Farmer trusted AI for months — the last recommendation proved fatal

A 67-year-old farmer in Chuzhou, China, lost his sesame crop on about 40 hectares after following an AI recommendation for weed control. The AI suggested a mixture of chemical components, which the farmer sprayed on the field. The plants began to die the next day. Experts explained that the substance is intended for broadleaf weeds, but sesame is also a broadleaf plant.

A 67-year-old farmer from the Chinese city of Chuzhou had been using artificial intelligence for several months to help grow his crops. Previous recommendations had caused no problems, so he applied the latest advice without verification. The farmer asked the AI to select a means for controlling weeds and pests. The AI suggested a mixture of several chemical components, which the man sprayed on a field of young sesame. By the next day, the cultivated plants began to die along with the weeds. In the end, the farmer lost his crop on about 40 hectares. After the incident, he turned to the AI for an explanation, and the system suggested that the problem might have been in one of the components of the herbicide mixture. Experts explained that the substance is used to kill broadleaf weeds, but sesame is also a broadleaf plant and can be damaged. An additional problem was the method of application: the product may have been intended for individual infested areas, but the farmer treated a large area. The man himself stated that the AI did not warn him about the risks.