Blockchain-enabled smart agriculture: Enhancing data-driven decision making and ensuring food security

Abstract

Agriculture plays a vital role in global food security, but conventional practices have led to environmental degradation and health risks due to excessive use of agricultural nutrients and chemicals. In this era of increased consumer awareness and preference for organic food, the challenge lies in making informed choices amidst various crop production options. To address this, the present research introduces a groundbreaking study that utilizes blockchain technology to record and trace information on crop production from seeds to end-user consumption, enabling easy consumer choices. This study introduces a model that integrates Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to monitor the impact of selected chemicals and nutrients used in agriculture to enhance production yields. To ensure sustainability, the study employs the low-energy adaptive clustering hierarchy (LEACH) protocol, which optimizes energy consumption and network stability, thereby avoiding disruptions. Results indicate that different fertilizers affect soil physical properties such as temperature and moisture. These parameters are monitored using the Agriculture Vercel App, equipped with temperature, moisture, and light sensors in agricultural fields. The app provided threshold readings via alert notifications, revealing significant fluctuations in temperature (12%–43%) and moisture (83%–41%) concentrations upon the application of specific fertilizers like “Agricultural lime” and “Calcium Ammonium Nitrate.” Our IoT-based model is linked with private blockchain technology to prioritize consumer choice and facilitate transparency. This integration enhances food security while mitigating environmental degradation risks. By providing a comprehensive record of crop production practices, our model empowers consumers to make informed decisions aligned with their health and environmental concerns. This research demonstrates the potential of combining IoT and blockchain technologies to revolutionize agriculture, ensure sustainable practices, and promote food security. The findings offer significant implications for policymakers, farmers, and consumers, fostering a more sustainable and health-conscious approach to agriculture worldwide.