Low-cost IoT sensors for greenhouse monitoring
Digital Villages initiative (DVI)
DescriptionOverview of the initiative and its approach.
As part of the Digital Villages Initiative (DVI) in Uzbekistan, working in collaboration with IT-Park and the FAO Smart Farming for the Future Generation project, FAO has supported the installation of smart sensors in ten greenhouses owned by smallholder farmers in the villages of Novkent, Yukhsalish and Dustlik in the Fergana valley. The sensors were assembled at low cost (less than 100 USD) by using open-source solutions and good quality sensors, and by mobilizing young people in the local community as part of the Digital Villages Camp. Farmers equipped with the sensors can monitor the temperature, humidity, soil moisture and light in their greenhouses and can control their drip irrigation systems.
TechnologyTechnology used by the initiative.
The smart sensors are based on the Internet of Things (IoT) and open-source technologies. The innovation lies in the use of development boards with Wi-Fi connectivity, based on Arduino or Espressif chips (ESP8266 or ESP32), to which various environmental sensors are connected. The sensors monitor air temperature, humidity, soil moisture and light intensity, and are housed in water-resistant enclosures, either adapted from locally available materials or 3D printed, ensuring durability and suitability for the greenhouse environment. The devices transmit data to the farmers via a Telegram bot, providing them with real-time updates and alerts about greenhouse conditions through a familiar interface.
TargetUsers, groups, or communities targeted by the initiative.
The sensors were piloted in 10 greenhouses owned by smallholder farmers, out of which three were operated by female farmers. The recipients were selected based on a thorough selection process that evaluated both the Internet connectivity in the location and the propensity of the farmers to adopt such technologies in the long term.
Business modelHow the initiative delivers and sustains its value.
The initiative was implemented with financial contributions from FAO under the Flexible Voluntary Cooperation mechanism FVC/GLO/171/MUL “Piloting Digital Villages in Central Asia” project.
ImpactThe observed or intended effects of the initiative.
Under the programme, ten smart sensors were installed in greenhouses owned by smallholder farmers in the villages Novkent, Yukhsalish and Dustlik that provided real-time updates and alerts to farmers through a familiar Telegram bot interface. Among the benefits of the programme to the farmers were the facilitation of precision farming through real-time monitoring, resource efficiency through controlled irrigation, improved crop health management and increased productivity, all provided by cost-effective solutions making use of accessible technologies. The user-friendly Telegram bot interface ensured easy operation by the smallholders, even those with limited technical expertise.
PartnersOrganizations and stakeholders involved in the initiative.
IT-Park
Four BettersThe FAO Four Betters supported by the initiative.
Better production
Better environment
