DescriptionOverview of the initiative and its approach.
SMS Vaga is an electronic scale designed for measuring honey yields. It also provides real-time data on the weather conditions in the apiary and safeguards the apiary, hives, or vehicle from theft by offering the GPS position of the hive. The device monitors its own battery status, notifies of potential overload, reports the current balance of the SIM used for sending SMS messages, and ensures protection against theft by requiring information provided exclusively to the buyer for operation. It can share reports including information about daily nectar intake, water removal during the night, number of workers in the control hive and approximate daily yield.
TechnologyTechnology used by the initiative.
SMS Vaga utilizes sensors to gather data about honey yield and incorporates a GPS antenna to record information about its geographical position. The collected data can be shared with the beekeeper through SMS, Bluetooth, or the Internet (via email or FTP server). Users can interact with the device through SMS, Bluetooth, or toll-free phone calls.
TargetUsers, groups, or communities targeted by the initiative.
The primary users of SMS Vaga are farmers seeking to gather comprehensive data to enhance the management of bee colonies. Smallholder farmers can leverage this solution to monitor both the production and well-being of their apiaries, thereby making more informed and effective decisions.
Business modelHow the initiative delivers and sustains its value.
The SMS scale Vaga is a one-off purchase and it is sold at about EUR 400, depending on the scale material. A complete galvanized-plastified device is sold at EUR 395, while a complete stainless steel device is sold at EUR 425.
ImpactThe observed or intended effects of the initiative.
SMS Vaga promptly provides crucial information on key parameters essential for effective apiary management, facilitating informed decision-making. The remote data collection feature can enable beekeepers to minimize visits to the apiaries. Additionally, it can serve as a theft deterrent for the apiary, vehicle, or hives by offering the GPS position of the device and preventing unauthorized users from accessing the solution without permission.
PartnersOrganizations and stakeholders involved in the initiative.
The Ministry of State Administration and Local Self-Government;the Mihajlo Pupin Institute;the Serbian Chamber of Commerce (Group for Beekeeping and Honey Production);SANU (Committee for the Village);the Pannonian bee cluster;Technical University in Cvolen (Slovakia)
Four BettersThe FAO Four Betters supported by the initiative.
Better production
