Challenges Facing Artificial Intelligence Adoption during COVID-19 Pandemic: An Investigation into the Agriculture and Agri-Food Supply Chain in India

Abstract

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has witnessed a significant loss for farming in India due to restrictions on movement, limited social interactions and labor shortage. In this scenario, Artificial Intelligence (AI) could act as a catalyst for helping the farmers to continue with their farming. This study undertakes an analysis of the applications and benefits of AI in agri-food supply chain, while highlights the challenges facing the adoption of AI. Data were obtained from 543 farmers in Odisha (India) through a survey, and then interpreted using “Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM)”; MICMAC; and “Step-Wise-Assessment and Ratio-Analysis (SWARA)”. Response time and accuracy level; lack of standardization; availability of support for big data; big data support; implementation costs; flexibility; lack of contextual awareness; job-losses; affordability issues; shortage of infrastructure; unwillingness of farmers; and AI safety-related issues are some challenges facing the AI adoption in agri-food supply chain. Implications were drawn for farmers and policy makers.