Abstract
Vertical farming is a method of cultivating crops in a controlled environment using a vertical farming rig. This rig automates, monitors, and controls the growing conditions, creating a microclimate that maximizes crop production. The steel cuboid enclosure, constructed with sustainable and locally sourced materials, benefits from the utilization of technical drawings and 3D modeling, ensuring precision and accuracy in its fabrication. The monitoring and control devices like the Raspberry PI Model B with other microcontrollers and IoT (Internet of Things) devices such as sensors and actuators are responsible for automating the vertical farm remotely. The intelligent camera plays a crucial role in a vertical farming system by capturing data and transmitting it to the microprocessor, enabling the optimization of operations within the vertical farm. Different crops, particularly those with fast growth rates responded differently to the vertical farm's automated system. Crop production on the vertical farm produced more growth from the sprouting stage to the seedling stage than traditional farming. The Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), a hydroponics method, was employed for the delivery of the water-nutrient solution containing NPK, ensuring optimal plant growth and maintenance. In comparison to traditional farming, the NFT approach utilized in the vertical farm produced higher levels of oxygen, good water-nutrient absorption, and cleaner crop yields. The results of this project demonstrate the potential for implementing low-cost, modular vertical farms in households, providing a sustainable and efficient means of crop production through advanced monitoring systems and mechanical drives.