DAIF Project

Digital Artificial Intelligence-based Futuristic Remote Sensing Products for Smart Greenhouse

6 Targeted Call • WP2 • Cambodia Initiative

Project Overview

The DAIF project revolutionizes agricultural productivity in Cambodia through an innovative smart greenhouse management system. By integrating cutting-edge remote sensors, wireless LoRa communication, and semi-automated fertigation/irrigation functions via a comprehensive web platform, we're transforming digital agriculture for students, farmers, and agri-tech stakeholders.

🌱

Smart Agriculture

AI-powered greenhouse systems for optimal crop monitoring and resource management

📡

LoRa Technology

Long-range wireless communication enabling data transfer up to 500m without internet

💧

Automated Systems

Semi-automated fertigation and irrigation with precise resource calculations

👥

Knowledge Transfer

Comprehensive training programs for farmers and students across Cambodia

Project Objectives

Primary Goal

Build a data-driven smart greenhouse system enabling real-time crop monitoring and automated fertigation/irrigation through AI-integrated sensors and web control.

DAIF Control Development

Develop sensor-based DAIF control boxes with comprehensive environmental monitoring capabilities.

Wireless Communication

Enable wireless LoRa-based communication for reliable data transmission across farm areas.

Web Integration

Integrate web-based fertigation tools for intelligent resource management and decision support.

Capacity Building

Train farmers and students on DAIF system operation and smart agriculture practices.

Sustainability

Ensure long-term sustainability through Public-Private Partnerships and commercialization strategies.

Key Activities

Control Box Development

Designed and assembled 4 control boxes equipped with 10 environmental sensors to monitor soil and air conditions for precise agricultural decisions.

LoRa Communication System

Built bandwidth systems enabling data transfer between devices over 500m using LoRa technology, functioning even without internet connectivity.

Fertigation Integration

Created and embedded fertigation and irrigation calculation functions into v-gro.com to help estimate resource requirements semi-automatically.

Demonstration Greenhouse

Constructed a demonstration greenhouse in Kandal province, planted 5 crop varieties, and operated using the DAIF system.

Training Programs

Conducted 10-day training for 5 students and 5 farmers, followed by additional training in Takeo province with 20 more farmers.

National Workshop

Held a national workshop with 45 attendees, including researchers, farmers, and private sector representatives to showcase project outcomes.

Key Outcomes

DAIF Systems Deployed

Four smart sensor-based control boxes were successfully developed and deployed in greenhouses to enable data-informed agriculture.

Wireless Communication Success

Devices were connected using LoRa communication, transferring data over a 500m range without the need for internet connectivity.

Web Platform Integration

Fertigation and irrigation functions were built into the v-gro.com platform to support semi-automated decision-making processes.

Knowledge Transfer Achievement

Farmers and students were trained in system use, enhancing agri-tech literacy and practical competence across Cambodia.

Stakeholder Engagement

The public workshop increased awareness among academia, SMEs, and farming communities about smart agriculture technologies.

Partner Organizations

Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC)

Lead technical institution providing research expertise and infrastructure

Royal University of Agriculture (RUA)

Agricultural research and education partner

Khmer Modern Farming

Private sector partner for modern farming techniques

ITALab

Technology development and innovation laboratory

Cambodian Quality Horticulture (CQH)

Quality assurance and horticulture expertise

Khmer Organic Cooperatives (KOC)

Organic farming cooperative network

Eco Agri Center (EAC)

Sustainable agriculture and environmental solutions

TEIN*CC

Network infrastructure and connectivity support

Challenges & Gaps

Language Accessibility

The system's English-only interface limits access and usability for Khmer-speaking farmers, creating a significant barrier to adoption.

Technical Complexity

Fertigation and irrigation tools require detailed technical data unfamiliar to non-experts, making operation challenging for traditional farmers.

Communication Range Limitations

Though 500m range was achieved, wireless signals weaken in dense vegetation or with physical obstructions, limiting deployment flexibility.

Digital Literacy Gap

Many farmers experience difficulty operating the technology without significant training support and ongoing technical assistance.

Limited AI Integration

While semi-automated, the system lacks advanced AI features like disease detection, pest identification, or nutrient deficiency analysis.

Future Directions

Khmer Language Support

Localizing the interface and tutorials in Khmer will significantly improve accessibility for rural users and increase adoption rates.

Mobile Applications

Developing Android/iOS apps will enhance user interaction, especially for farmers with smartphones, providing on-the-go monitoring capabilities.

AI-Driven Features

Incorporating modules for pest detection, disease identification, and irrigation prediction will improve automation and accuracy significantly.

Expanded Demonstrations

More on-ground demos and workshops across provinces will increase adoption and scale, reaching more farming communities nationwide.

Commercialization via PPP

Explore business models with ITC and local firms to make DAIF systems widely available through sustainable market mechanisms.

Relevant SDGs

SDG 2: Zero Hunger
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 13: Climate Action
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals