Scalable Sensor Technology for Effective Moisture Management and Agricultural Food Security

The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in the agricultural sector using advanced sensor systems has garnered significant interest in the recent year, especially in promoting food security. This study shows an application of this to Spondias purpurea (Philippine Pias Prunes), an important fruit in the Philippine Archipelago. The developed system places significant importance on the connection of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and the Google Cloud Platform. This integration enables real-time monitoring, data storage, and analysis, therefore providing valuable insights into enhancing the drying process and mitigating spoilage by maintaining moisture levels within the recommended range of 12-14%. The technology provides farmers with the opportunity to extend the shelf life of the prunes, reduce food wastage and increased profitability. While the system focused on Spondias purpurea, the system is highly adaptable and scalable to other fruits and crops. The research employed a DHT11 sensor that is linked to a Raspberry Pi Microcontroller, together with a Google Cloud-Based Platform for the purpose of data storage and processing. Results of the experiments indicate that the temperature measurements remain consistent at varying conditions. Moreover, the humidity levels remain to be high while the prune’s moisture content continue to be steady. To enhance the system's functionality, future endeavours should focus on integrating the system with other agricultural processes. Additionally, it is recommended to broaden the scope of the cost-benefit analysis by considering aspects such as the initial investment, maintenance costs, energy consumption, and potential rewards in terms of product quality, loss reduction, and increased output.