DIPOL
Research and innovation project promoting the digital transformation of agriculture and the food supply chain in Montenegro
Description
DIPOL is a research and innovation project that has been financed by the Ministry of Science of Montenegro through a scientific research grant, awarded that aims to validate and demonstrate the adoption of the latest precision agriculture and smart food production solutions in IT, focusing on two elements: vineyard/farm production and the food supply chain in Montenegro. The project has several objectives. First, it analyses the digital transformation in agriculture and the food supply chain in Montenegro through case studies targeting the identification of system requirements on selected test sites, leading to the creation of detailed design specifications and interventions. Second, it supports the implementation of pilot precision agriculture projects that make use of state-of-the art sensors and an Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled digital farming platform, and a supply chain platform based on digital product identifiers, allowing the use of blockchain-based technologies. Finally, it facilitates research activities and the development of new decision support components based on the use of collected data and machine-learning and artificial intelligence algorithms.
Technology
The DIPOL project makes use of three main technology sets: A digital farming platform, a supply chain platform and decision-support modules based on machine learning and artificial intelligence. These three main components consider such technologies as IoT sensors, machine learning, AI and blockchain, with particular focus on Smart farming and the Tracking and Tracing of food products. For example, machine learning and AI algorithms analyse large datasets prior to the generation of actionable insights, with the aim being to help farmers optimize their productivity and make use of the available resources. IoT sensors are used to collect real-time data, providing farmers and stakeholders with access to accurate information in support of informed decision-making and the active management of agricultural activities. The project makes use of a digital farming platform to which all the collected sensor data is transmitted, and this platform then aggregates the data from the sensors in different locations to create a comprehensive overview. Blockchain technologies are used in the supply chain platform to ensure transparency and traceability. Every step of the production and distribution processes is recorded securely, enhancing food safety and consumer trust. Furthermore, the open-source weather service aggregates weather data from multiple sources and provides current and forecasted weather conditions through a web and mobile app, assisting farmers in making better-informed decisions based on weather patterns.
Target
The project aims to provide academia, research institutions and the public sector with a better understanding of the use of state-of-the-art IT systems for the close monitoring of farming conditions. It also aims to support large- and medium-sized farms in the integration of technologies for the tracking and tracing of food products, thus improving transparency and the awareness of quality standards among consumers and society. In response to the growing interest of consumers and society in the impact of food on health, a positive response is also being garnered from food consumers.
Impact
The DIPOL project platform encourages the involvement of young researchers, supporting the sustainability of research activities related to the digital transformation in agriculture and the food value chain. To date, one BSc thesis and four MSc thesis have been completed, and two of these student authors have enrolled in PhD studies, one of whom is the recipient of a PhD stipend from the Ministry of Science. The project studies have been related in five publications presented at scientific/technical conferences, and in one scientific journal (SCI level). The project members have engaged and collaborated with several industry partners in the implementation of field pilots. In general, the project aims to have a positive impact on agriculture as a major component of Montenegrin economy, and its agriculture and agri-food production through research activities.
Partners
DunavNET; Ministry of Science of Montenegro
Four Betters
Better production
Better environment
