Rural India is the next destination for Digital Transformation
There is something of a disparity in India right now regarding the economy and technology. On the one hand, you have thoroughly modern cities that embrace new tech, even to the extent that the government is subsidizing small and medium sized businesses to adopt cloud technology. But head out of the major cities into more rural areas, and you will find examples of ‘old’ India, very much stuck in a low-tech, agricultural environment. But, it seems, change might well be on the way. Are we about to see a digital transformation in rural areas, so that India’s agricultural output can start to match the modern cities regarding embracing technology?
The opportunities
India will not be the first country in the world to encourage a more digital outlook in rural areas, of course. Take Australia as the perfect example of what digital transformation consulting can bring to the countryside. With Australian farmers being squeezed on price in virtually every single area of production, digital technology has been vital to farms managing to find efficiencies and cost savings in almost every area of their businesses. Use of RFID technology and the internet of Things, for example, is helping tomato farmers collect and collate vital data to help them improve efficiency. And digital transformation strategy is helping agricultural businesses improve traceability, sustainability, and quality of a product in many different areas.
Rural potential
Large scale IT companies are beginning to realize the tremendous potential of rural India and tier cities, according to reports. A huge number of digital strategies are currently being implemented - with governmental help - which is increasing the levels of Wi-Fi services and improving Internet speeds. New technology is also being used to improve the lifestyles and health of citizens of rural India, and the social impact of such technology should be too impressive to ignore shortly. Everything from gender inequality through to improvements in digital education is all planned - and already happening in areas such as Karnataka.
Global investment
Global investment companies are already looking at rural India as one of the biggest opportunities for digital growth in the world. There is an enormous amount of interest from companies as far afield as the Netherlands in collaborating with Indian companies in all kinds of fields of industry, from genetic research through to cyber security.
Creating the right infrastructure
The Indian government is also adding to the improvements in rural areas by cutting various bureaucratic costs and red tape in recent years. There is still a lot of work to do in this area, of course, particularly if India wants to start competing with China, but there is certainly a lot more room for creativity and enterprise in the countryside, and the digital transformation will be a big part of leading the way. It’s not just digital infrastructure that needs improving, however. Given that logistics, transport capabilities and reliable electricity have hampered the development of businesses in the ecommerce space, it can be incredibly difficult for startups to scale up and succeeded. Ultimately, improvements to fundamental infrastructure problems will give a boost to any ideas of a digital transformation just as much as education and health programs. That said, the future bodes well for the rural and agricultural industries of India.