One algorithm changed global industries overnight. But at my urban farm? Growth remained steady, digitally precise, and powerfully predictable.
Last week marked World Youth Skills Day, centered around the powerful theme, “Youth empowerment through AI and digital skills.” While global headlines buzzed about tech layoffs and economic uncertainties, I watched a young intern at our urban farm quietly recalibrating a drone for optimal irrigation.
And there it was, vividly clear: Skills aren’t just learned, they are investments.
India houses the world’s largest youth population over 356 million individuals aged 10-24. Yet, according to UNICEF, nearly half lack adequate digital skills required for future employment. That’s not just a challenge; it’s a critical investment gap.
Globally, AI-driven economies are projected to add $15.7 trillion by 2030, according to PwC. In India alone, investments in AI and digital startups surged to $1.7 billion in 2023. While headlines may worry about technology displacing jobs, the World Economic Forum confidently states that AI will generate 97 million new jobs by 2025, significantly outweighing the 85 million jobs potentially displaced.
At our urban farms, digital tools and AI technology aren’t just innovations, they’re essentials. Our precision irrigation system, driven by AI, reduces water use by up to 90% compared to conventional methods. Machine learning tools track soil health, boosting crop yield by over 30% consistently.
One young team member recently utilized AI to optimize plant growth schedules, enhancing our productivity by 35%. Another developed a mobile app, transforming urban gardening into a widespread community activity.
Amid global digital volatility, one thing is evident: true stability comes from nurturing human skill and potential.
As investors, leaders, and mentors, our real ROI is ensuring youth are digitally empowered. This isn’t just about employment, it’s about sustainable survival and enduring prosperity.
In a fast-paced, unpredictable world, investing in youth AI skills isn’t just smart—it’s necessary.
Because future growth, quite literally, depends on it.
