Exploring barriers to digital inclusion in Indian agriculture: designing a platform for farmer empowerment

India’s agriculture sector is vital for employment and the economy, but it faces several challenges despite digital initiatives. The sector is unorganised, fragmented, and lacks integrated social networking, hindering collaboration. This study used a qualitative, exploratory design with semi-structured interviews of ten agri stakeholders. The thematic analysis identified four key barriers: unreliable information channels, weakening institutional trust, unstable income generation, and market inefficiencies that disempower farmers. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the digital needs of Indian farmers and their current agri ecosystem. This study further explores digital interventions that can be integrated into the current agri-ecosystem. Future researchers can build upon the findings of this work to develop prototype ideas and test them in the market, thereby gaining an in-depth understanding of the impact of such interventions.