Project Report

On
NEXT-GEN FARMING

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of B.Tech. in

Electronics and Communication Engineering
by:

Shahil 2100270310130
Vishwajeet Sahani 2100270310165
Suyash Singh 2100270310150
Saurabh Jaiswal 2100270310128

Under the supervision of

Mr. Pankaj Goel
Asst. Prof. ECE Department , AKGEC

Ajay Kumar Garg Engineering College, Ghaziabad

27th Km Stone, Delhi - Hapur Bypass Road, Adhyatmik Nagar, Ghaziabad-201009
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow
May, 2025
 DECLARATION

We hereby declare that this submission is our own work and, to the best of our knowledge
and belief, it contains no material previously published or written by another person, nor
material that has been accepted for the award of any degree or diploma by any university or
other institute of higher learning, except where proper acknowledgment has been made in the
text.

Signature Signature

Shahil Vishwajeet Sahani

Roll No: 2100270310130 Roll No: 2100270310165

Signature Signature

Saurabh Jaiswal Suyash Singh

Roll No: 2100270310128 Roll No: 2100270310150
 Certificate

This is to certify that the project report entitled Next-Gen Farming submitted by Shahil ,
Vishwajeet Sahani , Suyash Singh , Saurabh Jaiswal , in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Technology in Electronics and
Communication Engineering, to Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University,
Lucknow, is a record of the students' own work carried out under my supervision.
I further certify that the matter embodied in this report has not been submitted to any other
University or Institution for the award of any degree or diploma.

Mr . Pankaj Goel
Assistant Professor
Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering
Ajay Kumar Garg Engineering College, Ghaziabad

HoD ECE
Dr. Neelesh Kumar Gupta
Professor
ECE Department
Ajay Kumar Garg Engineering College, Ghaziabad
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We take this opportunity to express our deep sense of gratitude and regard to Mr. Pankaj
Goel, Assistant Professor, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering,
Ajay Kumar Garg Engineering College, Ghaziabad, for his invaluable guidance, unwavering
support, and continuous encouragement throughout this project.

We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Prof. & Dr. Neelesh Kumar Gupta for
his inspiring words of wisdom and invaluable insights, which significantly motivated us
during the development and completion of this work.
 ABSTRACT

Smart agriculture is revolutionizing traditional farming by integrating advanced technologies like

machine learning (ML) and IoT. This project focuses on plant disease detection and automatic
irrigation to enhance agricultural efficiency and sustainability. The system employs a machine
learning model for early pest detection, utilizing image recognition and predictive analytics to identify
pests accurately. By addressing infestations early, it reduces crop damage and the overuse of chemical
pesticides. Environmental sensors, including fire, moisture, and humidity sensors, are integrated to
monitor real- time conditions in the field. This data enables automatic irrigation systems to optimize
water usage by determining precise requirements based on soil and atmospheric conditions. The fire
sensor further enhances field safety by detecting potential hazards early.

The combination of ML and IoT creates a comprehensive solution for modern farming challenges. It
not only improves crop yield but also conserves vital resources like water and reduces dependency on
harmful chemicals. This technology-driven approach to agriculture demonstrates a significant step
towards achieving sustainable and smart farming practices, ensuring productivity and
environmental conservation.

This project exemplifies how innovative technologies can address pressing agricultural issues and
empower farmers with tools for efficient, resilient, and future-ready farming.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page No.

Declaration ii
Certificate iii
Acknowledgment iv
Abstract v

Chapter 1. Introduction 1
1.1 Introduction
Chapter 2. Literature Review 4
Chapter 3. Problem Statement
Chapter 4. Proposed Methodology
10
Chapter 5. Hardware and Software Required
12
5.1 Hardware Required 12
5.2 Software Required 14
Chapter 6. Work Done 16
6.1 Hardware implemented 16
Chapter 7. Conclusion 20
References 22
Appendix 2
 List of Figures
Page No.
Fig. 6.1 Hardware in the project 18
Fig. 6.2 Flow diagram 20
 CHAPTER 1.
INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION
Agriculture stands at the crossroads of tradition and transformation. As the global population

approaches 10 billion by 2050, conventional farming methods are proving increasingly

inadequate in addressing issues such as food security, climate change, resource scarcity, and

environmental sustainability. In this evolving landscape, smart farming-also known as

precision agriculture-has emerged as a revolutionary solution aimed at enhancing

productivity, minimizing resource wastage, and improving decision-making in real time.

Powered by advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning

(ML), Deep Learning (DL), and the Internet of Things (IoT), smart farming is ushering in a

new era of digital agriculture that promises to redefine how food is grown, managed, and

distributed.

Water scarcity, plant disease, and unpredictable environmental conditions are some of the

pressing challenges faced by modern agriculture. These issues not only threaten crop yields

but also pose significant risks to sustainability. To address these challenges, the integration of

advanced technologies such as machine learning (ML), IoT, and automated systems into

agriculture is crucial for enhancing efficiency and productivity.

This project introduces a smart agricultural system that combines ML-based pest detection,

automated irrigation, and fire control mechanisms to ensure sustainable farming practices.

The system is designed to optimize water use, reduce crop damage from pests, and mitigate

fire hazards in agricultural fields. AI and ML models-especially Convolutional Neural

Networks (CNNs)-have been increasingly employed for plant disease classification using

image data. These models leverage large datasets to learn intricate patterns, often

outperforming traditional inspection techniques in terms of speed and accuracy. However,

their performance in real-

world settings is frequently challenged by factors such as variable lighting, diverse plant

species, limited image datasets, and high computational requirements. Research in this

domain has also shown that ensemble learning, data augmentation, and transfer learning can

boost model performance, although practical deployment in resource-constrained rural areas

remains a significant hurdle. The proposed solution includes:

1. Plant Disease Detection: A machine learning algorithm predicts and identifies plant

diseases at an early stage, enabling farmers to take preventive actions and minimize crop loss

while reducing the need for excessive chemical treatments.

2. Smart Irrigation: Sensors for soil moisture, humidity, and temperature work with a

microcontroller to monitor field conditions. A water pump is automated to activate when

moisture levels fall below a threshold, ensuring precise irrigation with minimal water

wastage.

3. Fire Control: Fire sensors provide real-time monitoring of temperature and smoke levels,

triggering an automated response system to mitigate potential fire risks.

Despite these advancements, the implementation of smart farming technologies at scale

continues to face challenges. Limited access to high-quality datasets, poor network

infrastructure, high initial costs, and the lack of technical expertise among farmers are notable

barriers. Moreover, achieving generalization across different crop types, geographical

regions, and environmental conditions remains an ongoing research objective.

This paper aims to provide a detailed overview of the current state of smart farming

technologies, with a particular focus on AI-based plant disease detection and IoT-enabled

irrigation systems. It synthesizes recent findings, highlights key technological advancements,

and outlines the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. By bridging academic research

with practical applications, this work contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable and

intelligent agriculture, paving the way for more resilient food systems.
 CHAPTER 2 .

LITERATURE REVIEW

3.1 Introduction

The fusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning (DL), and

the Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing agriculture, particularly in the domains of plant

disease detection and irrigation management. With the global population growing and arable

land shrinking, the demand for efficient farming practices has increased. Smart agriculture

solutions such as automated irrigation systems and AI-powered plant disease identification

are emerging to improve yield, reduce costs, and minimize resource usage. This literature

review highlights current research trends and challenges in AI-based plant disease detection

and smart irrigation systems, emphasizing both algorithmic models and their practical

implementation using microcontrollers and mobile software applications, Technological

advancements in agriculture have been pivotal in addressing challenges related to resource

efficiency, crop health, and environmental sustainability. This literature review explores

previous works and technologies that have laid the foundation for this project.

3.2 AI-Based Plant Disease Detection

Several researchers have explored deep learning and ML-based solutions for detecting plant

diseases using image data. These techniques primarily rely on Convolutional Neural

Networks (CNNs), data augmentation, and transfer learning to achieve high accuracy.

3.2.1 Deep Learning Approaches

Mahmudul et al. (2022) implemented a novel CNN that tackled data imbalance and the

limited diversity in commonly used datasets. Their model utilized depthwise separable

convolutions
to reduce computational overhead while improving accuracy. However, challenges such as

real- world applicability and computational complexity remained.

3.3 Water Use Efficiency

Evans and Sadler (2008) emphasized the importance of improving water use efficiency in

agriculture through advanced irrigation methods and technologies. Their work highlights the

role of automated systems in ensuring optimal water distribution, reducing wastage, and

conserving this critical resource. Similarly, Pereira (2005) addressed the challenge of water

scarcity, proposing integrated water management practices to balance agricultural needs with

environmental preservation.

3.4 Smart Irrigation Methods and Automation

Bjorneberg (2013) explored various irrigation techniques, emphasizing the efficiency of

precision irrigation systems in reducing water usage. Ali (2011) further examined on-farm

water management practices, advocating for automation to streamline irrigation and ensure

timely water delivery to crops. These studies underscore the significance of real-time

monitoring systems and microcontroller-based automation, key components of smart

irrigation in this project.

3.5 Plant Detection and Control

While research in pest detection often focuses on traditional methods, the integration of ML

and IoT is gaining traction. These technologies enable early detection of diseases, helping

farmers mitigate crop losses and reduce chemical usage. This project builds on these

advancements by employing ML algorithms to forecast pest attacks and recommend timely

interventions.

3.6 Fire Detection and Mitigation

Agricultural fire hazards are a critical concern. Zhang et al. (2015) developed a solar-powered

automatic tracking system for greenhouse lighting, which also incorporated monitoring

features for environmental safety. Their work demonstrated the potential of IoT-enabled

systems to provide real-time alerts for abnormal conditions, a concept extended in this project

for fire detection and automated response in fields.

3.7 Integration of Smart Technologies

The convergence of IoT, ML, and automated control systems in agriculture has been explored

in numerous studies. These technologies facilitate precision farming by enabling data-driven

decision-making, real-time monitoring, and automation. This project integrates these

technologies into a unified system to address water management, pest control, and fire safety,

providing a comprehensive solution for smart agriculture.

3.8 Software Tools and Architecture

The Arduino IDE is commonly used to program the logic for microcontrollers. Libraries like

ESP8266WiFi.h, BlynkSimpleEsp8266.h, and DHT 11 support sensor data acquisition and

cloud connectivity. The Blynk App enables users to monitor sensor readings remotely and

manually control irrigation equipment via smartphones. This setup not only allows for real-

time notifications but also gives farmers the ability to override automation manually through

the Blynk interface.

From the reviewed literature, it's evident that deep learning techniques, especially CNNs,

have significantly improved plant disease detection accuracy. However, practical deployment

is still hindered by issues such as high computational demands, limited dataset diversity, and

a lack of generalization to unseen environments.

 CHAPTER 3.

PROPOSED METHODOLOGY

The proposed system aims to integrate AI-based plant disease detection with IoT-enabled

smart irrigation, leveraging real-time data from environmental sensors and image processing

models. This unified approach not only automates irrigation based on soil and weather

conditions but also provides early warning systems for crop diseases, thereby improving

yield, resource efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

1. System Overview

The proposed methodology consists of two interconnected subsystems:

1. Plant Disease Detection Module

2. Smart Irrigation System

Both modules are designed to work independently and collaboratively using shared data

streams from the field. An AI model detects diseases via leaf image analysis, while IoT

sensors (soil moisture, humidity, temperature) automate irrigation schedules.

2. Architecture of the Proposed System

2.1. Hardware Components

 Microcontroller : Node MCU ESP8266 (for Wi-Fi enabled sensor processing)

 Soil Moisture Sensor - Measures water content in soil.

 DHT11 Sensor - Captures temperature and humidity.

 Relay Module - Controls water pump.

 Camera/Smartphone - For capturing crop images.

  Pump System : Activated via relay upon threshold breach.

2.2. Software Tools

 Arduino IDE - Programming microcontroller logic.

 Python (TensorFlow/Keras) - For AI model training and prediction.

 Blynk App - Mobile control and real-time monitoring.

 Cloud Server / Firebase - Storing sensor and prediction data.

3. Workflow and Implementation Phases

3.1 Phase 1: Data Collection and Preprocessing

 Plant Images :

- Leaf images of healthy and diseased plants are captured and labeled.

- Data augmentation is applied (rotation, flipping, zooming).

 Sensor Data :

- Soil and environmental data is gathered over several weeks.

- Data is normalized and thresholds for soil moisture and temperature are defined.

3.2 Phase 2: Model Training for Disease Detection

 Model Selection:

- A CNN architecture (e.g., Mobile Net or ResNet) is trained using image data.

- Transfer learning is applied to reduce computation and improve accuracy on smaller

datasets.

 Evaluation:

- Accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score are used to evaluate performance.

- Cross-validation ensures generalizability.

3.3 Phase 3: Smart Irrigation Setup

  Sensor Calibration:

- Soil moisture sensors are calibrated based on field conditions.

 Control Logic:

- If soil moisture drops below a threshold (e.g., 30%), the relay activates the pump.

- If temperature exceeds a critical value (e.g., 35°C), irrigation frequency is adjusted.

3.4 Phase 4: Integration and Deployment

 Integration:

- AI model outputs are transmitted to the microcontroller.

- Blynk App allows manual overrides and visualization of sensor/model data.

 Deployment:

- The entire system is deployed in a small-scale field trial.

- Performance is monitored across multiple crop cycles.

4. Advantages of the Proposed System

 Real-time Monitoring: Live feedback from the field helps in proactive decision-

making.

 Dual Functionality: Detects disease and manages irrigation in a unified system.

 Low-Cost Deployment: Utilizes affordable microcontrollers and open-source tools.

 Remote Access: Farmers can manage their fields via smartphone from anywhere.

5. Challenges and Considerations

 Image Quality Dependency: Low-resolution images can reduce disease detection

accuracy.

 Connectivity Limitations: Remote areas may lack stable internet for Blynk or cloud

services.
  Model Generalization: AI models may need to be retrained for different crops or

regions.

 Energy Efficiency: Solar-powered systems can be explored for remote or off-grid

usage.

6. Future Enhancements

 Edge AI Deployment: Use AI models on microcontrollers (TinyML) for offline

prediction.

 Drone Integration: For large field surveillance and image collection.

 Predictive Analytics: Use weather forecasts to further optimize irrigation.

 Blockchain: Secure data logging and traceability of farming operations.

The proposed smart farming methodology effectively bridges AI and IoT technologies to create

an autonomous and efficient agricultural system. By combining real-time disease detection

with automated irrigation, it addresses both yield optimization and resource conservation.

With further research and field trials, such systems can be scaled to support large agricultural

communities, especially in regions facing climate stress and labor shortages.

 CHAPTER 4.

HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS

4.1 HARDWARE REQUIRED

4.1.1 Node MCU:

An open-source IoT platform based on the ESP8266 Wi-Fi module. The firmware uses the

Lua scripting language. The firmware is based on the Lua project, and built on the Non OS

SDK for ESP8266. It uses many opensource projects, such as land SPIFFS, a flash file

Fig.4.1.1 ESP8266 NODE MCU

system for embedded controllers. Due to resource constraints, users need to select the

modules relevant for their project and build a firmware tailored to their needs. Support for the

32-bit ESP32 has also been implemented. The prototyping hardware typically used is a circuit

board functioning as a dual Inline Package (DIP) which integrates a USB controller with a

smaller surface-mounted board containing the MCU and antenna. The choice of the DIP

format allows for easy prototyping on breadboards. The design was initially based on the

ESP-12 module of the ESP8266, which is a Wi-Fi SoC integrated with a Tensilica Xtensa

LX106 core, widely used in IoT applications.

4.1.2. Water Pump:

A low-cost, mini submersible type water pump that works on 3-6V DC. It’s simple to use,

compact, and lightweight, making it ideal for science projects, fire-extinguishers, firefighting

robots, fountains, waterfalls, and plant watering system.

Fig.4.1.2 Water Pump

Key features of the Water Pump:

• Operating Voltage : 3 ~ 6V

• Operating Current : 130 ~ 220mA

• Flow Rate : 80 ~ 120 L/H

• Maximum Lift : 40 ~ 110 mm

• Continuous Working Life : 500 hours

• Driving Mode : DC, Magnetic Driving

• Material : Engineering Plastic• Outlet Outside Diameter : 7.5 mm

• Outlet Inside Diameter : 5 mm

4.1.3 DHT11-Temperature and Humidity Sensor:

The DHT11 is a commonly used Temperature and humidity sensor that comes with a

dedicated NTC to measure temperature and an 8-bit microcontroller to output the values of

temperature and humidity as serial data.

 Fig.4.1.3 DHT11 – Temperature and Humidity Sensor

Key Features

• Operating Voltage: 3.5V to 5.5V

• Operating current: 0.3mA (measuring) 60uA (standby)

• Output: Serial data

• Temperature Range: 0°C to 50°C

• Humidity Range: 20% to 90%

• Resolution: Temperature and Humidity both are 16-bit

• Accuracy: ±1°C and ±1%

4.1.4. Moisture sensor for water pump :

This soil moisture sensor module is used to detect the moisture of the soil. It measures the

volumetric content of water inside the soil and gives us the moisture level as output. The

module has both digitaland analog outputs and a potentiometer to adjust the threshold

level.
 Fig.4.1..4 Moisture Sensor

Soil Moisture Sensor Module Features & Specifications

• Operating Voltage: 3.3V to 5V DC

• Operating Current: 15mA

• Output Digital - 0V to 5V, Adjustable trigger level from preset

• Output Analog - 0V to 5V based on infrared radiation from fire flame falling on the

sensor

• LEDs indicating output and power

• PCB Size: 3.2cm x 1.4cm

• LM393 based design

• Easy to use with Microcontrollers or even with normal Digital/Analog IC

• Small, cheap and easily available

4.1.5. LCD with I2C Interface:

An LCD with an I2C interface is a type of liquid crystal display that uses the I2C protocol to

communicate with a microcontroller. The I2C interface allows for a reduced number of wires,

typically only 4 wires (VCC, GND, SDA, and SCL), to control the LCD display.
 Fig.4.1.5 LCD with I2C Interface

Key Features of LCD with I2C Interface

 Reduced number of wires required for connection

 Uses I2C protocol for communication

 Can be controlled using a microcontroller such as Arduino

 Typically uses a PCF8574 I2C chip to convert I2C data to parallel data for the LCD

display

 Can display text, numbers, and special characters

 Can be used with various microcontrollers, including Arduino UNO, Arduino Mega,

and ESP32.

4.1.6. Flame Sensor:

Flame sensors typically utilize infrared sensors to detect the unique radiation emitted by

flames. When a flame is present, the sensor detects the infrared radiation and generates an

electrical signal. This signal is then processed by the fire detection system to trigger an alarm

or activate fire suppression measures.

 Fig.4.1.6 Flame Sensor

Key Features:

• Spectrum range: 760nm ~ 1100nm

• Detection angle: 0 - 60 degree

• Power: 3.3V ~ 5.3V

• Operating temperature: -25℃ ~ 85℃

• Dimension: 27.3mm * 15.4mm

• Mounting holes size: 2.0mm

4.1.7. Motor Driver:

A motor driver is an electronic device designed to control and drive the operation of motors

by providing the required voltage and current.

Fig.4.1.7 Motor Driver

Key Features:

 Input Voltage: Typically ranges from 5V to 48V, depending on the motor type.

 Current Rating: Maximum current it can supply, e.g., 1A, 2A, or higher.

 Motor Types Supported: DC motors, stepper motors, or brushless DC motors.

 Control Interface: PWM (Pulse Width Modulation), direction control pins, or serial

 communication (e.g., I2C, SPI).

 Protection Features: Overcurrent, overvoltage, and thermal shutdown.

 H-Bridge Configuration: Allows bidirectional control of motors (forward and reverse).

 Operating Frequency: Determines how quickly it can switch for PWM signals.

 Popular examples include L298N, L293D, and DRV8833

4.1.8. A DC-to-DC buck converter:

A motor driver is an electronic device designed to control and drive the operation of motors

by providing the required voltage and current.

Fig.4.1.8 Buck Converter

Key Features:

 Input Voltage: Typically ranges from 5V to 48V, depending on the motor type.

 Current Rating: Maximum current it can supply, e.g., 1A, 2A, or higher.
  Motor Types Supported: DC motors, stepper motors, or brushless DC motors.

 Control Interface: PWM (Pulse Width Modulation), direction control pins, or serial

communication (e.g., I2C, SPI).

• Protection Features: Overcurrent, overvoltage, and thermal shutdown.

• H-Bridge Configuration: Allows bidirectional control of motors (forward and reverse).

• Operating Frequency: Determines how quickly it can switch for PWM signals.

• Popular examples include L298N, L293D, and DRV8833.

4.2 SOFTWARE REQUIRED

4.2.1. ARDUINO IDE:

• The Arduino IDE is an open-source software, which is used to write and upload code

to the Arduino boards.

• The IDE application is suitable for different operating systems such as Windows, Mac

OS X,and Linux.

• We need to connect the Genuino and Arduino board with the IDE to upload the sketch

written in the Arduino IDE software. The sketch is saved with the extension '.ino.'

• Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is a user- friendly platform

simplifying the programming of Arduino microcontrollers.

• It provides a streamlined interface for writing, compiling, and uploading code to

Arduino boards. With its open- source nature, Arduino IDE supports a vast

community of developers, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.

• The platform's simplicity, combined with a comprehensive set of libraries, enables

both beginners and experienced enthusiasts to create diverse projects, ranging from

simple LED displays to sophisticated IoT applications. Its versatility and accessibility

make
Arduino IDE acorner stone in the world of hardware prototyping and embedded

systems.
 CHAPTER 5.

WORK DONE

5.1 System Design and Architecture :

The smart farming system has been architected using a modular and scalable design. At its

core, the system uses a NodeMCU microcontroller, which is compatible with Wi-Fi and

capable of reading input from multiple sensors. The sensors integrated into the system

include a soil moisture sensor, temperature sensor (DHT11 or DHT22), and humidity sensors.

These sensors are strategically placed in the field to capture accurate environmental readings.

The microcontroller processes this data and, based on pre-defined thresholds, decides

whether to activate the irrigation system. The irrigation mechanism is connected through a

relay module which controls a motor pump.

Fig.5.1 Block Diagram Description

When soil moisture levels fall below the threshold, the NodeMCU triggers the relay,

activating the water pump. Additionally, the system is capable of sending notifications to a

users smartphone or webdashboard, informing them of the systems status and any action

taken. This architecture ensures remote monitoring and control capabilities. The software

stack includes Arduino IDE for firmware programming, Blynk or similar IoT platforms for

remote notifications, and possibly Firebase for data storage. The system is powered either via

direct power or a solar battery, enhancing its usability in off-grid locations. The architecture

was carefully designed to ensure cost-efficiency, low power consumption, and ease of

maintenance.

5.2 Implementation Strategy :

The implementation process was carried out in multiple phases, starting with component

selection and circuit design. Each sensor was tested individually to ensure accuracy and

compatibility with the NodeMCU microcontroller. Once the components were verified, they

were integrated into a single circuit and soldered onto a PCB for durability and field

deployment. The Arduino IDE was used to write the logic that reads sensor data and controls

the irrigation motor based on preset conditions.

Fig 5.2: Following figure demonstrate the flowchart of workflow

 Real-time data was monitored on a serial monitor during the testing phase, and thresholds

were adjusted for optimal performance. Notifications were configured using Blynk, allowing

real-time alerts to be sent to a mobile app when the motor is activated. During this phase,

safety checks, such as ensuring proper insulation and protection from moisture, were

implemented to prolong the life of the electronic components. A prototype was initially tested

in a controlled environment with a potted plant to validate the functionality. Subsequent tests

were conducted in an open agricultural field to evaluate system behaviour under real-world

conditions, including varying weather and soil types. The systems adaptability and

performance were carefully recorded and analyzed for improvements.

5.3 Data Collection and Preprocessing:

A vital part of any machine learning model is the dataset it is trained on. The work included

collecting a large volume of plant leaf images from both public datasets like Plant Village

and images collected in field conditions. The images represented multiple types of crops (e.g.,

tomato, potato, corn) and diseases (e.g., late blight, powdery mildew, rust).

Preprocessing included resizing images, normalizing pixel values, data augmentation

(rotation, scaling, flipping), and segmentation of the diseased portion using image processing

techniques. The augmentation was crucial to increasing the diversity of the dataset and

improving the model's generalizability.

5.4 Feature Extraction and Model Selection:

Multiple approaches were explored for feature extraction - from traditional methods like

histogram of gradients (HOG) and color histograms to deep learning-based automatic feature

extraction using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). Initial experiments included

classifiers like Support Vector Machines (SVM), Random Forests, and K-Nearest Neighbors

(KNN), which relied on manually extracted features. However, these models had limited
success, particularly in generalizing across different lighting and environmental conditions.

This led to the adoption of CNN-based architectures like AlexNet, VGG16, ResNet, and

Inception. These models were either trained from scratch or fine-tuned using transfer learning

from models pre-trained on ImageNet.

5.5 Model Training and Evaluation:

The chosen CNN models were trained using GPU acceleration for faster processing. The

training involved splitting the dataset into training, validation, and testing sets, typically in a

70:15:15 ratio. Various performance metrics were used to evaluate the models, including

accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and confusion matrices. Regularization techniques like

dropout, early stopping, and batch normalization were implemented to avoid overfitting.

Cross- validation was also used to ensure robustness.

5.6 Model Optimization :

Several optimization strategies were employed to enhance model performance and reduce

computational load. These included:

 Hyperparameter tuning (learning rate, batch size, number of layers)

 Pruning and quantization for model compression

 Use of Mobile Net and other lightweight models for edge deployment

5.7 Testing and Validation :

Testing is a critical aspect of the project to ensure the system functions reliably under various

environmental conditions. The system was subjected to multiple test cases to evaluate sensor

accuracy, response time, system latency, and user notification reliability. Calibration tests

were performed on the soil moisture sensor using different soil samples with varied moisture

content. These tests helped determine accurate thresholds for activation. Temperature and

humidity
readings were compared with standard weather instruments to validate sensor performance.

Functional testing involved simulating dry and wet soil conditions to observe the system's

decision-making capabilities. Response time from sensor detection to motor activation was

measured and found to be within acceptable limits (usually under 2 seconds). Notification

tests were conducted to ensure real-time alerts were delivered consistently. Edge-case testing

involved abrupt power failures, sensor disconnection, and Wi-Fi disruptions to observe

system recovery. The system successfully rebooted and resumed operations without data loss.

Overall, the validation phase proved that the system is robust, responsive, and suitable for

deployment in varied agricultural settings. Based on the results, firmware optimizations were

performed to enhance efficiency and reduce power consumption further.

5.8 Integration with IoT and Cloud Infrastructure:

The work also included experimenting with integrating IoT-based sensors to collect

environmental data (humidity, temperature, soil moisture) to augment image-based predictions.

Data collected from sensors was uploaded to a cloud server where predictive analytics could

be conducted in real-time. AWS and Google Firebase were used for storing images, running

cloud-based models, and sending results back to the application.

5.9 Documentation and Reporting:

Comprehensive documentation was maintained throughout the project, detailing datasets,

code implementations, experiments, and evaluation results. Reports were generated to

summarize key findings and suggest future directions, such as using drone imagery for large-

scale monitoring or federated learning for privacy-preserving models .

5.10 Challenges and Limitations Addressed:

While the system achieved over 95% accuracy on controlled datasets, real-world performance

was slightly lower due to factors such as image blur, background noise, and rare diseases not

represented in the training data.

5.11 Future Scope of Smart Farming using AI and IoT

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and the Internet of

Things (IoT) is transforming the landscape of agriculture by making it more efficient,

sustainable, and data-driven. As these technologies mature, their potential future applications

in smart farming become more promising, especially in the context of plant disease detection

and irrigation automation.

 Enhanced Integration of AI and IoT for Real-Time Decision-Making

 Expanded Dataset Collection and Standardization

 Context-Aware and Generalizable Models

 Advanced Disease Forecasting Models

 Smart Irrigation with Climate Adaptation

 Energy-Efficient Hardware and Sustainable Deployment

 CHAPTER 7

CONCLUSION

The convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning (DL),

and Internet of Things (IoT) has set the stage for a transformative shift in agriculture,

particularly in areas like plant disease detection and smart irrigation systems. Through a

comprehensive review of the literature, it is evident that these technologies offer a scalable

and intelligent approach to addressing long-standing agricultural challenges such as crop

yield prediction, disease prevention, and efficient water use. The use of deep learning-

especially Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs)-has consistently demonstrated high

accuracy in identifying plant diseases from image data. Innovations such as transfer learning,

ensemble methods, and the integration of Conditional GANs (cGANs) for synthetic data

generation have further improved performance. Despite these advancements, deployment in

real-world farming environments remains limited by challenges such as dataset variability,

dependence on high- quality images, lack of internet infrastructure in rural areas, and high

computational requirements. Similarly, smart irrigation systems utilizing microcontrollers

like NodeMCU (ESP8266) and environmental sensors have proven effective in optimizing

water usage. These systems, integrated with mobile applications like Blynk and programmed

using Arduino IDE, offer farmers the ability to remotely monitor and manage irrigation in

real-time, contributing to more sustainable water use and healthier crops. However, the

literature also exposes existing limitations that must be addressed before widespread adoption

can occur. These include the need for improved model generalization across diverse plant

species and environmental conditions, enhanced accessibility for resource-limited farmers,

and better tools for visual interpretation and early disease diagnosis.
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