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

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 catalyst helping the farmers continue with their farming. This study undertakes an analysis of applications benefits AI agri-food supply chain, while highlights challenges facing adoption AI. Data were obtained from 543 Odisha (India) through survey, then interpreted using “Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM)”; MICMAC; “Step-Wise-Assessment Ratio-Analysis (SWARA)”. Response time accuracy level; lack standardization; availability support big data; data support; implementation costs; flexibility; contextual awareness; job-losses; affordability issues; shortage infrastructure; unwillingness farmers; safety-related issues are some chain. Implications drawn policy makers.