Securing Agricultural Communications: Blockchain Integration in UAV Networks for Smart Farming

The integration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in smart agriculture has significantly enhanced precision farming practices, enabling real-time monitoring and data collection for improved crop management. However, the reliance on wireless communication in UAV networks poses security challenges that can compromise the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive agricultural data. This paper proposes a novel approach to address these concerns through the incorporation of blockchain technology for secure communication in UAV networks deployed for smart agriculture. The proposed system leverages the decentralized and tamper-resistant nature of blockchain to establish a trust-based communication framework. Each UAV node in the network is equipped with a blockchain-enabled communication protocol, ensuring that data exchanges are securely recorded in an immutable ledger. This not only enhances data integrity but also mitigates the risk of unauthorized access and manipulation. To facilitate secure communication, smart contracts are employed to automate and enforce predefined rules governing data transactions within the UAV network. This ensures that only authenticated and authorized entities can access and modify agricultural data, fostering a transparent and accountable ecosystem. Additionally, cryptographic techniques such as public-key encryption enhance the confidentiality of transmitted data, safeguarding sensitive information from eavesdropping and unauthorized interception. The proposed blockchain-enabled secure communication system is further enhanced by incorporating consensus mechanisms that validate and confirm the integrity of data across the network. By doing so, the trustworthiness of the entire UAV network is strengthened, reducing the likelihood of malicious activities and enhancing overall system resilience.