Precision Farming Gets a Boost with IIIT-B and IIHR’s IoT-Based AutoGrow System

BANGALORE:
Indian Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIITB) is partnering with the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) to create an IoT-based Data Sensing System for AutoGrow, an Autonomous Green House System for Precision Agriculture. This project aims to revolutionize the agricultural industry by creating a fully automated and self-regulating farming system.

The system will shortly be inaugurated as a laboratory entitled, “AutoGrow Laboratory”.

“At IIITB, we are excited to be a part of the AutoGrow project, which has the potential to transform the agricultural industry. The IoT-based data sensing system and AI/ML techniques will enable the AutoGrow system to make real-time decisions based on data, optimizing crop yield and resource usage. We believe that this system will play a crucial role in ensuring food security and sustainability for future generations. We are proud to be working with IIHR on this interdisciplinary project and look forward to seeing its impact on the agricultural industry,” said Prof. Debabrata Das, Director, IIITB.

The IoT-based data sensing system and AI/ML techniques will enable the AutoGrow system to make real-time decisions based on data, optimizing crop yield and resource usage.

The AutoGrow system has three different configurations: hydroponics, open grow farming, and vertical setup. The project team has been studying these configurations to optimize the system for precision agriculture. “The final goal is to deploy the sensor system and an AI/ML model into the open farm, which will control water flow, add minerals, and record data such as temperature, humidity, and water flow.”, said Dr. Ramesh Kestur, the project Principal Investigator (PI), IIITB

The AI/ML model will also enable the system to make self-decisions to control the farm, using a novel Wick irrigation system. “Wick irrigation can save up to 60% of water compared to traditional drip irrigation systems.”, said Dr. Aswath C.R, Principal Scientist, IIHR. This system can also be adapted to terrace farming, which can help optimize space and improve crop yield.

AutoGrow project represents a significant advancement in precision agriculture. With the use of IoT and AI/ML techniques, the system will be able to make real-time decisions based on data, optimizing crop yield and resource usage. This has the potential to revolutionize the way we grow crops and ensure food security for future generations.

IIHR is providing biological support for the project, while IIIT-B is working on the IoT and AI/ML techniques that will enable the system to be deployed in biological systems. The team has successfully built a greenhouse in IIIT-B and is currently working on the three different configurations of the AutoGrow system.

As the project continues to develop and the AutoGrow system is deployed in the field, it has the potential to significantly improve crop yields, reduce waste, and ensure food security for future generations. The collaboration between IIITB and IIHR represents a significant advancement in interdisciplinary research and highlights the importance of technology and biology working together to tackle global challenges.