About

The “Computing for Sustainable Agriculture (C4SA)” research group focuses on using advanced computing technologies to promote sustainability in agriculture practices. By analyzing vast amounts of agricultural data through data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence techniques, the group provides farmers and agricultural stakeholders with actionable information and decision support tools to improve productivity and sustainability across the agricultural value chain. Through close collaboration with industry partners, government agencies, and academic institutions, the group aims to translate research findings into practical solutions that address real-world challenges faced by farmers and agricultural communities, driving innovation and fostering sustainable practices that ensure food security, environmental stewardship, and economic prosperity for present and future generations.

Projects

Completed Projects

  • Optimizing Indoor Hydroponic Cultivation of Lettuce and Tomatoes with IoT Integration: Development of a User-Friendly Android Application for Parameter Optimization

Indoor Hydroponic System Setup for Tomatoes and Lettuce

HYPOSENSE: An integrated sensor device to monitor essential parameters such as temperature, humidity, pH, light intensity, total dissolved solids, and electrical conductivity in hydroponics systems.

Ongoing Projects:

  • Revolutionizing Hydroponic Farming: An extension of the HypoSense Device to measure Environmental Parameters

HYDROSENSE PiTOUCH: A handheld, compact device that can measure pH, TDS, EC, light intensity, temperature, and humidity, along with the water temperature in hydroponics Farms. Uses more accurate sensors and a Raspberry Pi module that includes a 7-inch touchscreen display, making it easier to use. The device has a user-friendly interface with virtual buttons to initiate measurements and store data with timestamps. Furthermore, it can seamlessly share data with other devices.

  • Chatbot for Pest and Disease Detection to Support Paddy Cultivation Management

Research Team

Principal Investigator

Research Team

Research Interns

  • Ms. P A A S Dias, Trainee Research Intern
  • Ms. Dilmi Alahakoon, Trainee Research Intern
  • Ms. Thashmi Lakchani, Trainee Research Intern (September 11, 2023 to February 12, 2024)
  • Mr. Methika Lusena, Trainee Research Intern (February 12, 2024 to UptoDate)
  • Mr. Bihindu Wijesooriya, Trainee Research Intern (February 12, 2024, 2023 to UptoDate)

Research Assistants

  • Ms. T. Dilni (1st of March 2023 to 31st of December 2023)
  • Mr. H. L. Hasith Deshan (1st of May 2023 to 30th of September 2023)
  • Ms. D K Mahanama (07th of August 2023 to 06th of November 2023)

Publications

Optimizing Indoor Lettuce Cultivation: Evaluating the Impact of Artificial Light and Parameter Monitoring Using an IoT Device. In: Iglesias, A., Shin, J., Patel, B., Joshi, A. (eds) Proceedings of World Conference on Information Systems for Business Management. ISBM 2023. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, vol 834. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-8349-0_31