Integrating remote sensing and AI in smart greenhouse solar dryers: Enhancing efficiency, traceability, and sustainability in the drying of fruits and spices

Remote sensing and artificial intelligence (AI) in automated smart greenhouse solar dryers represent a major development in agricultural practices, particularly in the dehydration of fruits and spices. The study investigates recent technological advancements, emphasizing the enhancements in efficiency, traceability, and sustainability of solar drying systems through AI and remote sensing. AI-driven algorithms have decreased drying durations by 25–30% while improving product quality, achieving up to 90% retention of nutritional content. Furthermore, energy usage in these systems has decreased by 15–20%, resulting in a 20% reduction in carbon emissions. The integration of internet of things (IoT) technology facilitates real-time monitoring, resulting in a 10–15% reduction in operational expenses and a 20–25% drop in downtime through predictive maintenance. The evaluation emphasizes blockchain's role in augmenting traceability, ensuring product safety, and promoting transparency throughout the agri-food supply chain. These improvements have lowered post-harvest losses by 15–25%, demonstrating considerable potential for enhancing sustainability and efficiency in precision agriculture. The study further explores how these systems support carbon credit verification, creating new incentives for sustainable farming. Overall, the findings demonstrate how AI and remote sensing technologies actively drive agricultural innovation and help achieve broader environmental goals, paving the way for the next generation of smart agriculture. • AI-driven algorithms in solar dryers cut drying times by up to 30% and retain 90% of nutritional content. • There is a 20% decrease in carbon emissions due to a 15–20% reduction in energy consumption. • IoT technologies enable real-time monitoring, leading to a 10–15% reduction in operational expenses. • Blockchain integration enhances traceability and transparency in the agri-food supply chain. • A 15–20% reduction in post-harvest losses improves both the quality of the finished product and market competitiveness.