Helping hydroponic farmers, FTMM UNAIR creates smart farming technology

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The development of smart farming technology by FTMM UNAIR. (Private Doc.)

UNAIR NEWS – The community service team of the Faculty of Advanced Technology and Multidiscipline Universitas Airlangga (FTMM UNAIR) has succeeded in creating integrated hydroponic smart farming technology. Hydroponic vegetable products that are cultivated are bok choy and lettuce. The program was implemented in Karangploso Hamlet, Gempol Subdistrict, Pasuruan Regency.

Rizki Putra Prastio, S.Si., M.T., one of the initiators, said that the idea came up when he was reading an article written by FTMM UNAIR Electrical Engineering lecturer, Prisma Megantoro, S.T., M.Eng. “Initially, I knew Pak Prisma had written a scientific article about hydroponic monitors. Then, there was an open submission for a community service proposal. I got an idea to implement the system in the field,” he explained to UNAIR NEWS on Tuesday, July 27, 2021.

The residents’ open hydroponic installation also became the reason for implementing the program. Such open installation causes the nutrients to be mixed with rainwater, thus affecting the quality. “Finally, I discussed the idea with Pak Prisma to implement this for hydroponic farmers in the Hidroponikkoe Community,” said Tio.

The Benefits of Smart Farming

Smart Farming technology is equipped with a plastic roof. Thus, the plants can be protected from rainwater. “So the quality is maintained,” said Tio. Furthermore, the Smart Farming system also has a grow light or growth-stimulating light. It will keep the plants growing at night so harvest time can be faster.

Utilizing a Solar Power Plant (PLTS) with a capacity of 900Wp, the hydroponic installation has an unlimited independent power source. Therefore, the process can improve hydroponic farming productivity.

In addition to the construction of PLTS for independent power, four hydroponic installations in the community service project also implement online monitoring devices based on the internet of things (IoT). The device is called Airlangga Sahabat Petani Hidroponik (Arsenik). The monitoring devices installed in the hydroponic farming system are connected to the internet network so that farmers can monitor the condition of nutrient water anywhere through their cellphones.

FTMM UNAIR Smart Farming Progress

Technically, the Smart Farming journey began in mid-June 2021. Now, the program is almost 100 per cent complete. It can be achieved through the synergy of Prisma and Tio’s team work as the supervisors with ten students, some of whom are members of the IMERCY (instrument research community).

Furthermore, Prisma said that the next step is to install the prototypes in the field.

“Technically, it’s just a matter of installing, but we still need to disseminate and educate the public about its operations and maintenance. The PLTS and its monitoring equipment will be managed by the community, especially the hydroponic community,” explained Prisma.

Regarding obstacles in the program, Prisma said that the pandemic and road blocking are the main obstacles. The changing price of goods is also one of the obstacles.

Prisma hoped that the program could promote FTMM and UNAIR to the broader community. Through the program that contributes a lot to the community, Prisma also hoped that UNAIR would be popular in the community not only in medical science field, but also in the field of advanced technology and renewable energy . (*)

Author: Fauzia Gadis Widyanti

Editor: Binti Q. Masruroh (YA/AP)

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