Description
Smart traps are plant pest control tools that operate similar to conventional, analogue pheromone traps, but differ in their use of integrated cameras to monitor infestations, and their use of computer vision algorithms and AI technologies to study and differentiate insect species. The built-in sensors count the number of pests caught, and the collected data is sent to the farmer's smartphone using IoT technologies in the form of daily reports. The programme also warns the user if the population reaches the control number at any of the monitored sites. In addition to up-to-date factual information, the system can make a predictive analysis of the distribution of pests, allowing the farmer to carry out the optimum preparations for plant protection. One pheromone trap is installed for every 4–5 ha of farm, while scientific research requires a placement of one trap for every 100m2 area. The pheromone installations also make it possible to determine when, where and against which pests pesticides were applied, reducing the use of disinfectants by at least 50 percent and crop destruction by 60 percent.
Technology
The smart pheromone traps system comprises hardware components (a weather station and physical pheromone traps), a mobile app, a Cloud service for the storage and transmission of the collected data, and a software package. The weather station operates on solar energy, and is equipped with sensors for the measurement of wind speed, wind direction, sun intensity, rainfall, temperature, air humidity, soil temperature, soil moisture and soil salinity. The weather station collects data from the environment and soil and sends it to the Cloud system at specified time intervals, while the Cloud and software collect and display data for farmers and agronomists. Smart traps installed in the fields can be powered by batteries or solar panels. An energy management system is used to provide sufficient power to the system throughout the growing season, removing the need to recharge or replace batteries. The trap’s smart equipment enters standby mode if there is no confirmed presence of new insects.
Target
The primary users are farmers seeking to protect their crops and enhance their agricultural productivity through the initiative.
Business model
Supported and sponsored by the government.
Impact
The Smart Pheromone Trap applies multiple technologies to pest management as a data-driven approach supporting farmers and researchers in Uzbekistan. Utilizing IoT, AI and machine learning technologies, the solution provides users with real-time information and predictive analyses of the pest populations in their fields. Strategically placed traps offer insights into pest prevalence, steering the application of pest management practices and potentially reducing the need for widespread pesticide applications. Moreover, the derived data can influence decision-making related to pest control, potentially impacting crop yields and enabling a more targeted approach to pest management. The system, overall, aims to blend technological interventions with agricultural practices in a app that can assist farmers in navigating the uncertainties and challenges posed by pest infestations, while aligning with certain sustainability aspirations.
Partners
UNDP-Uzbekistan
Four Betters
Better production
Better environment
