Low-Cost Smart Greenhouse Inauguration in Sriharjo Village – Appropriate Technology Program for the Community

On November 01, 2024, the research team from the Smart Agriculture Research Center, Department of Agricultural Engineering and Biosystems inaugurated a technology implementation package for the community Low-Cost Smart Greenhouse for the farming group "Taruna Tani Hijaunya Cinta" in Kalurahan Sriharjo, Imogiri District, Bantul Regency, DIY. This program is part of Community Service based on Appropriate Technology Implementation initiated by the Faculty of Agricultural Technology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in order to bring precision agricultural technology to local communities to increase horticultural production.

At the inauguration ceremony, the Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Prof. Dr. Ir. Eni Harmayani, M.Sc., was present along with the Head of the Department of Agricultural Engineering and Biosystems UGM, Prof. Dr. Ir. Lilik Sutiarso., M.Eng., IPU., ASEAN Eng; Program Officer and Coordinator of the Smart Agriculture Research Center, Ir. Andri Prima Nugroho, Ph.D., IPU., ASEAN Eng., the Head of Wunut Hamlet and the Head of Sompok Hamlet representing the Village Head who was unable to attend. Also present was the Head of Taruna Tani Hijaunya Cinta, Anton along with his team who are driving forces of the young farmer program in Kalurahan Sriharjo.

Handover of Low-Cost Smart Greenhouse Technology to Taruna Tani Hijaunya Cinta

Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Prof. Eni Harmayani, stated that the Low-Cost Smart Greenhouse Technology is one of the downstream products from the Faculty of Agricultural Technology that can be directly utilized by small and medium enterprises, in line with the Faculty of Agricultural Technology's vision of supporting the development of agricultural technology in Indonesia. Similarly expressed by Prof. Lilik Sutiarso, the Department of Agricultural Engineering is committed to becoming a Center of Excellence in the development of practical agricultural engineering that can be utilized directly by the community.

Low-Cost Smart Greenhouse Technology

The Low-Cost Smart Greenhouse technology is equipped with an automatic nutrient control system that allows monitoring and adjustment of plant requirements efficiently. This system is designed to provide ideal nutrients and microclimate conditions for plants in real-time, reducing operational costs and improving harvest quality. The technology used in the greenhouse includes a system for monitoring temperature, humidity, light intensity, and CO₂ levels, as well as Camera Surveillance (CCTV) which can all be accessed through desktop and mobile devices by the manager.

Overall, this program does not only focus on the installation of smart devices but also on improving the capacity of farmers through intensive training. Farmers are provided with training in the management of Smart Greenhouse systems and the utilization of precision agricultural technology. With this training, it is hoped that the members of Taruna Tani will be able to maximize the potential of the greenhouses independently and obtain consistent high-quality harvest results.

Program coordinator, Ir. Andri Prima Nugroho, Ph.D., stated that the Low-Cost Smart Greenhouse is an effective solution for horticultural farmers in areas with limited access to water resources. "The nutrient control system applied not only enables resource savings but also provides a positive impact on productivity and sustainability of local agriculture," explained Andri.

Greenhouse Revitalization Program Following Standards for vegetable cultivation using hydroponics

This greenhouse is expected to become a pilot project for other villages in implementing appropriate technology in agriculture. The application of advanced technology in agriculture is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which include Zero Hunger and Climate Action, focusing on food security and adaptation to climate change.

Automatic Nutrient Control Technology for Low-Cost Smart Greenhouse

This program is expected to be an initial step that will open opportunities for the development of a smarter and more efficient agricultural sector. Further development plans include advanced training, development of marketing strategies, and integration of digital record-keeping in greenhouse management to improve accountability and the quality of horticultural products.

Hopes for the Future

With support from UGM and active participation from local communities, this project is expected to become a model for similar initiatives in the field of precision agriculture. Furthermore, the Low-Cost Smart Greenhouse is also expected to improve the welfare of local farmers and strengthen food security at the community level.

Through the implementation of this affordable Smart Greenhouse, farmers at Taruna Tani in Kalurahan Sriharjo now have the opportunity to achieve more optimal, sustainable, and climate-change-adaptive agricultural results. This project is a concrete manifestation of collaboration between academia, government, and community in supporting the advancement of agriculture in Indonesia.

Contributors: Dwiki Nugraha, STP. Editor: AN.