Description
GRAND EXPERT is an online platform providing beekeepers with a suite of tools. The Beekeeping Electronic Scales offers real-time hive monitoring for beekeepers, enabling remote management and instant alerts. It also enhances precision beekeeping practices. The Plant Chemical Treatment Process Monitoring System is an online service that replaces traditional notifications to rural dwellers, beekeepers, and food consumers about planned agricultural chemical treatments. It sends alerts to registered users, particularly beekeepers, providing real-time information about upcoming treatments. This initiative aims to reduce the harmful environmental impact of pesticides by improving public awareness. Both solutions contribute to sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and the well-being of beekeepers and the community. GRAND EXPERT also provides access to knowledge and advisory in the beekeeping sector with an online library and by gathering useful information on beekeeping procurement companies and public organizations working on apiculture.
Technology
The online platform is composed of many elements, including an online catalogue to retrieve information about pesticides and their compositions. The second element is the Beekeeping Electronic Scales based on GSM communication to provide real-time hive monitoring for beekeepers. Powered by a built-in battery and solar panel, the device ensures continuous operation during the active beekeeping season. SMS alerts notify beekeepers of hive weights. The device also allows remote control via SMS commands, enabling functions like system restart. A third element is the Plant Chemical Treatment Process Monitoring System, an online platform for notifying about agricultural chemical treatments. It employs an interactive map and user registration system to alert stakeholders, especially beekeepers, about upcoming chemical treatments.
Target
The solutions use basic accessible technology such as SMS to match the needs of beekeepers of all sizes, including smallholders, offering cost-effective hive monitoring.
Business model
The Plant Chemical Treatment Process Monitoring System initiative operates on a combined freemium and donor support model. The initiatives demonstrate a commitment to user support, with the costs covered by a project sponsor. The basic services are provided for free, including standard notifications and online platform access. Premium features, such as personalized alerts, analytics, and specialized services, are offered for a fee. Instead, The Beekeeping Electronic Scales for GSM communication operates on a combined one-time purchase for the device and subscription (the users are required to make daily payments to the telecom operator at a rate of 1.0 UAH/day or approximately USD 0.025).
Impact
The Beekeeping Electronic Scales can have a positive impact on reducing human health and animal welfare risks associated with chemical pesticides by notifying citizens and giving beekeepers real-time hive weight data, improving hive management, and optimizing honey production. The SMS remote control feature makes operation convenient and transparent. The Plant Chemical Treatment Process Monitoring System addresses environmental and public health concerns related to agricultural chemical treatments.
Partners
Union of beekeepers of Ukraine
Four Betters
Better production
Better environment
