YS1362: SustainaCrop

Afeeqah Qaisara Kolej Permata Insan

VIC24 | Young Scientist

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According to a 2023 World Bank report, Malaysia's agricultural productivity is only 45% of the average among high-income countries due to labour shortages, lack of technology, and reliance on a narrow range of crops. These issues exacerbate the struggle to meet food demand, especially for vulnerable groups like low-income residents and refugees. This research aims to examine Malaysia's agricultural productivity, identify the challenges, and explore how innovative solutions like the SustainaCrop robot can make a meaningful impact in addressing these issues. The study utilizes the SustainaCrop, an Ev3-based automated farming robot equipped with sensors and a user interface, through prototype testing, data analysis, and sustainability assessment with vegetable crops. Findings indicate that the robot offers a viable solution by automating critical farming tasks such as planting, watering, fertilizing, and harvesting, increasing efficiency by 70% and reducing dependency on manual labour and foreign workers. Furthermore, the robot's modular and solar-powered design makes it adaptable to various crops and terrains, ensuring sustainable farming practices. In conclusion, while Malaysia's agricultural sector faces significant challenges that threaten productivity and food security, integrating innovative technologies like the SustainaCrop robot can play a crucial role in addressing these issues over the long term. Although the robot alone cannot solve the problem immediately, it enhances productivity, promotes sustainability, and supports food security efforts by automating key agricultural processes. Future research and partnerships are necessary to continuously improve the robot's functionality and explore additional applications across various crop types and farming conditions.