Design and Experimental Analysis of a Low-Cost Smart Grain Storage Monitoring System for Rural Applications

Grain spoilage due to inadequate storage conditions continues to cause significant post-harvest losses in rural farming communities. This study presents the design and experimental validation of a low-cost smart grain storage monitoring system intended to address this issue. The system employs cost-effective, readily available sensors for temperature, humidity, and gas detection, integrated with a microcontroller and GSM-based alert mechanism to monitor environmental parameters in real time. Designed with a focus on energy efficiency, rural compatibility, and user-friendliness, the system operates without internet dependency and offers potential for solar-powered deployment in off-grid areas. Real-time alerts are delivered via mobile notifications when critical thresholds are exceeded, allowing timely interventions to prevent spoilage. Experimental trials conducted under controlled conditions evaluated the system’s performance in terms of data accuracy, responsiveness, and reliability. The results indicate effective detection of early spoilage indicators such as moisture build up and temperature fluctuations. This system demonstrates strong potential as a scalable, practical solution for enhancing grain preservation in resource-constrained settings. By enabling proactive storage management, it contributes to reducing post-harvest losses, improving food security, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices in rural regions.