Enhancing Agriculture Through IoT and Blockchain: A VeChain-Enhanced Sustainable Development Approach for Small-Scale Agricultural Exploitations

Abstract

Small and mid-sized exploitations in the agricultural sector face several challenges, including excessive use of environmental resources, limited product visibility, and insufficient automation in farming operations. These issues result in increased operational costs, reduced crop quality, and higher risks of harvest loss, especially when weather predictions are unreliable. Addressing these challenges is crucial to improving productivity and sustainability in farming. This research work introduces a cost-effective Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution that leverages Internet of Things (IoT) technology and blockchain -specifically, the VeChain network- to provide real-time data on crop conditions and weather forecasts. The proposed solution enables farmers to make informed decisions by offering actionable insights and monitoring crops growth and general progress over time, thus promoting more efficient and sustainable farming practices. Furthermore, the integration of blockchain ensures transparency and immutability of data, building trust between farmers, distributors, and end customers. This increased visibility and accountability can also enhance product traceability across supply chains. By tackling these issues faced by small and mid-sized agricultural exploitations, this project aims to modernize farming practices, optimize resource utilization, and contribute to long-term sustainability, helping to secure food production in the face of global environmental and economic turmoil.