Towards human-centric farming: critique of tech-driven solutions in Indian agriculture

Indian agriculture continues to be the heartbeat of the nation, sustaining more than half the population through the direct labor and resourcefulness of farmers rooted in generational wisdom. While foodgrain output saw record levels in 2024–25, such gains are owed at least as much to favorable weather, government intervention, and human ingenuity as to the latest so-called “smart” technologies. As policymakers increasingly push innovations like AI-based advisory platforms, this paper argues for a grounded, farmer-first approach questioning the overhyped promises of artificial intelligence and digital tools. Examining diffusion theory and sustainable development frameworks, we interrogate the evidence for technology-driven growth, exposing the risks of neglecting local knowledge, and highlighting that true progress in Indian farming rests on empowering communities, not algorithms. Tables and references are reformatted with academic rigor to support this rebalancing of priorities.