failure, and enhance worker safety.“AI powers safer, more efficient, and sustainable practices using real-time analytics and predictive tools,” said Raghunath Reddy Koilakonda, a consultant who has helped large enterprises adopt digital technologies. In his view, predictive maintenance powered by AI is reducing downtime and equipment failure, while also minimizing accidents and human error.AI systems are now being used to map underground resources more precisely and to track air quality and machinery performance in real time. These advances not only support better compliance with safety norms but also help reduce the environmental impact of mining activities.In addition, automated vehicles and AI-controlled drilling systems are being tested at major sites, which could significantly lower the human risk factor in the long run. The use of such technologies points to a future where mining may be driven more by data and less by dangerous manual labor.Manufacturing evolves through automationIn India’s manufacturing sector, the conversation around AI has shifted from whether to adopt it to how fast and where to deploy it. AI systems are increasingly used to monitor production lines, detect defects, manage inventories, and forecast demand. These tools are particularly valuable in high-volume manufacturing environments, where even small efficiency gains can lead to large cost savings.“Legacy systems are being revitalized with data-driven insights,” said Gaurav Gupta, a global technology strategist. “AI is redefining sectors like manufacturing and agribusiness by improving productivity and making operations more sustainable.”From textile mills to auto assembly units, AI is helping streamline operations and reduce waste. For example, computer vision systems can inspect thousands of products a day for defects, a task that would be inconsistent or slow if done manually. Predictive analytics are being used to prevent bottlenecks in supply chains and optimize raw material use.Manufacturing units that have adopted these technologies are reporting shorter production cycles, improved quality control, and more agility in responding to market shifts. These gains are not only technological upgrades—they are redefining competitiveness for Indian industry in global markets.AI brings focus to people, not just machinesOne of the understated benefits of AI adoption in traditional sectors is its role in upskilling the workforce. As companies invest in new tools, they are also building programs to train staff in data interpretation, machine learning basics, and digital decision-making.“AI catalyzes workforce upskilling, driving organizational and community growth,” said Koilakonda, noting that a people-first approach is essential for successful digital transformation. This means that rather than replacing workers, AI is often helping them evolve into higher-skilled roles.Internal learning programs and cross-functional digital teams are becoming more common in companies that are embracing AI. These initiatives not only support operational change but also help build a culture of innovation and adaptability. As workers become more comfortable with AI tools, the benefits extend beyond the company—into the communities and regions where these industries operate.A growing AI economy with long-term potentialIndia’s AI journey is still evolving, but momentum is building. Over 80% of Indian enterprises are exploring or already using AI tools across various functions. According to industry forecasts, India’s AI market could reach $8 billion by 2025, with generative AI alone expected to add as much as $438 billion to the GDP by 2030.“AI is reshaping legacy industries into agile, future-ready ecosystems,” said Abrar Ahmed Syed, an industry expert in analytical engineering. He believes that India’s ability to deploy AI across sectors will determine its long-term resilience and global competitiveness.For this transformation to succeed, experts emphasize the need for ethical AI development, inclusive access, and local innovation. Public-private partnerships, open data policies, and rural digital infrastructure will be critical in ensuring that AI does not remain limited to large enterprises but reaches every corner of the economy.(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) Read More News onaiai in industriesindiaAI usesArtificial intelligence (Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2025 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online....moreless (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onaiai in industriesindiaAI usesArtificial intelligence(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2025 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online....moreless Prime ExclusivesInvestment IdeasStock Report PlusePaperWealth Edition123View all Stories