Efficiency of organic bitter gourd production utilizing the smart farming systems in Maha Sarakham province, Thailand

Abstract

The objective of this study is to increase the efficiency of organic bitter gourd production by using smart farming system. The research was conducted in the Muang district of Maha Sarakham Province between January 2021 through January 2022 with the area of 2 rai. Data is collected to design and develop an automatic irrigation and fertilizer system, along with inspection system, and to command via the IoT system. This also includes the installation of the control system equipment, water pipeline system, fertilizer system, pump system, electrical system, water treatment equipment, and equipment layout and electronic equipment to detect temperature, humidity via monitoring and controlling the automatic irrigation and fertilization system, after which is succeeded by conducting tests and collecting data to assess the efficiency of organic bitter gourd production. The outcome shows that the smart farming systems can increase production efficiency. The number of yields in each harvesting cycle are increased from 7,000 kg. to 10,452.66 kg. This results in the economic impact of 303,643.64 Baht per year to generate income for farmers more than three folds (564,443.64 Baht/year). Although there are limitations in terms of production cost and material cost of installing the smart farm system, as of now they are quite high in the early stages (112,800 Baht/2 rai/year). However, clear advantages can be noted in labor management, saving time, and production resources in the long term (area of ​​2 rai or, more than 10 rai, requires 1 labor). This results in a shot payback period (10,452.66 kg/production cycle), which is able to generate income for farmers sustainably (profit from 147,600 baht/year to 451,642.64 baht/year).