Smart farming development integrating IoT-based solutions

In the future, smart computing will heavily rely on the Internet of Things (IoT), which is currently driving the transformation of traditional technology into the concept of next-generation everywhere computing. The agricultural sector [ 1–3 ] is experiencing notable advancements and product introductions aimed at enhancing productivity and efficiency through IoT technology implementation. Recognized as a crucial sector for global food security, agriculture faces significant challenges in India, including limitations in farm size, technology, trade, government policies, and climate conditions. Various tasks in agriculture, [ 4–6 ] such as soil and plant monitoring, environmental factors tracking (moisture and temperature), transportation, supply chain and infrastructure management, control systems, animal monitoring, and pest control, among others, are imperative for productivity enhancement. However, merely monitoring environmental elements does not offer a comprehensive strategy for enhancing agricultural productivity. Additional factors significantly impact productivity, necessitating automation in agriculture to address these challenges comprehensively. Establishing an integrated system that effectively manages all productivity-influencing elements at every level is crucial. Yet, perfect automation in agriculture remains challenging due to various obstacles. While this approach primarily remains in the research domain and is not directly accessible to farmers as a tangible product, this study focuses on developing smart agriculture through IoT devices specifically designed for farmers. Considering India’s projected population of approximately 1.5 billion by 2050, with agriculture remaining the primary means of sustenance in rural areas, enhancing agricultural output is paramount. Despite advancements in science and technology, unpredictable power supply or prolonged electrical outages are prevalent. The global use of solar power is increasing as a clean and renewable energy source, with India having significant untapped potential for off-grid solar energy. Agricultural drones are employed to enhance and optimize various farming activities, such as monitoring crops, applying pesticides, analyzing soil, and creating maps. Drones have become essential tools in the agricultural sector. Farms use unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with sensors and cameras to capture images, create maps, and conduct surveys. There are both ground and aerial drones. Ground drones are autonomous robots with wheels used for surveys and data collection in agricultural areas. Aerial drones, commonly referred to as UAVs or unmanned aircraft systems, are autonomous flying devices.