Kuldip Maity

 My last blog listed a few technology-related challenges that rural entrepreneurs could face while implementing artificial technology solutions in their businesses. However, the roadblocks might also be beyond just technology implementation.

Rural communities may be more resistant to adopting the change. There might be a cultural preference for traditional business methods, with skepticism towards modern technology. Entrepreneurs in these areas might face pushback from their communities when implementing AI solutions, as people may fear job losses or other negative impacts of automation. It might take time to generate awareness and build confidence in the communities. This is very important, as business can never flourish in isolation.

Rural entrepreneurs might also face regulatory challenges when implementing AI solutions. In some regions, there may be unclear or restrictive regulations regarding the use of AI. These typically happen when the person introducing the technology takes shortcuts and uses examples that are easy to use but may not be ethically/legally permitted. A good example is deepfake-generated synthetic media, created using artificial intelligence to portray things or events that have no relation with reality.

Navigating these regulations can be difficult, especially for those unfamiliar with legal and policy frameworks. This uncertainty can discourage entrepreneurs from adopting AI, fearing potential legal repercussions. There is a risk that a few who jump onto the bandwagon may get pulled up by regulatory bodies, causing a blow hard enough to close down the business. One has to be very cautious while implementing such solutions. My advice will be to follow the simple principle of “When in doubt, keep it out.”

Even if rural entrepreneurs successfully implement AI on a small scale, scaling the solutions can be challenging. Rural markets are often limited in size, and expanding beyond these markets may require significant investment and effort. Additionally, scaling AI solutions may require further technical expertise and infrastructure, which can be hard to secure in rural settings, even if funds are available. Many rural entrepreneurs may not fully foresee the benefits they can derive from implementing AI, its potential applications, and its value. Without proper understanding, entrepreneurs may hesitate to invest in AI solutions, fearing they might not see a return on their investment. Measuring the return on investment (RoI) for AI solutions can be complex, especially for businesses in rural areas. The benefits of AI may not be immediately apparent, and calculating the RoI requires an understanding of both the technology and its impact on the business. If entrepreneurs struggle to measure the effectiveness of AI, they might be reluctant to invest further in these technologies.

There may also be concerns about the long-term sustainability of AI solutions. Even if the initial implementation is successful, entrepreneurs might still face challenges in keeping the system updated and running smoothly over time. This concern about sustainability may deter them from adopting AI in the first place. These concerns are multiplied by rural areas often experiencing greater economic and market instability compared to urban areas. Fluctuations in local economies can make it difficult for rural entrepreneurs to commit to long-term investments like AI. The uncertainty of market conditions may lead them to prioritize more immediate and less risky investments over AI, which is perceived as a more uncertain and complex option.

Having listed many roadblocks, I want to clarify that I do not want to discourage rural entrepreneurs from adopting AI-based solutions. In fact, I am confident AI, ML, and robotics are the future of rural businesses. I want to emphasize that before jumping into AI implementation, the entrepreneur should have strategies in place to overcome these hindrances. 

With the right strategies, the potential of AI to transform rural economies can be unlocked, inspiring hope and optimism in both entrepreneurs and their communities.

 

 

The last few blogs discussed the benefits of implementing AI solutions to help rural businesses. But, as mentioned in the previous blog, not everything is as easy as it sounds. There are several roadblocks that we need to overcome to derive optimal benefits from the futuristic technology. In this blog, we shall limit ourselves only to the technology perspective.

Rural areas predominantly suffer from inadequate access to advanced technologies. The internet infrastructure may also be weak, with slow or unreliable connections. This lack of connectivity makes it challenging for rural entrepreneurs to use cloud-based AI solutions effectively. Without a stable internet, accessing AI tools or integrating them into business operations becomes almost impossible. Furthermore, AI requires specialized knowledge to implement and manage. In rural areas, there is often a shortage of skilled technology professionals who can develop, maintain, and troubleshoot AI systems. Entrepreneurs in these regions might not have the technical know-how to handle AI-related tasks and may struggle to find qualified staff locally. Hiring external experts can be costly and logistically challenging, further complicating AI adoption. Therefore, there is always a danger that AI solutions will become counter-productive after implementation.

As mentioned in an earlier blog, the cost of implementing AI solutions is a significant barrier. AI tools, software, and the required hardware can be expensive. Rural entrepreneurs, who often operate on limited budgets, may struggle to afford these costs. The initial investment in AI technology, maintenance, and upgrades can strain financial resources, making AI adoption less feasible. Shared solutions may call for changing the business model and processes to suit the tools. This is hardly recommended for any stable business.

We all know that AI solutions rely heavily on data. However, rural businesses may not have access to large datasets needed to train AI models effectively. Even if data is available, it might be poor quality, incomplete, or poorly well-organized. AI systems cannot function optimally without high-quality data, leading to inaccurate or unreliable results. This limitation hinders the effectiveness of AI in improving business processes. Wrong insights and their subsequent inferences are a bigger risk that a rural enterprise can do without.

Even from the non-IT perspective, implementing AI solutions often requires robust infrastructure, such as reliable electricity and advanced computing systems. In deep rural areas, this basic infrastructure may be lacking. Frequent power outages, poor electricity supply, and outdated computing facilities can disrupt AI operations and, in turn, severely impact the business. Without the necessary infrastructure, maintaining AI systems becomes a daunting task.

All the challenges are not technology-related. There might be several other areas where roadblocks need to be cleared. But more on those in the next blog.

Rural entrepreneurs should give it serious thought before embracing AI technology. All that glitters may not be gold. However, once the risks are mitigated, only skies will be the limit for their businesses.

 

 

As we enter the 78th year of our Independence, many do not have an idea of life under the British Raj, or we might have been more interested in and respectful of our freedom fighters.

Let me take this opportunity to highlight a few lesser-known women freedom fighters whose contributions were crucial in liberating India from British rule.

Matangini Hazra was an Indian freedom fighter from West Bengal. Born in 1870, she became active in the Independence movement during Gandhi’s Salt March. Known affectionately as “Gandhi Buri,” she led processions and encouraged civil disobedience. In 1942, during the Quit India Movement, she led a protest of 6,000 supporters. While advancing with the Indian flag, she was shot thrice by British police but kept chanting “Vande Mataram” until her last breath. Her sacrifice made her a symbol of courage and patriotism. Today, she is remembered as a martyr in India’s struggle for freedom.

A pioneering social reformer and freedom fighter, Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay was also a cultural icon. She played a vital role in the Indian Independence movement, advocating for women’s rights and social reforms. Kamaladevi was instrumental in reviving Indian handicrafts, handlooms, and theatre, establishing institutions such as the All-India Handicrafts Board. Born in 1903, she was the first woman to be elected to a provincial legislature in British India. Her efforts helped preserve Indian arts and crafts, earning her the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan awards. Kamaladevi’s legacy inspires efforts towards cultural preservation and women’s empowerment in India.

Aruna Asaf Ali became widely known for hoisting the Indian National Congress flag during the Quit India Movement in 1942, despite the police crackdown. Her act of defiance made her a symbol of resistance against British rule. Aruna went underground, continuing her fight for independence through clandestine activities. After independence, she remained politically active, advocating for social justice and civil liberties. Aruna Asaf Ali was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, for her contributions to the freedom struggle and public service.

In 1907, Bhikaji Cama unfurled the first version of the Indian national flag at the International Socialist Conference in Stuttgart, Germany, symbolizing India’s struggle for freedom. She worked closely with revolutionaries, spreading awareness about India’s cause in Europe. Bhikaji also supported the oppressed and advocated for women’s rights. Her efforts made her a key figure in India’s fight against British rule, inspiring future generations of freedom fighters.

Tara Rani Srivastava is known for her role in the Quit India Movement of 1942. Along with her husband, Phulendu Babu, she led a protest march to hoist the Indian flag at the Siwan police station in Bihar. When the police shot her husband during the protest, Tara Rani bandaged his wounds and continued the march alone, even as he succumbed to his injuries. Her bravery and dedication to the cause of Independence made her a symbol of resilience and sacrifice. Tara Rani’s story is a testament to the pivotal role women played in India’s freedom struggle.

Kanaklata Barua was a young freedom fighter from Assam, born in 1924. When she was just 17 years old, she became a prominent figure in the Quit India Movement. On September 20, 1942, Kanaklata led a group of unarmed villagers to hoist the Indian flag at the Gohpur police station. Despite being warned by the British police, she fearlessly advanced with the flag, chanting patriotic slogans. She was shot dead by the police, but her bravery and sacrifice made her a martyr of the Indian independence movement. Kanaklata Barua remains an enduring symbol of youthful courage and determination in India's fight for freedom.

Lakshmi Sahgal was a prominent Indian freedom fighter and an officer in the Indian National Army (INA). A doctor by profession, she joined the INA, led by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and commanded its women’s regiment, the Rani of Jhansi Regiment. During World War II, Lakshmi Sahgal led troops in the struggle against British forces in Southeast Asia. After independence, she continued activism, working for women’s rights and social justice. In 1998, she was awarded the Padma Vibhushan for her contributions. Lakshmi Sahgal is remembered for her courage and dedication.

Due to time and space constraints, I had to limit this blog to only a few freedom fighters who helped India gain independence and become one of the prominent countries leading the world as it is today.

 

 

Artificial Intelligence is not only about learning. There are many other ways rural entrepreneurs can use AI solutions.

Efficient supply chain management is crucial for rural entrepreneurs who often face challenges related to logistics and distribution. AI can streamline these processes by optimizing routes, predicting demand, and managing inventory. AI algorithms can analyze data to forecast product demand, reduce waste, and ensure timely delivery. This can help rural entrepreneurs reach larger markets and improve their profitability.

AI can enhance market access for rural entrepreneurs by facilitating e-commerce. AI-driven platforms can help create and manage online stores, optimize product listings, and target the right audience. AI tools can analyze consumer behavior and trends, enabling entrepreneurs to customize their offerings and marketing strategies accordingly. This can help them reach a global audience and increase their sales.

Regarding processes that VFS Capital is directly involved in, AI can improve financial inclusion by providing rural entrepreneurs with better access to financial services. AI-powered credit scoring systems can analyze alternative data sources, such as transaction history and social media activity, to assess creditworthiness. This can help entrepreneurs without formal credit histories secure loans much faster and more efficiently. Additionally, AI-driven financial planning tools can assist in budgeting, expense tracking, and investment decisions.

Regarding sustainability, AI can support rural entrepreneurs in adopting environmentally sustainable practices. AI-driven tools can monitor resource usage, optimize energy consumption, and reduce waste. For instance, AI can analyze data from smart sensors to optimize irrigation in agriculture, leading to water conservation. Sustainable practices benefit the environment and enhance the long-term viability of businesses.

AI tools can address language and communication barriers by providing translation and transcription services, enabling rural entrepreneurs to go global. AI-powered language translation tools can help rural entrepreneurs communicate with suppliers, customers, and partners in different languages, facilitating smoother interactions and expanding business opportunities.

The examples are many, but we also need to remember that AI solutions are expensive and hardly feasible for a single rural entrepreneur to implement as an isolated case. If AI needs to be used for rural businesses, we must bring solutions on a subscription model focusing only on rural India. Since AI is maturing, these may still not be a 100% fit. However, I believe the benefits they can deliver will outweigh the margins of error.