In the lush, verdant landscapes of Tuban, East Java, Indonesia, a revolution is brewing in the world of agriculture. Dr. Sumiasih Inanpi Hidayati, a distinguished researcher from the Faculty of Science, Engineering, and Design at Trilogi University, is leading a groundbreaking initiative that seamlessly blends smart farming with agroedutourism, setting the stage for a sustainable and technologically advanced future in agriculture. This innovative approach, detailed in a study published in the BIO Web of Conferences, is not just about increasing yields and reducing costs; it’s about creating a holistic, integrated farming system that benefits farmers, tourists, and the environment alike.
Imagine a farm where every aspect of cultivation is monitored and optimized in real-time. Where the use of water, fertilizers, and feed is meticulously controlled to maximize efficiency and minimize waste. Where artificial intelligence predicts the conditions of livestock and fisheries, ensuring optimal health and productivity. This is the vision that Dr. Hidayati and her team are bringing to life at Attaqie Farm Agroedutourism. “The concept of sustainable, integrated, and modern (digital) agriculture becomes a solution in agroedutourism with integrated farming systems,” Dr. Hidayati explains. “This study aims to develop the concept of smart farming-based agroedutourism in integrated farming systems to support sustainable agriculture and create efficient added value in the use of technology for agricultural and livestock activities as an effort to improve the welfare of farmers.”
The research, conducted over a span of two and a half years from June 2021 to December 2023, began with Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) that identified key challenges in agroedutourism. The solutions were then implemented using advanced AI systems, transforming various aspects of the farm. In greenhouses, smart farming technology monitors and predicts the growth of vegetable crops, ensuring optimal conditions for harvest. Compost production from star fruit cultivation is managed to meet Indonesian National Standards (SNI), while biofloc fisheries systems benefit from real-time monitoring and prediction of fish yields. Even goat livestock are not left behind, with growth monitored closely to ensure health and productivity.
The implications of this research are vast. For farmers, it means improved efficiency, reduced costs, and higher yields. For tourists, it offers an immersive, educational experience that showcases the future of agriculture. For the environment, it promises sustainable practices that minimize waste and maximize resource use. As Dr. Hidayati puts it, “The results showed that smart farming can be effectively and efficiently used in various activities to monitor and predict the growth and increase in fish yields in biofloc, support the increase in compost production according to SNI standards, increase the growth and harvest of vegetables in greenhouses, and monitor the growth of goat livestock.”
This research, published in the BIO Web of Conferences, marks a significant step forward in the integration of technology and agriculture. It sets a precedent for how smart farming can be used to create sustainable, efficient, and profitable agroedutourism initiatives. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of food security and environmental sustainability, innovations like these offer a beacon of hope. They remind us that with the right blend of technology, innovation, and a deep understanding of agricultural needs, we can create a future where farming is not just a livelihood, but a thriving, sustainable ecosystem.