A farmer in the Mykolaiv region of Ukraine has built an innovative smart greenhouse that automates watering, lighting, and heating. Maxim Netudyhata, who moved to the Domanivka district before the full-scale war, developed this system to improve efficiency and reduce labor costs.
Maxim's idea was born after losing part of his crop due to missed watering while on a business trip. Understanding the need for automation, he applied for the BlueInnovationChallenge by BOOST, supported by UNDP, the EU, and the Danish government. His "Smart Greenhouse" project won, securing a $10,000 grant, which, combined with his investment of 500,000 UAH, helped him build a 10×80 meter greenhouse equipped with advanced technology.
The greenhouse operates using AquaSmart, a system that integrates IoT sensors, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. These technologies monitor soil moisture, air temperature, and light levels, ensuring optimal growing conditions. The entire system is controlled via a mobile app, developed by IT specialists from Mykolaiv.
"Now, I can manage everything from my smartphone. Even if I'm away, the greenhouse functions perfectly. It even closes automatically during strong winds," Maxim explains.
The smart system significantly reduces resource consumption.
Water usage was cut by 50%, crop yields increased by 15%, and fewer workers were needed, solving labor shortages.
Currently, the first experimental crop of radishes is growing in the smart greenhouse, while other greenhouses on Maxim's farm produce cabbage, cucumbers, tomatoes, and eggplants.
Maxim now plans to sell the technology to large farms and adapt it for smaller private greenhouses. "This is just the beginning. I want every farmer in Ukraine to have access to smart greenhouses," he says.
Source: agronews.ua